SIRT part 1

As I outlined in my last post, I decided to proceed with SIRT (Selective Internal Radiation Therapy) as my tumours appeared to be confined to my liver (making me a good candidate) and I am down to my last two treatment options.

The first step to having SIRT was to have a hepatic angiogram so the docs could check that the radioactive goo they planned to pump in was going to end up in the right spot and there wasn’t going to be any leakage into other organs. It involved having a series of catheters put through an incision in an artery in my groin, and threaded all the way up to my liver. Contrast was administered via the catheters as was a small amount of radioactive marker. Scans were then done to see where the contrast and markers went. I hardly felt a thing (thanks to the sedatives and IV pain relief) and the markers were taken up by my liver tumours which boded well for a good outcome from the SIRT treatment.

I went back three weeks later for the “live run” of the procedure, and even though the procedure was the same, I was not expecting the pain and nausea that came with it. About half way through the procedure I started to get really bad back pain, and this increased and persisted for about 12 hours (even with IV pain relief). It was exacerbated by the fact I was not allowed to move my right hip or leg for about 6 hours after the procedure in order for the arterial bleeding to stop. The pain moved from my back into my liver and the medical staff were unable to get on top of the pain. I couldn't hold food down for two days and was so whacked I pretty much slept (albeit it off and on) for the first 3 or 4 days. Once I had got my pain under control with regular pain meds things started to improve but it took about 3 weeks to come off the regular meds. I have continued to experience breakthrough pain off and on, which usually lasts for about 2 or 3 days before it settles down again. My energy levels are still not fantastic, but I have been enjoying the break from regular treatment and appointments.

I am still waiting on my 6 week follow up to see what impact the SIRT has had. Here’s hoping for a good outcome……….