Breaking news on MSNBC: Tony Snow's cancer has spread

[LiberalHeart]

It has gone to his liver.

[seabeyond]

1. sad.. n/t

[Horse with no Name]

129. I haven't seen you in awhile

:hug:

[goclark]

2. I am sorry to hear that ~prayers nt

[LiberalHeart]

5. If I were religious, I'd be praying, too. Very sad.

[notadmblnd]

3. that's too bad

nt

[GreenEyedLefty]

4. I was thinking just last week

before the announcement that they found a mass in his abdomen, that he didn't look all that well. Blech. Cancer sucks.

[LiberalHeart]

7. I noticed that, too.

[KiraBS]

90. His face was looking grey...

it must have been hurting too.

[Glimmer of Hope]

6. That is terrible. Cancer is awful.

[soothsayer]

8. he's looked a little sickly lately, poor guy. Sorry to hear this. I'm

a friend of his soul, if an enemy of his career choices.

[CatWoman]

9. only advice I have from Snow:

stay the fuck away from Katie Couric....

[blondeatlast]

12. Good advice. What a piece of work she turned out to be. nt

[earth mom]

33. I was thinking the exact same thing! eom

[Virginia Dare]

128. Ironically, she lost her own husband to the same disease...

what is up with this woman?

[SethInUpstateNY]

182. I'm out the loop here.

What did Couric say or do?

[Richard Steele]

193. Her interview with John Edwards.

She spent a lot of effort trying to insinuate that
Edwards was somehow a bad person because he didn't
drop out of the Prez race when he learned his wife's
cancer was back.

She's so clever and subtle that her subliminal "framing"
was hard to pick up on...NOT.

[SethInUpstateNY]

198. Thanks for the info.

What is Katie Couric thinking? :wtf:

[Richard Steele]

199. Thinking? At any given moment, there's a 50/50 chance she's thinking, "I like jellybeans".

Seriously: she's not particularly bright or thoughtful,
to put it kindly.

[blondeatlast]

10. That's awful. I wish him comfort. nt

[helderheid]

11. Oh Dear. Prayers to him. That's terrifying.

[LiberalHeart]

13. Now MSNBC is saying...

People at WH crying. Blood tests had said the growth in abdomen wasn't cancer. But it was. And from there went to liver -- called "dire diagnosis."

[goclark]

74. This is the first time they have cried at the WH

as far as I know.

I'm sorry but why couldn't they say how they ALSO cry for our soldiers and the Katrina victims everyday.

[in_cog_ni_to]

149. My thoughts exactly.

:(

[malaise]

162. Bingo n/t

[LizW]

14. Very sad to hear this

My thoughts and prayers are with Tony Snow and his family.

I wish them strength and comfort.

Edited to say: You know, this damn disease is pissing me off. Too many people, too young.

[peaches2003]

15. Will he quit job to spend his time with his family???

I do NOT wish TS anything but the best and will pray for him and his family. I just lost a dear friend to liver cancer and would never wish it on anyone.

BUT, will those RW wackos 2nd guessing the Edwards all over the internet and on tv now condemn TS if he goes back to his WH job while getting treatment. His colon cancer has metastized, just like EE's breast cancer. His outlook is very much the same. Liver cancer probably has even a more grave outlook that EE's cancer.

Will the RW say he is making this up? Will they say that he should stay home with his children? Will they say he should just give up and go home? I have no doubt the RW reaction to this news will show them for the hypocrites they are.

[alcibiades_mystery]

20. Metastasized cancer in the liver?...I suspect it won't be a choice

This is an extremely dire diagnosis, unfortunately. He will likely resign from his position in the next week or two to get his affairs in order. Needless to say, we should all hope for him to pull through. But the overwhelming odds are against it. Again, unfortunately.

[djg21]

35. It is likely terminal

As I indicated in another thread, once cancer metastizes to the liver, it is in all probability terminal.

My thoughts go out to Mr. Snow's family.

[TZ]

62. not only likely terminal, but it may be quick sadly...

My cousin had pancreatic cancer and passed away less than two months later. I posted this down thread but I should reiterate that I would like to see him resign today for his family's sake because he may not have much time at all.:-(

[sabbat hunter]

111. prayers

prayers go out to tony snow and his family. never want to see anyone struck down by cancer.

[Lost-in-FL]

170. Pancreatic is the worse of all...

usually 3 months, tops. It is a very sad form.

[LuckyLib]

183. It will be fast. A colleague died of liver cancer, diagnosed on a Friday afternoon,

died on Monday evening. While all cancer situations are different, liver cancer is grim.

[Bandit]

78. Maybe he will decide to make his peace with God and tell the truth

about this Administration and their crimes..Is that too much to hope for?

[Dinger]

150. I Was Thinking The Same Thing (nt)

[Pachamama]

178. Exactly what I had been hoping for too....

I'm sorry that anyone has to go through Cancer and my thoughts and prayers to his family. I also hope that he does make his peace and decide to tell the truth and renounce having carried water for this criminal cabal....

[mtnester]

166. Metastasized secondary cancer to the liver usually (USUALLY)

has also spread to to other places, most likely the lung, brain or esophageal tissue.

I would say (and this is ALL based on experience with family member and a friend's father) he has less than 6 months, even with aggressive therapy (probably a LOT less than 6 months)

Stated from experience with the diagnosis of others I have known and loved only.

[peaches2003]

39. I agree

It's a shame to see such a young man and his family suffer this tragedy. My only point was that the RW will compare this to the Edwards' choices, though the situations are different. I saw my friend with liver cancer go down comparitevely quickly and that may not be the case with EE at all.

[wryter2000]

118. My uneducated guess

He'll be too sick to continue soon. There won't be any choice in the matter. So sad...

[DesertRat]

163. It is very dire. He's going to have aggressive chemotherapy. n/t

[KiraBS]

95. He mostly likely has a lot less time....

the pain alone would make work difficult for TS to work, EE's cancer is managable in comparison.
It is a different scenario.

[Buzz Clik]

99. Ah, let it go. Hateful people are everywhere.

Let's set a different example -- I know you will.

[Dinger]

16. Healing Thoughts And Prayers For Tony Snow

I mean it.

[lonestarnot]

17. Oh man, guess it is pretty much over for Tony Snow.

I don't like to see this happen to anyone.

[Skinner]

18. A pre-emptive message from the DU Admins.

I have instructed the moderators that they have my permission to remove wildly inappropriate comments about Tony Snow having cancer, if such comments are posted. I know most DUers would never post such things. But if there are any trolls out there who are thinking of posting such things... Don't.

[LiberalHeart]

21. Excellent. Thank you.

[onenote]

22. thank you skinner

[Marnieworld]

excellent choice

DU is better than that. Thanks.

[blondeatlast]

23. As it should be. Some things far transcend politics. Thanks, DU. nt

[xultar]

THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

[Hepburn]

85. Exactly....

...DU is the best and we stand for the best. After all, we are all people and there are tragedies like this that cut across all political lines.

I feel very sorry for Mr. Snow and his family. This is horrible news and NO ONE should take this opportunity to say anything out of line.

If tempted ~~ IMO ~~ think about what Elizabeth Edwards would do under these circumstances. Honor her and pay repects, IMO, as she would.

[ms liberty]

96. Excellent idea - thank you! n/t

[wryter2000]

119. Thanks for the pre-empt

Much better to prevent that than have to clean up the mess later.

[Marie26]

123. Thank you!! nt

[ourvoicescount]

134. No one deserves cancer...

[Mr. Ected]

138. Some People Are Wishing Tony All of God's Blessings

Some people who disagree strongly with his politics empathize with him as a human being.

DU included.

[Spiffarino]

142. Your response was wildly appropriate. Thank you. n/t

[bigwillq]

169. Thanks Skinner.

:hi: :bounce:

[WorldResident]

174. Thank you

n/t

[bananarepublican]

196. No one should take any comfort from the misfortune of others. n/t

[shaniqua6392]

19. God bless him and his family.

We will add him to our ever growing list of people to pray for. I think I should start writing down those we pray for, but I fear it would take a roll of toilet paper to list them all. :cry:

[Annces]

24. That is a blow - very sad n/t

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

25. Condolences, Mr. Snow.

You have always been, as we say "a worthy adversary" I hope you and your family can face this with the same courage shown by the Edwards family.

[The Witch]

66. I sign on to that comment.

I've sort of had a grudging respect for Snow recently. I saw a forum with him and some newsmen and appreciated some of what he had to say. "A worthy adversary" is a good description.

And much much love and support to his family.

[Skidmore]

26. This is sad. I wish him remission.

And comfort and hope.

[libnnc]

27. Liver? Crap that's not good at all.

how old is he?

My thoughts are with him. Horrible news.

[LiberalHeart]

32. I think he's 54.

[onenote]

34. He's 51, and has three children under the age of 15

Its very sad.

[Bluzmann57]

47. He's only 51?

Man that's scary. I'll be 50 later this year. Here's hoping Mr. Snow has some sort of miraculous recovery, and barring that, at least lives out his remaining time in comfort.

[mmonk]

57. That sucks.

I'm 50.

[LizW]

38. 51, I think.

Doesn't it seem like more and more young people are being diagnozed with colon cancer? A counsin of mine just went for a routine colonoscopy on turning 50 and they found advanced cancer.

My dad was diagnosed with it at 60, and back then he was considered a young case. Now it's people in their early 50's.

Scary.

[InvisibleTouch]

103. 50's?

A co-worker of mine died from it at age 28.

It's the build-up of toxins in our environment, I'm completely convinced. They tell us the trace amounts of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc., that are found on our food are not enough to do us any harm - but when you add it all up together - trace amounts of poison in food, water, air, radiation, side-effects from pharmaceuticals, etc. etc. etc., plus the pace and stress of modern living that wears you down, it's more than enough to overwhelm the body's natural defenses. And cancer is first and foremost a failure of the immune system, which normally eliminates damaged cells before they multiply.

[sabbat hunter]

113. i disagree somewhat

while i think that toxins in our environment have potentially increased cancer risks, at the same time back in the "olden days" people didnt live into what we consider old age as often. Due to a harder lifestyle, dangers at work, lack of modern medical knowledge, etc people died younger and we didnt know why.

now we are discovering these cancers in people when they fall ill, know why they die for the most part.

