Are these tests for liver mets?

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Are these tests for liver mets?

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Are these tests for liver mets? Well I have pushed for a bone scan which I had last week, getting results tomorrow. Shoulder pain still there as is lump so still feeling anxious.

Time will tell what the outcome from that will be but today I had my blood count bloods taken as usual at my GP surgery. I took out the form they give me at the hospital and handed it to the nurse without looking at it so hadn’t noticed the onc had requested bloods for several tests including liver function, calcium levels and others I can’t remember.

I have my 5th out of 6 FEC chemo tomorrow. Are these bloods routine? Or is he looking for possible liver mets? I am now feeling panicky and know I won’t sleep with worry tonight.

Help

Irene

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HI Irene

To be honest I have no idea - I think it really depends on your hospital and your oncologist.

I do konw if they are worried about your live function - they order a liver function test. And when I was dx with bone mets - the first thing they did was a blood test to look at my calcium levels.

BUT - given you are on chemo, it might just be that your oncologist orders them for all his chemo patients and youi’ve been tested for them all along - just never noticed before.

I think when I was having my initial chemo - they did a full blood test every 3 cycles.

And in any event the blood tests might be an indicator - but are not conclusive - you need a ct scan or MRI to uncover liver and/or lung mets.

I know its not easy - but I would try not to panic until you’ve got test results and spoken to your oncologist.

good luck tomorrow.

I’m having a ct scan tomorrow to see what my pesky liver mets are up to.

cheers
Moira

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Routine bloods Hi. Just to reassure you but I think the blood tests for liver function are routine due to the chemo and possibly some of the other medicaton given can affect the levels. My levels did become abnormal but they should eventually settle.
Ask the chemo nurses and they should be able to explain all to you, Hope you soon feel reassured though I know how easy it is for the brain to go into overdrive.
Take care.
Angela

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One of the standard tests during chemo is for liver function. It is an important indicator of the way in which the chemo is operating. I always asked to see my results so I could see what was happening.

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I have had 4xFEC and 4 Taxotere and so far 15/18 through herceptin, while on chemo I had bloods done every 3 weeks then it switched to every 6 weeks on herceptin alone. Each of my blood test includes 2 forms, 1 green and 1 red and one of the many tests is liver function. Personally I have not bothered to ask my Onc any results except my Nuetrophils while on chemo as she is very blunt and honest and would inform me if she had any concerns. She has always said mine are fine and consistent (which does make me worry sometimes if they can read my alcholol intake) if they are woried re liver mets they usually give it a good poke, mine gets one roughly every 6 weeks along with neck and collar bone, but then I am high risk of spread.

Have a good big glass of wine tonight to help you sleep, I am sure these tests are the norm.

Debbie

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Hi Debsey
I agree liver function tests are always done during chemo.

I am wondering whether they can tell from liver CT about drinking too much. I had some very bad spells once i finished chemo but i decided i had to seek help or i would become dependent on it. I know i have some slight liver damage.
I think it was drink or anti depressents as i say thankfully life is better now.
The chemo actually made me go off wine.

This time of year is gorgeous and i am getting out more and enjoying the sunshine and tryin not to drink too much again even though very down just now.

Its good when people are honest and open helps others who are struggling. Ta kid!!
Rx

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Standard tests Hi Irene,
As the ladies have given good information I would just like to say that I had blood tests all the time when on FEC including tumour markers, liver etc that was a little alarming. Actually I think its just to check on general health and what the treatment is doing.

I know its difficult but if you can try not to worry and ask questions when you can.

Hope you get some rest and good luck with your chemo tomorrow.

lots of love

Rosiexx

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Thankyou all for your replies. When I asked my chemo nurse about the bloods she said they are routine and everyone gets them as a monitoring proceedure. She was cross that my GPs nurse had given me the impression I was having different tests.

I also got the results of my bone scan. Normal wear and tear shown only in shoulders and knees. So now I have to seek out physio through my GP. The onc dept will not do a CT scan even though I still have pain.

This treatment is so inconsistent nationally.

I have now decided to try to put this all behind me now and just get on with life and stop dwelling on the ‘what ifs’.

Irene