Don't know what to do about DM - V.worried

[MrsWhirling]

Hi all,
I'm worried sick about my lovely DM who is currently waiting to find out the results of a biopsy on a tumour discovered on her liver some months ago.

The tumour was discovered somewhat by accident while she had a CT scan for severe stomach acid back in February.

Due to weight loss which was intially attributed to the diabetic medication Metformin, She was eventually referred to a specialist hospital to see a Liver specialist who ordered a PET scan.

Three weeks of torturous waiting later we we told PET could not determine if the tumour was malignant or not and a biopsy was needed.

Mum had her biopsy on 17th of April and has now has to wait until the 15th May for her results which seems like an awful long time to wait but I guess that is the NHS.

Anyway, in the last couple of weeks DM has admitted to experiencing severe loss of appetite and can not eat much. This is listed as a symtom of liver cancer.

I am trying to be positive but now I don't know if I should convince mum to see the GP re: appetite loss or to sit tight until the 15th when she gets her results?

I'm so worried that if it is bad news, all this sitting & waiting is wasting valuable time. Really don't know what to do... Sorry this is long, any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated xx

I would make an appointment with her gp, go with her. You can discuss the new symptoms. There maybe something he can to do to alleviate them. He also maybe able to bring forward the appointment or liase with the consultant for you. The 15th May is a while away yet and you are understandably worried. I would drive myself,and my mum, mas in this time so would have to talk it over with someone. Good luck

The mas is meant to be mad!

There are lots of things it could be. Anxiety could be causing some symptoms at the present because the not knowing is always the worst.

If your mums gp is approachable you could phone for a chat. I have done this before about both my parents. They cant give personal info but at least they are updated in what is happening and talking can help.
I have been in this position. Still am so really feel you.
You do sound more together than me though.

That's quite a long time to wait for a biopsy result. I'd ring the consultant's secretary to request an earlier appointment. Good luck

Thanks Scoobdoob. The waiting has been beyond awful. I can honestly say it has been the worst two months of my life. I feel stuck and unable to do anything until we get some sort of resolution. I'm also terrified that it could be bad news. DM is my best friend, I just can't cope with anything happening to her. Xx

The Consultant's secretary won't be able to bring the appointment forward if the results are not available. The appointment will be scheduled to take place with all the evidence to hand.

I'd go back to her GP with the new loss of appetite symptoms and see if she can have something prescribed to build her up a bit (Fortesip/Complan type stuff) just to make sure she's getting all her nutrients.

Of course the appointment shouldn't take place if the results aren't available, but realistically it shouldn't take 4 weeks to process a biopsy, report the results and review in a specialist meeting. It may be in this particular case that there are reasons for scheduling the appointment on that day but I'd would still say that it's worth checking with the team of doctors (via the secretary) that she can't be seen sooner. Agree with the suggestion about seeing GP in the meantime.

I know quite a few men who had liver cancer as a primary and not a secondary, but not know a woman get it.

They had no pain and Drs said the Liver has no pain nerves so patients don't feel any pain.

My DH had pain in his stomach and gastro endoscopies found no cancer just bad inflamation. He was eventually diagnosed with Liver cancer as an "extended disease" from another cancer he was in remission for.
It was diagnosed by Ultra Sound. The following day he was in hospital, for various biopsies and tests and more Ultra sounds and endoscopies.

The biopsies were to determine which type of liver cancer it was and if chemo was at all possible.
The ultrasound pictures proved that his tumours were malignant, so I am surprised the PET scan could not.

All the best for your DM.