Also cancer is somewhat genetic, in that families show predisposition for cancers (along with high blood pressure, heart disease, etc)

Tony's mom died at the age of 38 due to cancer. in a way tony is lucky that the cancer was found, can be treated. In the past, before modern cancer fighting drugs, etc if you were diagnosed with cancer, you were as good as dead.

lets hope and pray that tony lives another 50+ years annoying us with his right wing views.


peace

[Morgana LaFey]

143. So, eat your vegetables! Nice, fresh, organic if possible

Get some additional anti-oxidants into your system (many to choose from -- and each seems to handle different type of free radical, btw) -- see your healthfood store for these.

[DesertRat]

168. There's a heredity component. His mother died of colon cancer when Tony was 17.

Very sad.

[WernhamHogg]

195. That is so sad

I feel real sorry for his kids (someone said he has 3 of them?). Imagine being so young and knowing that your own odds of developing this same type of illness at a relatively young age are probably pretty good.
I don't like Tony Snow's politics AT ALL, but I am genuinely saddened to hear this news. I really hope that Tony is able to somehow pull through. He and his family will be in my thoughts.

[cali]

28. My best wishes to Mr. Snow for as successful

a treatment as possible.

[Horse with no Name]

29. Incredibly sad.

Does he have young children?

[xultar]

30. I'm very sorry to hear of Tony's cancer. That is quite sad. Prayers to the Snows

[Alamom]

31. Prayers for Mr. Snow and his family. n/t

[npincus]

36. Awful. So sorry for him and his family.

[bdamomma]

37. they must fund and cure this deadly disease.

[libnnc]

40. I can't describe how much I hate cancer

It scares the shit out of me. My SO's 43 year old sister died of pancreatic cancer 2 years ago. It's horrible. Especially when it comes just freaking out of nowhere.

[bdamomma]

72. between cancer and Alzheimer's they have to find a cure for these

diseases, again these diseases do not discriminate.

[LiberalHeart]

41. Some info on secondary liver cancer and its treatment...

Cancer involving the liver
Reviewed by Professor Alastair J Munro, professor of radiation oncology

How can cancer involve the liver?

There are two ways in which cancer can involve the liver. The cancer can arise from the liver itself (primary liver cancer) or it can spread to the liver from a primary tumour at another site (secondary, or metastatic, cancer).

In the UK, secondary liver cancer is about 28 times more common than primary liver cancer. Each year there are about 70,000 patients in the UK with secondary liver cancer and about 2,500 with primary liver cancer.

Primary liver cancer can arise from the liver cells themselves (hepatocellular carcinoma) or from the system of tubes that drains the bile from the liver (cholangiocarcinoma, gall bladder cancer).

Most patients with primary liver cancer have suffered previously from liver disease such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or, in the less developed world, been exposed to poisons from plants (aflatoxins). Immunisation against hepatitis B might, particularly in the developing world, prevent many cases of primary liver cancer.

Secondary (metastatic) cancer reaches the liver by spreading through the blood system from a primary tumour at a separate site. In about 50 per cent of patients with metastatic liver cancer, the primary tumour is in the bowel (colon, rectum) or stomach. The other common primary sites are the breasts and lungs.

What are the symptoms of cancer involving the liver?

The symptoms of cancer involving the liver can include:

* tiredness.

* loss of appetite.

* nausea.

* a dragging sensation or heaviness felt up under the lower ribs on the right hand side of the body.

* pain in the upper part of the belly.

In the later stages, the skin can develop a yellowish tinge (jaundice) together with fevers and drenching sweats, particularly at night.

How is liver cancer treated?

Primary liver cancer is difficult to treat. Surgical removal is the best option but these tumours are often too large and too extensive for surgery. Chemotherapy is occasionally used for inoperable tumours but any benefit is usually short lived. Unfortunately, survival rates for primary liver cancer are low.

The treatment of secondary (metastatic) liver cancer is determined by the site of origin of the original (primary) tumour. It is important to realise that the tumour, even though it has spread to the liver, will still behave according to its origin. A leopard does not change its spots: breast cancer involving the liver behaves like breast cancer, not like primary liver cancer. Consequently the outlook can be rather better for patients with secondary, as opposed to primary, liver cancer.

Surgery is increasingly being used for patients with secondary liver cancer. This can sometimes involve removing a segment of liver. Alternatively, keyhole techniques can be used to apply extreme cold or heat to localised areas of the liver.

The presence of secondary cancer within the liver implies that the primary tumour has spread via the bloodstream and as a result other organs may be at risk.

It is sensible, therefore, to consider using a treatment such as chemotherapy, which acts all over the body. The type of chemotherapy used will depend on the type of primary cancer.

Hormone treatment is an additional option for patients with cancers of the breast or prostate that have spread to the liver.

Conventional radiotherapy has little role to play in the management of liver cancer, whether primary or secondary.

Specialised techniques, involving the temporary placement of radioactive wires, can be used to treat certain primary cancers of the ducts within, or immediately adjacent to, the liver.

Liver transplantation is not usually a viable option for patients with cancer involving the liver - the cancer has often spread beyond the liver itself and the medicines used to suppress the immune system after the transplant can stimulate the growth of any remaining cancer cells.

[Straight Shooter]

64. Thank you for posting this information.

Depressing, though.

[LiberalHeart]

71. Depressing, yes, except for this sentence...

"Consequently the outlook can be rather better for patients with secondary, as opposed to primary, liver cancer."

[Blue Diadem]

42. This is sad. My thoughts will be with Mr. Snow and his family as he

fights the disease.

[peekaloo]

43. Poor guy.

A friend of mine put up a valiant fight against liver cancer but it's a merciless mofo.

Best wishes.

[Kingshakabobo]

44. I can't believe I'm a little choked up over this, but I am. He's in big trouble.

Worse trouble than Elizabeth Edwards, I'm afraid.

I've lost too many family and friends to this disease.

Poor guy. I wish him well.

[Blue_Roses]

45. My heart goes out to him and his family

this disease has got to be stopped!

[Ian David]

46. Let's be nicer to him than the Repukes were to Elizabeth Edwards

1) Let's make a donation in Tony Snow's name to The Juno Foundation:

he Juno Foundation of Orlando is dedicated to lesbians with cancer, their partners and caregivers. The purpose of the foundation is to improve the health and well being of cancer patients through grants that are awarded by the Juno Foundation; to raise awareness and promote advocacy; and, to provide valuable resources and informational support on the many emotional and practical issues that arise from a cancer diagnosis.

The co-founders of the Juno Foundation of Orlando are Pati Williams and Genie Wood. Both founders have close friends or family members who have or are surviving cancer. It is through those personal experiences that they have created Juno's unique support model– a foundation that strives to honor survivors by helping other lesbians who may not have the support they need to battle their illness.

An individual does not get cancer, a family does. So, when you donate or support the Juno Foundation, you provide renewed hope for all our sisters living with cancer. Juno believes we can share of ourselves, come together and make a difference.

http://www.junofoundation.org/

2) Let's wait at least a week before we comment that "some people say" that Tony Snow's "cancer" was just a ploy to derail John Edwards' campaign.

[Kelly Rupert]

48. The news actually made me cry a bit.

I have never been a fan of his performance, but nobody--nobody--deserves cancer.

[spooky3]

49. Healing vibes to Mr. Snow, Ms. Edwards and anyone else in need

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[The Backlash Cometh]

50. Sha-it.

[On the Road]

51. He Went to My College

Davidson. Made it easier for me to see him as a person This is too bad.

[mmonk]

52. Sorry to hear that.

My thoughts go out to him and his family.

[Norwood]

53. Very sad, truly a disease that transcends politics

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr.Snow and his family. I dont agree with the mans politics or just about anything he says, but no one deserves to go through this.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

54. Perfect time for Bush to declare war on cancer instead of another

country. I have thought for a long time how wonderful it would be
if a candidate actually did this.

War on Cancer. War on Alzheimers !!!

[bdamomma]

94. yea, * should try saving people instead of giving them their

death warrants.

[alcibiades_mystery]

98. The Next War, by Wilfred Owen

War's a joke for me and you,
While we know such dreams are true.
SIEGFRIED SASSOON

Out there, we've walked quite friendly up to Death;
Sat down an eaten with him, cool and bland, -
Pardoned his spilling mess-tins in our hand.
We've sniffed the green thick odour of his breath, -
Our eyes wept, but our courage didn't writhe.
He's spat at us with bullets and he's coughed
Shrapnel. We chorused when he sang aloft;
We whistled while he shaved us with his scythe.

Oh, Death was never enemy of ours!
We laughed at him, we leagued with him, old chum.
No soldier's paid to kick against his powers.
We laughed, knowing that better men would come,
And greater wars; when each proud fighter brags
He wars on Death - for lives; not men - for flags.

[lildreamer316]

55. I am so sorry for him.

I wish him strength through all this.

[bluedog]

56. hope for the best for him

I may not agree with his policies and his actions at the press briefings.......but he was hired to do a job.even if it means lting.........
I believe the stress of this constant defending someone has got to drag down your system in some way.
My thoughts go out to him and his family..

[mindfulNJ]

58. sad sad news

:(

condolences to Mr.Snow, his family and friends...stay strong.

[TZ]

59. sad indeed

And when cancer gets into the liver,or pancreas its usually not long till the end. A cousin of mine passed away less than 60 days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I hope he does the right thing today and resigns his position to be with his family.:(

[ellacott]

67. This is very sad news

Liver mets are indeed dire. I had a cousin who had pancreatic cancer and did very well for 2 years with no evidence of cancer. It was on a part of the pancreas that they could remove. After 2 years she got mets to the liver and bones and lived less than a month after that.

Another friend of mine has been battling colon cancer for about 2 years. He's had a large portion of his colon removed and hasn't been diagnosed with any mets yet.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Tony and his family.

[Horse with no Name]

68. That would strictly be his decision

of course. If he chooses to stay in his job that is fine.
HOWEVER..remembering WHAT a heated position his job is, sympathy simply cannot be a factor when trying to get the truth out of the WH.

[TZ]

73. yes, whichis why I think its in his best interests to resign immediately

because he may have only limited time left and I would hate to see anyone spend their last days/weeks/months dealing with the political bullshit from all sides, whatever else I think of him as a spokesman for the WH.

[Czolgosz]

60. No one should suffer what he's going through right now.

[myrna minx]

61. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

:hug:

[deutsey]

I'm very sorry to hear this

My prayers go out to him and his family. How horrible...

[RFKHumphreyObama]

63. My thoughts, prayers, best wishes and positive vibes are with Mr Snow

and his family tonight. I wish him the absolute best

[NashVegas]

65. That's a Shame

At least he got his dream gig.

[Name removed]

69. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[I Have A Dream]

70. That's too bad. I ask that all available light and healing energy...

be sent to him to help him to fight this.

:(

[Lone_Star_Dem]

75. My thoughts are with his him and his family

I hope they all find the strength they'll need to get through this.

[JitterbugPerfume]

76. this is very sad

liver cancer is a nightmare

[sabbat hunter]

115. there is a difference though

it isnt liver cancer, it is colon cancer that has spread to his liver. I dont know if that makes it more treatable, but it might as the cells can be differentiated and thus treatments can be aimed at the mass easier.

[deadparrot]

77. I'm no fan of the man's politics,

but I wish him the best. Wouldn't wish cancer on my worst enemy. Hope he's doing okay, physically and mentally.

[Beausoir]

79. Young guy...young children. How awful and shocking.

To get the rug pulled out from under your life like that.
It's hard to grasp.

[gravity]

80. Does anyone know the success rates for treating liver cancer?

[napi21]

102. When I googled liver cancer, this type has less than 10% survival

rate. It's a very sad story, and also a rapidly spreading disease.

God bless you Tony.

[WiseButAngrySara]

105. Depends on many factors apparently. If lymph nodes are

involved, the tumor burden in the liver (whether single metastatic focus or multiple liver mets, male sex (worse prognosis),if the surgical liver margin is involved, and the degree of differentiation of the primary colon cancer.

http://www.google.com/search?q=metastic+colon+cancer+liver+morbidity&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&ie=utf8&oe=utf8

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1493991
Abstract
Hepatic resection of metastasis from colorectal carcinoma. Morbidity, mortality, and pattern of recurrence.
To identify the factors that determine the morbidity and mortality of liver resection of metastases from colorectal carcinoma and the variables that may influence the pattern of recurrence, the survival time and the disease-free rate, a univariate and-multivariate statistical analysis (30 variables using Student's t-test, Fischer's exact test, and chi square test) was performed. Intraoperative blood loss of greater than 3500 ml was found to be a significant risk factor to developing postoperative complications (p less than 0.05 by x2). After a mean follow-up of 25.8 months, 26 of the 35 patients studied (74%) had recurrent disease. In the univariate analysis, the following factors appear to be reliable predictors of early recurrence: poor degree of differentiation of the primary colorectal tumor, the presence of multiple liver metastases, the male gender, and the presence of tumor at the margin of the resected hepatic tissue (p less than 0.05). However, only the latter two factors appeared also to affect the survival time and the disease-free rates at 2 years after hepatic resection of metastases (p less than 0.05). In the multivariate analysis (factors tested simultaneously), presence of an advanced liver metastatic disease (Stage II or III) consistently indicated early recurrence and poor survival (p less than 0.005). The liver was the most common site of recurrence as the sole site of recurrence (54%) or in combination with other sites (88%)--followed by the lungs (31%) and the site of colonic resection (8%). Twenty-nine (83%), 14 (40%), and nine (26%) patients survived without recurrent disease at 1, 2, and 3 or more years, respectively, after hepatic resection of metastases. In six patients (17%), no significant palliation was noted, primarily because of early recurrence (less than 6 months). From this data, resection of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer appears to offer a realistic therapeutic option to a selected group of patients, but only if the resective procedure can be performed with an operative mortality rate of less than 5%.


http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/101523133/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
There are few 5-year survivors after liver resection, with or without lymph node dissection, for colorectal hepatic metastases involving the hepatic lymph nodes. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
http://www2.mdanderson.org/depts/oncolog/articles/06/4-apr/4-06-1.html
Redefining Unresectable Disease
Strategies for Treating Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer
by Sunni Hosemann
Certain cancers tend to spread to favorite sites. Breast cancer, for example, has a tendency to metastasize to the bone or lung, and lung cancer tends to metastasize to the brain. Colorectal cancer commonly metastasizes to the liver; the appearance of liver metastases has long been regarded as an ominous sign and is a leading cause of colorectal cancer–related morbidity and mortality.
In fully one-third of patients who die of colorectal cancer, metastatic disease is found only in the liver—meaning that effectively treating liver metastases could make a huge difference for many patients.
Patients who undergo surgical resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer have a higher survival rate than those who undergo other treatments, and some are truly cured of cancer. Now, doctors are finding ways to make liver resection an option for more patients.
Dr. Abdalla launched a study to look more closely at the relationship between rates of recurrence and survival in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases and the aggressive treatments the patients received at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, or chemotherapy).
Again, what Dr. Abdalla and his colleagues found was noteworthy: patients who underwent surgical resection as a primary treatment fared significantly better—in terms of both survival and recurrence—than those who received other primary treatments. Despite advances in chemotherapy, it alone was insufficient: few patients who received chemotherapy as their sole treatment reached the 5-year survival mark, even when metastatic disease was limited to the liver. Survival rates (less than 20% at 5 years) for patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation alone or a combination of radiofrequency ablation and resection paled in comparison with the 5-year survival rate of 58% for patients whose lesions were surgically resected.
Intrigued by the benefit of aggressive approaches to hepatic resection for colorectal metastases, Dr. Abdalla and his colleagues delved further, this time looking only at patients who had solitary liver tumors and who had been treated and undergone thorough radiologic follow-up at M. D. Anderson. Focusing the study on this population ensured the highest standard of documentation for procedures and recurrences. What the researchers found was astonishing: resection of solitary colorectal metastasis was associated with a 5-year survival rate of 71.5%.
“This survival rate for patients with stage IV colon cancer is remarkable,” Dr. Abdalla said. “Furthermore, those who remain disease free at 7 years frequently stay that way, and some may actually be cured.” In fact, the 5-year disease-free survival rate in this study was 50%. This improved outcome has encouraged the development of methods to further expand the limits of safe hepatic resection for more patients.

The major limiting factor for hepatic resection has traditionally been the volume of metastatic disease in the liver. There is a limit to how much liver can be removed before liver function is too severely impaired. Multiple lesions, large lesions, and lesions affecting multiple lobes of the liver have long been considered to be unresectable. Dr. Abdalla and his colleagues have taken a different approach to determining the resectability of liver tumors: they have shifted away from the analysis of tumor size and number and now focus on how much of the liver will remain after surgery. This new way of thinking allows the doctors to explore different ways to shift a patient’s status from unresectable to resectable.

[Hepburn]

81. Oh, man....

...that is a really bad situation. Not good, not good at all.

Sorry to hear this.

[Pacifist Patriot]

82. How horrible. Such news always sends shivers down my spine.

[knitter4democracy]

83. Oh no. That's very, very bad. I'm so sorry.

It's often very painful, too. Once in the liver, it often spreads throughout the rest of the abdomen, which is painful and awful.

I'll pray for him, his family, and his medical team. I hope his pain is controlled as much as possible and that they figure out how to help him best.

[MissB]

84. Very sad.

I wish him and his family much peace in the weeks/months ahead.

[johnnie]

86. Terrible news

I wish this on nobody.

[Dr. Death]

87. Very sad.

Sorry to hear it. As much as we all dislike this administration, no one wants something like this to happen.

[KiraBS]

88. That is terrible and actually worse than

Elizabeth Edwards at least has time on her side.
A friend of mine had bone cancer but it was when it got into the liver that it killed her.

[AllieB]

89. Best Wishes to Tony Snow and his family

I hope he resigns and gets the rest that he needs to recover.

[Jacobin]

91. Terrible news

If that is in fact the case (spread to liver) I think the mortality rates are very nearly 100%

[Renew Deal]

92. I hope he gets better quick.

Other than that, .........

[blondeatlast]

110. He won't, and he'll endure terrible pain with and without treatment.

But you're "good wishes" are duly noted.

[SnowGoose]

93. Best wishes and a dose of cold, hard truth

I send out best wishes for comfort and healing to Mr. Snow.

I wouldn't wish cancer on... hell, I wouldn't wish it on W himself (Only enlightenment and realization of what his life has been up to this point would be adequate punishment for him.).

Mrs Goose and I recently spent a few weeks taking care of my father after he had extensive surgery to remove a cancer from his head and neck. It's a cruel and unrelenting disease.

It's time for a war on cancer, as another poster has said upthread.

Sadly, however, the Bush administration has proposed cutting the National Cancer Institute's funding by 40 million dollars in 2007. See: http://thinkprogress.org/2007/01/18/bush-cancer/

These are the cold, hard facts, and my sympathy for all Mr. Snow and his family are going through does not change them.

[tandot]

97. This is bad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family

More effort and money has to go into cancer research. There has to be a way to stop it.

[Neecy]

100. terrible news

The public really needs to begin agitating for increased funding for cancer research. Progress has been made in treatment but more needs to be done.

Sending all good thoughts to Mr. Snow and his family.

[ms liberty]

101. I am so sorry to hear this...

I disagree with virtually everything he believes about politics and government. But this goes far beyond politics. I would not wish this on anyone and I'll say a prayer for Tony and his family, and I wish him all the best. I am a 9 year and counting breast cancer survivor, and a few years ago my best friend lost here life to leukemia at age 44. Cancer still affects and kills too many people. Dammit.

[flyarm]

104. so so sad....i wish him pain free time and time to do what he wants with his life..

no matter his choices..they are his and his alone!!

As someone who was with Andy and saw the horrible pain..and the fear and anger at losing the life he loved so dearly..i hope all here can give Tony Snow respect...and caring that was stolen form Andy at the end from some sick human beings..please say prayers for Tony Snow..and show him the dignity he should be given..

Dignity is the most important thing all who have this kind of diagnosis should get with no strings attached..nor qualifications.


Tony Snow will have my respect and my prayers.

