Newly diagnosed with liver cancer - does anyone have any words of advice?

I have recently been diagnosed after being misdiagnosed for 10months.  I have liver cancer, which my brother passed from 8 years ago.  My original diagnosis last August was a Hydiatic cyst in my liver.  After 2 scans and prolonged waiting times for appointments I was told it’s not what they originally thought it was and it is actually cancer.  I am in absolute bits and so scared.  I am waiting for appointments to come through to see the liver specialist.  I have other health issues that were also picked up when I had my original scan last July.  I also have a 89 year old mum who I look after, not sure I should tell her, but I fear I won’t be able to keep it too myself because of the constant crying and panic. Any advice or support would be appreciated as I think my husband doesn’t know how to respond to my constant crying and negative comments. 

  • Hello Ailtas

    I'm so very sorry to hear about all that you've been through over the past few months and that now you've been told your initial diagnosis was incorrect and that you have liver cancer. It's understandably a difficult time for you and natural that you may be feeling overwhelmed by things. 

    Primary liver cancer is uncommon in the UK and as such I don't think we currently have any active members who have experience with this particular diagnosis. However, lots of our community member will understand the emotions and questions that come with any cancer diagnosis and hopefully, some of them will post to share their advice and support with you soon. 

    In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that we have some information about liver cancer on our website that may be helpful. I also wanted to give you the link to British Liver Trust. As a liver-specific charity, I know they have lots of information and support available to you. 

    We do also have a team of nurses here at Cancer Research UK that you can call to talk with if you think this may help. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information, and support they can. 

    I hope that you don't have to wait too long until your net appointment with the liver specialist and that they can offer some reassurance about the next steps. 

    Keep in touch Ailtas if it helps. We're here to listen and will do all we can to support you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator