Post Chemo Liver Problems??

[Individuation]

Hey all,

My boyfriend got a call from his doctor's nurse saying that they wanted him to come back for more bloodwork. We both freaked out a little thinking that it had to do with the mass that is still in his chest (maybe his tumor markers were up when he gave blood a few weeks ago)....but it's not about the tumor markers. His nurse said that some of the numbers relating to his LIVER were worrisome. Now, before he started chemo and after surgery he got really sick and something attacked his liver. His billirubin levels were way up - but this time, his nurse said it wasn't billiruben so we don't know what it was. He's out of town this weekend and the nurse asked if he planned on drinking. He said yes and she didn't tell him not to -- just said to schedule his labs for the friday after he gets back.

I'm thinking this isn't urgent because she didn't say he couldn't drink. She also didn't say it was urgent that he go in there.

Does anyone have any experience with anything like this? What could be wrong?

Thanks all,
Eileen

[Don]

Another possibility is that they might see an elevated Creatine level which could be from liver or kidney.. They watch this closly on me because I had one kidney removed during the RPLND... The chemo can definetly mess with any and all organs.... Hope all is well!!!!! Have a good weekend

[Karen]

Lots of things can alter liver function tests. Can you find out exactly what was elevated and what the level was? My two cents, if it were me and I was nervous about a repeat blood test I would have an alcohol free weekend so there's no doubts about the the blood test. I personally volunteer to be a surrogate drinker for your boyfriend this weekend.

[MRM]

Since I'm on testosterone, which can also affect the liver, I occasionally have liver function tests. One came back with slightly elevated bilirubin levels a couple months ago, as well as higher levels of another enzyme.

My doctor was not concerned, since all other tests were normal, and did not adjust my dosage or tell me to change my diet or lifestyle.

Liver tests can be affected by exessive alcohol or OTC drugs like tylenol or asprin. Moderate drinking shouldn't affect it for most people.

Not that I often drink excessively, but I'll sometimes abstain the day before my checkup. Other times, I have had a pint or 2 and it made no difference.

Try not to worry. It's probably nothing.

[Individuation]

Lots of things can alter liver function tests. Can you find out exactly what was elevated and what the level was? My two cents, if it were me and I was nervous about a repeat blood test I would have an alcohol free weekend so there's no doubts about the the blood test. I personally volunteer to be a surrogate drinker for your boyfriend this weekend.

You and me both! I wouldn't touch alcohol if it were me, but after 6 months of feeling like he lost out on life he's not very willing to be good. When we got back from Mexico we both had some kind of bug - and I went on the BRAT diet (Banans, Rice, Apple Sauce, and Toast) at the suggestion of my diet and got better. He refused and had stomach issues a lot longer. He said he couldn't really eat for 6 months and he's just not giving it up. This weekend was a trip with his close guy friends. He was supposed to go on a great spring break trip with them but it got canceled due to his illness... so again.... he's making up for lost time.

I just hope all is well.

[Individuation]

Not that I often drink excessively, but I'll sometimes abstain the day before my checkup. Other times, I have had a pint or 2 and it made no difference.

Try not to worry. It's probably nothing.

That's actually REALLY good to hear. Thank you

[Individuation]

Another possibility is that they might see an elevated Creatine level which could be from liver or kidney.. They watch this closly on me because I had one kidney removed during the RPLND... The chemo can definetly mess with any and all organs.... Hope all is well!!!!! Have a good weekend

Hrm... I hope he won't need a kidney removed! Ah my poor boy. You guys have all gone through so much. It seems very unfair. I wish everyone could just be healthy already.

[Karen]

Hard not to drink on vacation in Mexico! Within the first 12 hours we were there Ray ate and drank everythnig you're supposed to avoid. Man, was he sick!! I learned to brush up on my Spanish with phrases like " my husband is very sick, where is the pharmacy?" and "please do not clean the room today but bring extra toilet paper". He had stomach cramps for weeks after we were back . Hoping this is just a blip that you need not worry about...keep us posted on the next results, and hang in there!

[dadmo]

Karen:
None of this is really funny but even in the face of disaster some things can bring a smile to my face such as

"please do not clean the room today but bring extra toilet paper"

what a great line. Nancy and I could have used it once in Gatlinburg except I would change it to extra soft toilet paper.

[Don]

Hrm... I hope he won't need a kidney removed! Ah my poor boy. You guys have all gone through so much. It seems very unfair. I wish everyone could just be healthy already.

Weird thing is that sometimes you need something like this to happen just to step back and appreciate the small thing in life that we all take for granted such as just waking up and seeing your family in the morning. being able to get up and walk(without dragging a pole) ,eating and the list goes on and on.. I wouldn't say I,m glad I got cancer ,but it did change my life for the better in many ways...

Karen ...I can sympathize with the bad Mexican food .. We went in June and my stomach was bothering me for a few weeks... Extra toilet paper and a can of Glade !!!!!