I will wish him pain free time and a miracle.

His family will have my prayers as well.

fly

[WiseButAngrySara]

106. What a thoughtful post. As most of these are. Thank you. ....n/t

[YvonneCa]

107. Elizabeth Edwards doesn't want cancer to win...

...and I hope Tony Snow fights it, too. Family before politics...Humanity before politics. Bless you, Tony Snow and family.

[tavalon]

108. I'm sorry for Tony Snow

He's a creep but nobody deserves that.

[EstimatedProphet]

109. That is bad.

That's what got my grandfather.

My sincerest condolences to Mr. Snow. He is going to have a tough road ahead of him.

[blogslut]

112. That's a shame

Cancer is an asshole.

[wryter2000]

114. So sorry to hear that

I'm wishing all the best for him and his family.

[denese]

116. Blessings on him

I am so uplifted to read all of the wonderful comments and outpouring of sympathy here.
I was almost afraid to open this thread, DU can be brutal sometimes. I am so pleased to see this offering of love and prayers.
I would like to add mine, May Creator bring peace and healing to Mr. Snow, and to all who struggle with this horrible disease and their families.
After all, we are all related.
Mitak oyasin
Denese

[grannylib]

192. I have a t-shirt with that on it

:-) Got it at a youth gathering with kids from my church years ago.

[ComerPerro]

117. I'm just gonna say, Lucky for him he is very rich

[Nimrod2005]

120. That sucks....Prayers and well wished to Tony, stay strong pal!!!

[SusanaMontana41]

121. Very sad news

Best wishes to Tony and his family.

Cancer is a beast.

[Marie26]

122. I'm sorry to hear that.

That's very bad news.

[Dave From Canada]

124. I don't know a lot about cancer, but isn't liver cancer pretty much game over?

[Rosemary2205]

125. God Bless Tony Snow and his loved ones. nt

[Terri S]

126. I'd like to add my heartfelt prayers

to all the others here for Mr. Snow and his family... and to all who face this beastly disease.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

127. prayers to the cosmos for Tony Snow.

i hope he and his family find peace.

[Joe Fields]

130. I am sorry for Tony Snow's family. That's the best I can do.

[GenDem]

131. Heartfelt prayers for Tony Snow and his family. n/t

[huskerlaw]

132. That's horrible.

Politics has nothing to do with it...I wish the best for him and his family.

[slj0101]

133. Here's to a full recovery for Mr. Snow.

Regardless of who you are, who you work for, or what your politics are, the right thing to do is hope for the best in situations like this.

[Frank Cannon]

135. I can't stand the SOB, and yet I strangely feel sorry for him

I wouldn't wish what he's going through on my worst enemy. As despicable as he his, neither he nor his family deserve this.

I sincerely hope he gets better.

[AikidoSoul]

136. DUers very genererous comments. I'm not that sympathetic

to Snow who can well afford the most advanced cancer treatments in the world -- unlike at least 40% of U.S. citizens.

I suspect though that Snow is very likely predisposed for going with established treatments which are too often deadly.

I know of many people who have used only alternative treatments and survived -- even bone cancer! The only cancer that is impossible to get rid of it seems is pancreatic cancer -- although Nicholas Gonzales, MD has developed extraordinary alternative therapies that greatly improve quality of life and extended years for pancreatic cancer patients. This has been well tested by establishment docs and scientists even at IOM.

RE liver cancer: Early cancers can be treated by resection (surgical removal) -- destruction of the individual tumors, or by liver transplantation.

[rndmprsn]

137. wow, this is sad...

even though i spend half my time yelling at the TV when he is on...i don't wish this on anyone (well almost anyone).

prayers for you tony snow.

rndm

[windbreeze]

139. Sorry, Mr. Snow...best wishes for you

and compassion for your family...Take care...Just watched a friend die of cancer a month ago...devastating to all...horrid disease..wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, let alone someone I don't know...feeling great sorrow upon hearing this news...
windbreeze

[sniffa]

140. that's awfuL

sooooo, he's stepping down?

[Spiffarino]

141. All politics aside

Pray for this man and his family. He is going through a hell nobody should endure, yet many do.

:hug: Tony.

[Ganja Ninja]

144. What a shame.

You have my deepest sympathy Tony.

[Richard Steele]

145. Liver? Not good. Sympathies to Mr. Snow and his family. nm

[SeattleGirl]

146. Ah, jeez. I'm so sorry to hear this.

Best wishes to Tony and his family.

[Little Wing]

147. He has been looking pretty damn gaunt recently

and we all thought it was due to the questioning.

I don't like him, don't like what he does, how he does it, or what he's done in the past, but for this and only this he has my sympathies.

[Blue_In_AK]

148. I'm sorry to hear that.

While I obviously don't agree with his politics or his shilling for the administration, I wouldn't wish cancer on anybody.

[Nutmegger]

151. Damn fucking cancer.

I hate this disease with a passion.

I wish Tony Snow all the best. It's a very sad situation.

I don't wish this disease on anybody.

[spoony]

164. Me too

That damned big C, that scourge. Can you imagine if we'd poured those billions upon billions of Iraq War dollars into research and health care? I feel like smacking my head on the desk. So damn frustrating.

