What Causes Pain Under The Ribcage On The Right Side?

Brief Answer:
Pain medications are needed and very helpful at some time of the disease

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.

I carefully read your question and understand your concerns.

First I would like to say that I am sorry for the disease you are going through and the fact that it has already spread to other organs.

I understand that this in itself can be frightening and many questions might be comming to you with this information.
Many patients are afraid of the pain medications when they have cancer and mostly because it is a bad presentation of them and misconception.

it is important to understand that starting the pain medications will not speed up the development and spread of the cancer but it can be a great release if used the right way and if prescribed by an experienced medical provier in that area.
Many patients are pain free all the time and you might benefit the same if you are having the medications from the right medical provider and have the proper follow up to adjust the doses according to your need.

As for the intensity of pain that a patient with cancer can experience- it varies from one patient to the othe and also on the organs affected. Generally the liver tissue does not hurt but distension of its capsule (outside cover of the liver) can be very painful. The tumor growth causes the capsule te be distended and cause a lot of pain.
Also spread in other abdominal organs can be painful expecially if capsules of organs are affected or the organ has many nerve endings. The spread in the bones is painful also.

I would recommend you to speak with an experienced medical provider in palliative care and discuss the pros and cons of starting pain medications in your case. You will need to have what we call stepwise approach with starting with less medications in smaller dose and increasing later as needed.
If this stepwise approach is followed up by a specialyst can make a huge impact in the patient.

I hope this is helpful to you and answers to your question.
Wishing you well.

Kind regards,

Dr Antoneta Zotaj

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Brief Answer:
There is no way to know for sure

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I just read your request for a follow up answer. Sorry it is late.

I understand your concern and question with the timing. I also agree that is the patients right to know his prognosis and the truth about his medical condition.

In medicine we speak more of prognosis which means the outcome of a disease. We do not speak much in terms of days because this is not spent anyone can know.
Every individual is different and every disease develops differently in different people. By what II read from you about the spread of liver cancer this is very likely an advanced disease already and the prognosis is poor. If they are few more days, weeks or months no one can tell for sure. Do not require an exact number as even if someone gives you one it can not be accurate.

What I would advise you is no matter how much time is left try to live every moment in its fullness-. Make a list of things you would like to do and a list of people to meet and try to enjoy times with friends and family. Do not waste any day. The less days are left the mire previous they are- just try to be active and enjoy them as much as you body will allow.

I wish you strength, XXXXXXX and hope in every day

Kind regards

Dr Antoneta

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Brief Answer:
It is usual to have symptoms that fluctuate

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
It is usual to feel different in different days. Symptoms might fluctuate a lot and sometimes you feel more enrgetic and sometimess less and pain might be on and off.
Constipation might affect the pain level also so you will need to be sure you have an easy bowel movement in a day or two.
Make sure you have food regularly and drink well.

Your doctor might give you more specific answers as he already knows your tests and what might cause the weakness but the cancer itself can cause weakness also. If you are having some anemia this is a cause of weakness to be considered.

Kind Regards

Dr Antoneta

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