friend just diagnosed with cancer of the oesphogus with secondaries in the liver, it's bad isn't it?

[Greythorne]

Just had a phone call.
Can't believe it.

Anybody know anything about this?

Apparently, they may ni=ot treat as it will "not be worth it".

I am not an expert - it does sound quite bad though! I just wanted to offer you a unMNetty ((hug)). It must be a terrible shock. Hopefully someone more knowledgable will be along in a minute.

yes it probably is, sorry. Secondaries in the liver are never a good sign as that means that the cancer cells broke away from the original in the oesophagus and went into the bloodstream, ending up in the liver.

If they are suggesting not treating, that is a very bad sign.

However - a friend of mine (in her 40s) was diagnosed last Christmas with a return of Ca breast and liver nodules - treated with aggressive chemo, which reduced the Ca in her breast to almost nothing, mastectomy (2nd one) and radiotherapy following. The liver nodules didn't respond at all to the chemo so they're hoping that they were just cysts - friend has to go back to see consultant and have them checked by biopsy to see what they are.

So, not always a lost cause - but their decision to treat or not will give you the biggest hint.

There are positive stories of people taking control of their own health and some manage to reverse the cancers - but it requires huge effort and positivity.

You might want to speak to the Bristol Cancer Care Centre - they are very helpful, I have found - they are a complementary centre and that means they work WITH the cancer treatment that any patient receives, not against, instead or outside of it.

emoticon

thanks

don't want to google too much
too scary

but i will contact the Bristol Centre

That sounds really sad but don't give up hope. A friend of mine (in her 40s) had cancerous fibroids (v rare apparently) and secondarys in her lungs. Had two revolting lung operations to remove secondaries several years ago and is is currently clear. At the time she was told differently. Went to Marsden Hospital in London and op at the Brompton hospital round the corner to Marsden.

And in my keenness to offer help, I forgot to say how sorry I am - the news is pretty devastating when it comes, especially if the friend is a similar age to you (intimations of your own mortality, that kind of thing, as well as the potential loss of a good friend).

I hope that they decide something can be done for your friend - but if not, be there to lend a supportive ear and please do point them in the direction of the Bristol place.