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What Does My PET Scan Report Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 5 May 2017

Question: My daughter-in-law has been battling cancer for 3-1/2 yrs. started with Colon cancer metestized to liver; has had numerous surgeries, etc. The first she actually had the liver "taken out" and treated with large quantities of radiation (or chemo) I don't know which. Anyway she is now not doing any kind of chemo. She was in XXXXXXX last week and they said they were going to try the chemo pills maybe. She has also had chemo injected into both lobes of the liver. Just this past week she has a yellow coloring - even the eyes, and has had a fever. Is supposed to go to XXXXXXX again on Friday for another PET scan. What else can they do??? How long can she live? She and my son have 3 children, 12, 9, and 7. I think she's getting really tired and may be giving up. What are your thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. Best supportive care is the only option

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details. I really understand your concern but iam sorry to say , there is nothing much left. She has developed jaundice, and at this point chemotherapy either injectable or oral will not help. Jaundice signifies that the liver is failing slowly and now all she needs is just best supportive care for pain, vomiting, low appetite , fever etc.
She should be given spiritual, psychologic and family support. Nutritional suport is must so that she doesnot feel weaker.
Thanks and regards
Hope you understand

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (44 minutes later)

Thank you. I think I really knew the answer - just wondering, I guess, how long she may have.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello .Survival is difficult to predict

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. Survival is difficult to predict. However with best supportive care, patients may survive upto a few months too.
Thanks and regards

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad