Diagnosed 6 weeks ago

Please pray for my elderly Dad who has intrahepatic CC with multi-lobular liver mets. He was, what seemed a healthy man, until falling ill in late July this year (weak, appetite loss, belly pinches). He got a temp plastic stent in early August, which was then replaced by a permanent metal one a couple weeks later at our local multi-disciplinary cancer center. With presence of multiple mets in liver, he was not a candidate for surgery and/or radiation (only chemo offered). Only Gem without Cis was planned due to weak functional state at presentation. He received only one infusion in early September, but three days later was ill. Hospital found severe thigh blood clot and possibly in lung; also renal dysfunction and low blood pressure, all accompanied by a heavy, very painful distended belly of fluid. When stabilized, plan was to try to get strong enough for chemo resumption, but several days in rehab did not improve his weakness and difficulty walking without walker/assitance. He was transferred to cancer center for paracentesis, with much fluid removed (about two gallons worth). They are keeping him comfortable with pain management. He slept alot after procedure. Liver and kidney blood level numbers were not too good a few days ago. He is on fluids and albumin. Social worker & palliative care encouraged DNR papers, but I could not sign due to crying.

I did get a remote second opinion from top liver doc at Cleveland Clinic; was told this was palliative care at best. If there were a dramatic response to chemo, to call him.

I am distraught about how this CC has blind-sided my formerly strong father and my family, especially to see how quickly this disease has progressed & watching the decline. We have to think about comfort care/hospice, etc. and where to have this.