How are people with liver mets doing?

eleanora

@wren44

In your pocket for scans with fingers crossed for good results. I have been stage IV for 3.5 years and the scanxiety never goes away.

chicagoan

@micmel exbrnxgrl's quick demise was such a shock. As you know, she had been NED for 13 years on AI's alone. She had difficulty dealing with the side effects from the AI's so with her doctor's encouragement, she went off of them and on no treatment whatsoever for about 18 months. She was being monitored but all of a sudden the cancer blew up. A year ago she was still substitute teaching several days/week. Then her back hurt and they discovered that the cancer had spread. She couldn't tolerate Ibrance/Faslodex so they switched her to chemo. Chemo was a literal nightmare for her, so she went on hospice and died last summer. She seemed to be at peace with all that had happened and was glad she had a good 13 year run.

micmel

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

She and I always talked about how I was on ibrance. She wasn’t. I thought that was amazing. Rip beautiful friend …. So sad.

ailurophile

Hi ladies, hope you’re all doing well.
After my most recent PET/CT showed a new liver lesion, I underwent a biopsy (segment 7). It was technically difficult due to location, fatty liver (likely from long-term Verzenio use), and my iodine allergy, so sedation was kept minimal because of breathing coordination.
Both liquid and tissue biopsy showed no actionable mutations. I currently have a single liver lesion measuring 1.8 cm.
The plan is liver ablation on Feb 13. I received my first Faslodex injection yesterday and will be starting Everolimus next week.
I’d really appreciate any insight from those who have gone through:
Liver ablation (especially recovery and pain management)
Faslodex and/or Everolimus experiences
Any practical tips you found helpful
One specific question: how manageable is the post-ablation recovery? Is it realistic to downplay it as a “flu-like” illness for a short time?For personal reasons, I’m hoping to keep this very low-key at home. I need the recovery to look like a short, flu-like illness rather than cancer treatment, especially for my kids.

I also have a practical concern about tumor seeding related to both biopsy and ablation. I understand the risk is considered low, but I’d appreciate hearing any experiences or data you’re aware of.

Thank you in advance for any guidance or shared experiences.

intolight

@ailurophile I have no experience with liver ablation. I was on Faslodex for a number of years. I didn't like it but tolerated the shots just fine. Make sure the nurses push the med real slow. It should take a couple of minutes for each shot. I didn't have any bad SEs other than the usual fatigue. Everolimus and I didn't get along well so I was only on it for a short time, but everyone reacts differently. I just wanted to respond to let you know you were heard. Best of luck with your new plan. I hope it all works well for you.

bsandra

@ailurophile , I am sorry you have to go through this but are you getting real surgery (ablation) or SBRT or similar radiation to the spot? Liver is a very large and well-recovering organ, so recoveries in both cases should be okay. As for SBRT recovery should be easier/quicker though, as it is not an invasive procedure. Please write us how it all goes and many hugs,

Saulius

ailurophile

@bsandra

Thank you for replying. It will be ablation.
At the moment, I am two weeks post liver biopsy and my liver enzymes are quite elevated. I’m hoping they come down to normal or at least lower levels by the time of the procedure so it won’t need to be postponed.
I will keep everyone updated regarding the ablation.

maaaki

I had a single liver mts in 2017. After 6 months of exemestan (which at that time worked on sing vertebra lession) and liver lession litttle bit grew I had ablation. They were able to do it laparoscopicaly (it was 2.8 cm big) and the recovery was very fast. I exercised yoga after 1 month. Next 8 years - I had liver clean (couple bone progressions) up to November 2025 when 8 new small lessions appeared. So for me ablation was the best thing for my liver st that time.

ailurophile

@maaaki

My tumor was 1.8 cm in segment 7, in a tricky location close to the diaphragm and lung. (Grew 30% more when I was waiting for the ablation. So probably 2.3 cm or so)The ablation is done and I’m now 12 days post-procedure. My doctor said it was successful.
I’ve had three Faslodex injections two weeks apart and now continuing monthly, and I’m on day 3 of Afinitor. I’m feeling good — especially after reading your story and seeing that someone could stay liver-clear for eight years. That really gave me hope, so thank you for sharing.
Do you mind if I ask what your next treatment plan is now?
Also, did you follow any particular lifestyle, diet, supplements, or exercise routine during those years that you feel helped keep things stable? I’d really appreciate hearing what worked for you.