[Singular73]

Prayers for Snow

[Singular73]

152. Prayers for Snow

[steve2470]

153. God bless you Tony and your family

I wish you a speedy recovery.

[watercolors]

154. I am sorry to hear that,

I wish no one had to deal with such a life threatening illness. Lost a friend to same, so difficult to watch him lose the battle.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

155. I feel for him and his family,

even though I abhor his politics. My eldest brother died of colon cancer in April, 2003. He was only 56 and the best big brother a girl ever had.

[City Lights]

156. I hope he finds peace.

My thoughts go out to him and his family. :-(

[Lorien]

157. Very sad

I hate hearing this stuff. I may disagree with his politics, but cancer is a hell that no one deserves (except maybe an insurance exec who continually refuses cancer treatments to those who need it). Good karma to Mr. Snow and his family.

[faithnotgreed]

158. i certainly add my prayers for tony and family

[ClusterFreak]

159. I wonder if a thread paralleling this one re: Elizabeth Edwards...

...exists anywhere on Free Republic?

Kudos to you, LiberalHeart, for starting this one.

Cancer is the scourge of all humankind.

[judaspriestess]

160. that sucks for him

I wonder if Katie Couric is going to interview him and be just as harsh with him as she was with Elizabeth Edwards or is it going to be a tribute to what a great job he has done.

Hopefully he will recover regardless if he is the spokesperson for the evil empire.

[DesertRat]

161. Very sad. My prayers are with Tony and his family. n/t

[Ikonoklast]

165. Damn.

No one deserves that, no matter what. I wonder if the stupendous amount of money spent on the war was spent on medical research these last four years, what diseases could we have found a treatment or a cure?

A good friend of mine died two months after being diagnosed with liver cancer two years ago this month. He was 54, with a 14 yr. old daughter at home. He was a good guy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Snow and his family. May they find peace.

[Marr]

167. I truly don't mean to seem callous, but- there is actual news happening today.

This criminal government may very well be prepping to attack Iran- a move that is bound to have even more disastrous implications than their Iraq fraud.

Tony Snow is ill, I got it. Anna Nicole Smith is still dead. I understand. I just wish our media could occasionally cover relevant news.

[DIKB]

173. Completely different.

24hr News on Anna Nicole Smith Post death coverage = Tabloid style media

Announcement that the Press Secretary for the pResident has cancer = News

I can understand anger at "news" about Paris Hilton, Lohan, Smith, etc. That crap is force-fed to us b/c they believe our lives are so pathetic, that we define ourselves by worshipping at the altar of "celebrity."

News about an actual public-service figure, who technically is IN OUR EMPLOY (much to our chagrin) is relevant. Yes, there are "More important Stories," but if the current propaganda-spewing mouthpiece of this admin were to just disappear without explanation, I'd want answers.

[Marr]

177. It's worth a mention, yes- but the news I've seen is

devoting alot more time to this than necessary, IMHO.

[DIKB]

187. There's your problem

I quit watching news a long time ago, the only time I see it on is in the lounge at work (and even then it's too much celebrity chasing BS)

If you have to watch tv, I'd suggest C-Span, PBS, or BBC with a little Jon Stewart, KO, and Colbert on the side.

Personally, DU is my news source, I spend so much time catching up on pertinent information in GD, and the Greatest page, that I rarely have time for anything else.

[etherealtruth]

171. Terrible, terrible news

[mikelewis]

172. Prayers and best wishes to him and his family.

[Raine]

175. Positive thoughts to Mr. Snow. nt

[buddinganarchist]

176. Let's not be political now.,

Yes, not good.

[imax2268]

179. as much as I dislike the guy...

I wish him well...

[Cetacea]

180. Our thought and prayers are with you, Sir. eom

[SethInUpstateNY]

181. Terrible news.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

[lse7581011]

184. May God Bless Him And His Family! n/t

[live love laugh]

185. Biting my tongue....n/t

[checks-n-balances]

186. KO saying tonight he and Tony have maintained friendship via email

It was quite a moving tribute.

Sad to hear of the recurring cancer, especially being in the liver - God's peace to him and his family.

[Digit]

188. I heard the news on the radio this afternoon and admit I shed a tear

My heart goes out to anyone dealing with such a horrible disease.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

189. Horrible man, but horrible disease as well.

I'm sorry for the pain his family must be going through regarding this.

[grannylib]

190. I was really saddened to hear that; wouldn't wish that on anyone. Prayers

and all good wishes for your health, Tony...fight that bastard. And win.
Thoughts and prayers with your wife, children and all your family and friends as well.

[Triana]

191. OMG. This is horrible for him and his family...

...I understand he has three kids. My heart goes out to these folks. I do hope he can manage to stick around a lot longer. I don't like the guy, but I'd NEVER wish this on anyone. Not even GWB.

Sending best wishes to Tony...

[Hekate]

194. KO was very kind to Tony tonight, generous with his praise and friendship...

That counts for a lot.

This is a cruel disease. I wish Tony Snow and his family all the best.

Hekate

[LeftishBrit]

197. Terrible news. I do hope he can beat the odds.

We are all on the same side when it comes to the fight between humans and terrible diseases.