Liver mets - treatment options

Hi Judy,

My stage IV diagnosis has been for bones only and I've had a different set of treatments than you and Wendy are moving forward with.

I am just so admiring of Wendy to share her story this Tuesday morning. As Wendy says it's your questions and your support that are important  right now.

Sending best wishes for you to be able to take the time to have a breather/mental break between now and November 2.

The BCNA helpline link and iserbrown's link to it brilliant. So many questions and having someone to talk with could help with getting to a helicopter overview.

Sounds as though your GP is backing you with phone calls to generate some early multidisciplinary team conversation. Such a crummy thing to have the Type 2 diabetes to adjust to over the last month.

Maybe Northern Cancer Institute, or the Endocrinologist your GP is finding for you, can find you a friendly well informed Diabetes Educator, possibly another helpful string to your bow. 

Oops, have to follow the tip in Wendy's post myself and get on with those morning chores!! Hugs,
Jenny x

@maggie001

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/17246/breast-cancer-network-australia-helpline-available#latest

Perhaps if you look at the link above one of the BCNA Nurses maybe able to help you understand and target your questions for your appointment.

I'm feeling for you, it is a scary time when you feel like your body is rebelling against suggested treatment.  Wishing you wellness.  Take care x

Thanks Everyone for your replies. 

Wendy - my diabetes is being handled by my GP and despite her attempts to confer with my Oncologist, she didn’t receive a reply. She was going to try ringing and was also going to consult an endocrinologist to get his opinion.  I am in Sydney and I don’t have a McGrath Foundation nurse, but I do have access to a nurse at the Northern Cancer Institute where I see my Oncologist. 

Kath - I’m also wondering whether the Pancreas is now involved and this is perhaps why the metformin is not having any impact on the glucose levels. My GP is talking about changing me to daily insulin shots now. Urggghhh. 

Cath - thanks for your best wishes. 

I hate ate this bloody disease and this time of uncertainty is awful. It makes me sad, fearful and angry. I’m much better when I have a plan of action. My list of questions for the oncologist (actually it is her registrar first - the oncologist just comes in at the end) is a page long now. I want to be sure that all things have been considered and whatever treatment plan is chosen is the most appropriate one for me. Roll on 2 Nov

I don’t post often but I really appreciate you all taking the time to respond to me. It feels so much better having advice from those who know what I’m going through. I will let you know what happens after I’ve seen the oncologist. Best wishes to everyone
Judy

The mets could well be contributing to your diabetes as it is possible the pancreas might also be affected. There is much in treatment that can be done. I don't have your diagnosis but just wanted to offer support and know there are ladies here who will be able to offer you advise. Kath x

@maggie001
I too have liver and spine mets, no diabetes thank goodness,first things first I would wait until I see the oncologist and have a long list of questions ready to ask, also a good idea to have someone with you as an extra pair of ears who can write notes, who is looking after your diabetes just your gp or is your oncologist involved in this or are you seeing a specialist, I was diagnosed with stage 4, 4 years ago, no early breast cancer just stage 4 liver and spine and 3 tumours in my left breast,chemo started straight away, and since then tumours in left breast GONE but mets in liver and spine still there, I am on my 6th line of treatment, like you I was also on affinitor and exemestane{aromosin} this lasted for 15 months,at the moment I am on a oral chemo drug called Xeloda and also have been having xgeva injections monthly which are now every 6 weeks,the xeloda has reduced my tumours from 6 in the liver to 2 but I still have numerous small ones in my spine,
and when the xeloda stops I will be put on something else.
November the 2nd is not far away,so be armed and ready with your list of questions,do you have a McGrath Breast Care nurse? if you are rural you can check their website to find the nearest one to you, also are your gp and oncologist communicating with one another as you have two health issues they need to be aware of what the other is doing in terms of your medication,waiting for results is hard, we all know that but once you have sat down with your oncologist and put all your concerns to him and received the answers you will be in a better place as to where you go from here,sorry I have no answers re the diabetes thats best answered by your health professionals, 
well,  its a beautiful day outside in country SA, so better get on and do some of those pesky domestic duties,{better get dressed first!} I dont work thank goodness I am retired, which helps in terms of coping with this pesky disease,
so sorry that you have had to join our "special club" but we are all here to help and support one another,
hugs wendy55

@maggie001, I'm sorry I can't assist you with any information but I just wanted to wish you all the best with your treatment and sending best wishes for a reduction in lesions and then stability. Big hug. Xx Cath