Ignorant and curious about liver cancer

[NaturallyGullible]

A couple of months ago a nice couple moved in next door. Early 40s, no children.

I had the woman over for coffee, where, amongst general chatting, she told me she couldn't have children. I didn't know what to say so left it.

We chatted several times a week, all good getting-to-know-you small talk.

A couple of weeks ago, I had her over at tea time, and instead of coffee we had a bottle of wine and more, where under the power of drink I asked her why she couldn't have children. She told me that she had had liver cancer, and the treatment left her infertile. I usually believe what people tell me, so left it at that.

However, it's been gnawing at me. I am not saying I disbelieve my new neighbour, but I am simply questioning my own beliefs and assumptions. I always thought alcohol was verboten after liver problems, except for a small glass of champagne on Christmas Day. Surely if you had rationed alcohol intake, you wouldn't waste it on a neighbour drop in while the kids are having tea.

I want someone to tell me that alcohol is fine after liver cancer, subject to the usual caveats that we all live under. A couple of things my neighbour has said have taken me aback and I don't want to mistrust her. She and her DP are lovely and we are happy to have them as neighbours, but there is something not quite right that I can't put my finger on.

Looking forward to lots of lovely reassurance. :

[HarlettOScara]

^^ wierd spam reported

[RooneyMara]

OP I've no idea I'm afraid but OMG at the spam

(Brought her husband back from where? the dead?!)

I would assume that the treatment involved chemo that probably made her infertile, but I don't know if alcohol would be a problem.

Saying that if you have an odd feeling about someone then don't disregard it, and keep a bit of distance. Instincts can be useful - though of course there may be nothing odd at all about them. But give it a bit longer to get to know her before you get too involved.

[mumblechum1]

Agree radiotherapy and, to a degree, chemo cause infertility, but I don't know about the alcohol thing.

If you post on General Health you're likely to get informed info as there are a few medical ppl who hang out on there.

[charitygirl]

I don't know for sure but liver cancer is but related to alcohol abuse in the way cirrhosis is. And shame may have had chemo for liver tumours which were secOndaries for cancer elsewhere which wasremoved by surgery. I wouldn't disbelieve her for that but you seem to be implying she seems generally untrustworthy.

[charitygirl]

Liver cancer is not related to alcohol abuse I mean!

[mumblechum1]

Aaargh sorry didn't notice you'd posted in Gen Health! [shame]

[Longdistance]

My mum had cancer on her liver, as she started off with bowel cancer.
She first had polips removed. Then unfortunately it spread to her liver....twice.
She had half her liver removed the first time, and the major surgery again the 2nd time around to burn the cancer cells out off the liver.
My mum's not much if a drinker.
Just saying your neighbour may have had cancer elsewhere for it to spread.
I think she may be more likely to get sclerosis of the liver, than cancer of the liver cos of drinking.
But, I'm no expert.

[NaturallyGullible]

Thanks for the response.

What I was wondering was is there any particular risk of moderate drinking after recovering from liver cancer, or if the risks are the same as for the rest of us.

I'm trying to educate myself rather than mistrusting her. I desperately don't want to distrust her, which is why I am trying to rid myself of any ignorance or prejudice.

[Longdistance]

If she had half her liver removed like my mum. It regenerates itself, and grows 'new' again. My mum has an occasional drink as before. Hasn't affected her at all.

[iamabadger]

I work with liver cancer patients. Cirrhosis increases your chances of getting primary liver cancer but someone who has had chemotherapy had probably had secondary liver cancer from another tumour such as a bowel tumour. We don't actually tell patients to completely abstain from alcohol after treatment but advise them moderation. So she isn't necessarily lying! Plus bear in mind that patients don't always listen to the advice they get anyway!