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WendyWoo - feeling overwhelmed at the thought of receiving chemotherapy

HumbleDog
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I am newly diagnosed with Liver Cancer (hepatocellular Carcinoma) and am feeling overwhelmed at the thought of receiving chemotherapy.  I am 80 years old and have been told this treatment can extend my life expectancy by around about 14 weeks.

I am still waiting to hear from an Oncologist to see what treatment he is going to give me but do question the effects of chemo sand is it worth going through with it.

any help would be appreciated from anyone in a similar situation..

Thank you.

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    Hi there, it's understandably overwhelming for you. I am in a slightly similar situation right now.

    Your MDTeam & Consultants will guide you in the difficult decision ahead.  Advising yet without actually telling you what to do.  They'll explain their opinion and your options. Has a liver transplant been mentioned?

    I hope your  family and friends can help & support you.

    Who said Chemo can extend your life so specifically around 13 weeks?  Maybe ask your Specialists about the accuracy of this.

    Try to calculate the % of risk versus reward, the Oncologist's knowledge will really help your decision.  I wish you every success.

    C.C

  • Offline in reply to Liz52

    Hi Liz52 thank you for contacting me. 
    I am sorry to hear you too have liver cancer. 
    My liver cancer is inoperable because the tumour has gone into my portal vein and cells have gone into my lymph nodes. 
    I am still waiting to hear from the Oncologist but I will certainly ask his opinion on Chemotherapy treatment and life expectancy. 
    I do indeed have a very supportive family so feel very lucky in that respect. 
    Thank you for giving me some help on decision making. 
    Good luck to you too. 


  • Offline in reply to HumbleDog

    Hi HumbleDog,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis and understand your concerns. I agree with Liz. Sit down with a member of your family and draw up a list of any questions that either of you think of. Take this with you to your consultation and remember that no question is insignificant. Your care team has access to research papers and has the benefit of experience in these matters. Be guided by them. There are different types of chemo and some cause more side effects than others, so it is also worth finding out what sort of chemo your team is considering and what the side-effects are likely to be. The ultimate decision will be yours and I hope that you reach the right one for you.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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