New To This

Merry Christmas!   My sister was recently diagnosed. No treatment yet because we've been dealing with DVT (deep vein thrombosis) which is really how her cancer was diagnosed along with swollen lymph nodes. The DVT has been so bad that she has been unable to walk.  I would like some insight on what I might expect from this cancer. I am her caregiver.  We hope to begin treatment within the next week or two.  I appreciate the comments I've read so far.  We have much hope in God  and our faith is very strong.  When you read testimonies from others it just helps to reassure the hope and faith we have. 

I am so sorry for the diagnosis of GB cancer and for the DVT problems.  This is a cancer that needs to be agressively fought mainly because it is so advanced when it is found.  My dad is taking Gemzar and it is working on the size of the tumors.  The biggest daily issue is going to be eating.  I don't know if it is the chemo or the cancer or a combo of the two but dad can eat okay in the morning but very little after that.  He lives on Boost the rest of the time.  If you can keep the protein intake near 50 grams, that may hold off the muscle wasting and keep up the ability to fight the cancer.

We are also very strong in our faith with God and God has the final say so as to when he brings any of us home.  I think that each day should have wonderful memories to over-ride the worse ones.  There is a book out that is called "100 things to do before you die".  I can't remember the author but the memories may be very simple things, things that may seem so insignficant now will be so precious later.  I know that God is and will always be with you both so I am praying for the best for you.

Charlotte

Hi - so sorry for your sister's diagnosis.  It is a horrible, aggressive cancer so you need to be very proactive.  My mom was diagnosed in May with virtually no symptoms after a routine Gallbladder surgery.  Just remember that everyone is different and it is considered a rare cancer, they do not know much about treatments, time etc.  I found that you can not take anything at face value.  Had I listened to the doctors she would not have survived more than 3 months.  We went from hospital to hospital, doctor to doctor until we found the right fit for us.  She too has been treated with Gemzar and although the tumors did not shrink, it kept the cancer at bay for almost 8 months.  The Gemzar was tough on her though, (I highly recommend the anti nausea med called EMEND) and we have now had to stop it and rely on hospice care.  I still have hope...

 Also, if she is willing to try it, I heard Flor-Essence tea can help boost the immune system.

Thank you for the comments and prayers.  My sister is about to start on xeloda.  She waw told that she is not a good candidate for aggressive chemo in clinical trials at one of the top cancer centers in TX where we had hoped to go.  Although we accepted the holding pattern we found ourselves in, we can no longer wait, so she is going to start taking Xeloda, oral chemo for 14 days on and 7 days off.