Klatskin's Tumor (Upper Bile Duct Cancer)

My father had surgery one month ago to remove a blockage in his bile duct and cancer was found, Most of the bile duct and and the entire gall bladder were removed. There remains a positive margin at the right positior portion of the duct, which connects to the liver. The cancer has spread to one lymph node, which freaked me out, but the doctor seems more concerned about the margin in the duct and says it most likely will spread there.

The doctor says the cancer will recurr in one to two years. My dad is in denial now, but I think this is good since he is about to start radiation. WE were told this tumor is not chemo sensitive.

Does anyone have any information on Klatskins (upper dile duct) cancer? He is only 69. I thought he'd live to his 80's :(  Thank you for your help.

Debbi 

Hallo Debbi,

My name is Iris, I am 61 years old and live in the Netherlands. I'm very sorry to hear about your father's illness. Two weeks ago, my husband was diagnosed with a Klatskin tumor. He is going into surgery within two weeks from now and it is not clear yet whether or not the tumor can be removed completely.

Since I heard this terrible news, I went on line to sites in Europe and USA. This is a horrible cancer. The moment it gets discovered, it has almost allways grown so far, that chances for the future are not good. My husband is a young looking, very sportive guy. Doesnot drink or smook, sports a lot. So you never count on anything like this.

From what I read thusfar, if they cannot remove the complete cancer, the life-prediction is between 2-4 years. On a German site I read the story of a Klatskin-survivor. He underwent surgery in 2002 and his latest mail was from June 2006. To be honest to you, if we could get 4 more years, I consider us very lucky and we are going to enjoy those years.

I hope your father will be so strong as to come to realize that every day from now is worthwhile living and loving. I hope very much that you and the rest of the family can be strong too. I wish you all the best and if you want to keep me informed, I'm very much willing to listen to you.

Iris.