Advanced liver cancer - Incurable but treatable. My daughter isn't taking the news so well. How can I reassure her that this is a positive?

Hi, 2 days ago I was diagnosed with liver cancer that has spread to my lung. The consultant said that it can't be cured but can be treated, and that because I am young (53) they can bombard me with all the treatments, which I said I will take all they can give to me. My family haven't taken it so great, especially my daughter, she is obviously very angry but also quite negative in the outcome. I'm waiting for a biopsy to confirm everything etc and I've tried to explain to her that the fact it can be treated is a positive in a bad situation. I'm just wondering if anyone else has been through this or going through this, so that I can try and give her some reassurance that I'm not going to be gone in a week. Thank you in advance

  • The best thing to do is ring the helpline number 0808 800 4040. Good luck. Keep us posted on what you learn. You can do this. 

  • Hi Lollie73.  I am sorry to read about your diagnosis.  I have secondary breast cancer with extensive bone mets which is incurable but treatable.  I was diagnosed at the end of 2024.  When I first found out my world turned upside down.  I was frightened, scared and thought I wouldn't see Christmas.  My husband was scared too.  My oncologist said it is not terminal but treatable.  I have been on treatment since then and now my cancer is stable and one of the tumors in my skull doesn't even show up on the PET scan anymore.  With new treatments and trials coming out all the time we can definitely live for a long time with secondary cancer.  I have a good life and have been on holiday twice and am going to Portugal in September.  Your daughter is obviously scared and doesn't want to lose you.  As time goes by it does get easier and you have your age on your side.  I was 59 and otherwise healthy.  I still walk my dogs and keep active every day.  It is a good thing you have posted on here.  I find it so useful to put my thoughts on here which is a safe place.  Good luck with your biopsy.  I am happy to chat anytime.

    Lee x