Liver Failure or just paranoid??? Please help! - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

Pj10442 · 06-19-2005, 06:55 AM

My Dad was diagnosed with metastatic small cell lung cancer to the liver in Jan. He is done with the chemo and the nodule in his lung has started growing again but his liver is abnormally large. He has swelling in the abdomen and around the feet and ankles. The docs removed a pint and a half of fluid off of his abdomen but his feet are still swollen. The fluid was red when they drained it. Could this blood from the liver starting to stut down? Jaundice has started to set in and we found blood on some of his clothes without any kind of cut or sore in the area. Please help me I am worried and don't know what to do.

happyelf · 06-19-2005, 11:16 AM

Pj10442--I'm so sorry for your Dad's diagnosis. I don't know what color the fluid drained off should be, but I can tell you jaundice is a sign of liver problems, and swelling in the abdomin, feet and ankles usually is associated w/more severe cases. Everyone is different--and the cause behind the liver problems differenciates thir symptoms. Cancer was not a precursor in my liver failing(nor was alcohol) but my skin wasn't jaundice/yellow--but my eyes were really bad for about 5-6 days. My skin progressed to a tinge of yellow after I was being treated, and it lasted only a day or so. When I was recovering they kept checking my feet ankles and abdomen for swelling--even at 3 month check ups. I know probably isn't what you wanted to hear. and it's a really difficult situation for you...hang in there. The boards are here for support, advice, and to vent if you need ot blow off som steam too!

How long ago did they drain his abdomen? Have you asked the doctors abt this--the color of the drainage and the swelling? Have you told them abt the blood on his clothes? I do't know what could cause that. Where on his clothes was it?

Sending prayers and wishes your way.
Gina

Pj10442 · 06-19-2005, 05:09 PM

The docs told us wed. June 15 about the fluid and drained it on Fri. June 17. Also on Wed. they told us that he had less than 3 months left. When we called them about the blood they told us that we could take him to the ER and they would look at him. Everything that i have seen on the net leads me to believe that it is liver failure. Thank You for your prayers and your reply.

happyelf · 06-19-2005, 09:24 PM

Sounds like it's liver. l will be praying for peace for your father and your family.