OT: Liver Biopsy for Cancer

I'm sorry to hear this, I'm really know very little about this area, but my understanding is that they will numb up the area with local anaethsetic first then make a small incision which a biopsy needle (thicker than a needle that would give an injection), there may be some sensation of this occuring, it shouldn't be pain, but some of the feelings can be so strong and unfamiliar that it feels like pain, this is where having some medicine to relax you first can be helpful - if it's not offered, but she feels she needs it she should ask for it.

I'm surprised by the necessity of going through the lung, the liver is an organ that can be accessed from many directions and you did say multiple things were there, so it would make sense to go for the easiest one to access, even then you have to be very still so the lung and the gall bladder aren't nicked in the process. If it really does involve going through the lung then she should be informed of the risks of doing this (pneumothorax, possibly leading to collapsed lung) and if she's not comfortable with them, to ask for a 2nd opinion - there are multiple ways of doing a liver biopsy.

The other thing to note is that as they've been doing stuff around that area, you can get some free blood inside and if this gets to the diaphragm, it irritates it and the pain from this can be very severe, but it's where you least expect it, as it's in the shoulder!

Just checking, but has she stopped any medicines that have a blood thinning effect, like asprin and NSAIDS (e.g. motrin, aleve, advil) and then some prescription ones.

My best guess is that she needs to be awake so the doctor can avoid the lung, rather then go through the lung in a particular state.

Cheers Anne

Lisa, my sister had that done last year. It did not seem too bad; she bounced back really quick and she did not act like the procedure itself was particularly difficult. If you would like more info., I'd be glad to ask her specific questions. Or I can show her your post if you like and ask her to e-mail. She won't mind at all. If you would be interested, just e-mail me.

Sherry

After my breast cancer ordeal last year I've only hat a bone scan. They have tested me for markers with a blood test but on my next visit they will order a Pet Scan. Give your mom a hug for me. Pami

Hi,

I missed the original post. I've had a liver biospy. I was given a drug that made me not really care what was happening. I was awake during the procedure and talked with the doctor during the process. I remember asking to see the sample he took and he showed me. I asked what it would be like and the doctor told me it would be like being stabbed with an icepick. I told him, I had never been stabbed with an icepick and he responded - now you have. The worse part of it was not being able to get up afterwards. I had to lay flat on my back for 4 hours - to lessen a chance of bleeding. I had more trouble with the tape they used on the bandage than the puncture wound.

Hey Pami,

If you are diabetic, be sure you've had your insulin before you go to get the PET scan; they won't do it if your sugar is too high. Mom has to get a long-acting insulin shot every time there's a PET scan.

I have not been when they do one, but apparently they are serious business. The nurses all wear space suits and the medicine for the IV comes in a metal container b/c it's radioactive, and then mom h as to lay there I forgot how long after they disconnect the thing in case of leakage. (seriously). She's had so many I don' tknow why she doesn't glow in the dark....