Losing a Loved One to Liver Cancer

He was 51 and was just diagnosed in October 2005, two months before his death.

The effects of socioeconomic factors on liver cancer of different subsites are found to be similar according to a recent report released from a cancer organization report.

In a press release from NewsRx.com the Karolinska Institute said that for primary liver cancer, farmers were at a decreased risk; increased risk were observed for male sales agents, journalists, seamen, waiters, cooks, and female beverage manufacturer workers.

“Only male transport workers showed increased risk of cancers in other parts,” the release stated.

The researchers concluded, “The present study suggests that the effects of socioeconomic factors on liver cancer of different subsites are similar; alcohol drinking is a risk factor of gallbladder cancer because of the covariation of primary liver and gallbladder cancers in occupational groups.”

“Our mother passed away from liver cancer four years ago this Christmas,” said Caye Green.

“Everybody reacts differently to chemotherapy so this is a very personal decision,” said one cancer patient.

Imran Khalifa, an analyst with the health care information firm, Frost & Sullivan, says the reason there aren’t more cancer drugs on the market is because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tough standards.

“There are about 500 cancer drugs in development,” she said.

One cancer patient said she found out what she had by reading her notes on the way up to X-Ray.

“It’s very difficult making decisions because of the contradictory information and not being a medical person,” she said.

Scott Barr lost his son Forrest to liver cancer in 2002.

“One of the hardest things about his death is that now so often we only talk about his having cancer and his ultimate end when we meet new people who did not know him,” said Barr. “There is a Buddhist prayer that I say for myself and for everyone actually every morning after I do my yoga.”

Working with his wife helps Judson Ross get through his hectic days. He was diagnosed with liver cancer recently and found out his wife was pregnant.

Sandy Baer, an educator and liver cancer survivor, had never had surgery in her life and within two months had four procedures.

“It all started with a droopy eyelid,” she said. “I needed a biopsy.”

I didn’t get to say goodbye to my boyfriend before he died and didn’t even know of his death until Jan. 11th because his family wouldn’t let me see or talk to him.

I don’t know what his final thoughts or words were.

But I do know that he is not in pain any more and I hope that somewhere he is riding that Harley he always wanted, hopefully popping wheelies over the clouds in the sky.