Doc says I only have a few weeks left

[Kaye]

More re. ammonia reduction and breast cancer.
Sherry, I did a search re ammonia reduction and breast cancer and thought some of the following might also be of possible interest:
Here is the web address--
http://www.google.com/search?q=%22am...=&start=0&sa=N

[Cathya]

Sherry;

In looking around I found an interesting story about a woman colon cancer patient with mets to the liver. She pushed very hard for surgery and had 65 to 70% of her liver removed in an 11 hour operation....wow. Following the operation she was put on Xeloda. Later she went back for follow up and to remove additional tumors but had too much scar tissue for surgery. She is now on Avastin. (I keep hearing about Avastin.....is this something you've looked at?). I found the following comments by the onc interesting....

Patients with liver metastases should be their own advocates, says leading colon cancer oncologist and researcher Dr. Richard Goldberg, of the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. According to Dr. Goldberg, liver resection for patients with advanced colorectal cancer is underused. Dr. Goldberg believes that patients should ask about the possibility of resection or radiofrequency ablation. If necessary, he recommends seeking a second or third opinion from larger cancer centers where surgery of this sort is routinely performed. If patients initially encounter physicians who aren’t receptive to the idea of resection, Dr. Goldberg advises that they consult a gastrointestinal (GI) oncology specialist or a surgeon who specializes in liver surgery in either an academic center or comprehensive cancer center.

Cathy

[anne]

Hi Sherry,

I couldn't help but try to provide you with some courage. I am so sorry about your news. I also knew a lady that had chemo implanted right in her liver so she wouldn't have too much side effects. This was done at John's Hopkins cancer center. Please talk to someone over there. She had met. colo-rectal cancer. Don't give up. My thoughts and prayers are with you. PS: I heard Milk thistle is supposed to be cleansing for the liver.
XOXO
ANne

[MJo]

Sherry - I just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. The other ladies are giving great practical suggestions. A nurse told my dad that God's the one who decides when we go, so forget the statistics. He was around for two years after the docs told him he could go any minute. So the nurse was right. Love and hugs to you, mountain lady. MJO

[Kaye]

The article talks about colon cancer patients. Although it would seem to hold true for breast cancer patients, it is not routinely offered. My oncologist told me that is because colon cancer tends to metastasize to the liver first and be the only place of metastases. Even though that CAN happen with breast cancer, they say that isn't the 'norm' and that once it spreads it can be in more than one place. However, the articles that I have read on this are contradictory. From what I gather it is not being offered to more women is because it happens too often and there aren't enough facilities/surgeons to offer it to the numbers of breast cancer patients for whom this does hold true. And, until adopted standard protocol is changed, dr's aren't held liable for not doing anything that isn't standard. I think that it is quite unfair and, in fact, seemingly discriminatory.
Latest research shows that if one has mets only to the liver and there are one or two areas involved that surgery can be done and it can still be 'curative.' This research was available at least 4 years ago, but protocol has not changed to be in sync with those research findings.
I tried to see a surgeon based on the above. My referral was rejected on basis that I could 'hemhorrage to death.' I have a lesion in my liver that has never been biopsied. Report states that it could be a possible hemangioma. However, appropriate testing for it has never been done. A tagged red blood cell study was done. Report came back stating that there was not enough resolution to evaluated lesions less than 2 cm.
No further testing was done. However, my onc. rote that an MRI was done. No MRI was ever done. Whatever was there increased and then became stable. A treated liver lesion can subsequently resemble a hemangioma.
Either way, I tried to see a surgeon and my request was denied. Because the protocol for breast cancer hasn't changed, they--dr's/treatment facilities can get away with this. So wrong...

[Cathya]

I notice on a different topic Lani commented on going to Stanford for a second opinion. She said they are always faced with the most difficult cases that other people don't know what to do with. Perhaps they could offer some help here?

Cathy

[Tom]

I haven't seen a post by Sherry in a few days. Sherry, please check in with us and let us know what's going on. We're worried about you.

[Sherryg683]

Sherry, I am praying for you. Please remember there are many people who were told they only had weeks or months to live and they kept on living. I recently read a book by Dottie Olstein, she is the mother of Joel Olstein, the young preacher who is pretty popular. Dottie was told that she only had weeks to live, because her liver was eaten up with Cancer, they told her it was too late for chemo. She went home, prayed, believed she was healed and here she is 21 years later..no signs of Cancer. She said she had many nights of pain and agony but she just kept believing in her heart for a miracle Miracles do happen, so why not to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers..sherryg683

[Sheila]

Sherry
You are getting alot of good advice from people who care very much about you, and have a never ending bond...all this is probably overwhelming, but many good places to start...if you are not ready to give up, DON'T....God has the final say when enough is enough...you are in my prayers...sending healing thoughts and hugs your way as you make this decision.

Hi Sherry,

I saw your post today and join this board. I am really sorry to hear what the doctor has told you. Just wanted to share my story with you. My twin brother has end stage liver dz. I was in the process of donating one lobe of my liver to him when I was diagnosed with bc stage III her2 postive. He was to have the surgury 10 days after I got my mammo. That was 4 mos ago. They have had him on the lactose for 5 months it has made a world of difference in decreasing his ammonia levels. He is now on the regular donear list they they think this will happen in Feb 2007. I guess what I'm trying to say is try the lactose and really limit your protein intake. You are in my prayers.
Denise

[Yorkiegirl]

Sherry,

Lot's of prayers and hug's going out for you. You are a strong fighter and as you said once before "I will not go quietly into the night".

I love all the suggestions by the others. Just know you are loved by all of us here.

[Bev]

More hugs and prayers, BB

[RhondaH]

I hope you get the help you need and my prayers will continue for you. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda