Our Mom's Cancer

Our mother, aged 70, was diagnosed with bile duct cancer that has metastisized to her liver and her hepatic artery.  She will be going to MD Anderson in 10 days but they have told her that her type is operable.  She is Stage III but so far has remained jaundice free. Has anyone had this same experience either themselves or with a family member?  What can my family expect? Our emotions have been on a roller coaster ride.

Hello, my name is Sylvie and my father got the Whipple operation in June 2006 and it was very difficult but possible to make it.  He is ok today but still smokes and does not eat well and has been complaining about his digestion lately and a back pain but I don't know anything else but that he has been feeling great since the operation...my dad is 68 years old.

good luck and support her after the operation...my dad did not want to eat because of the medication given to him after the operation but now he eat too much and not well and this could be the problem of happening again

sylvie 

Thanks Sylvie

From what I have read I don't think that our mom is a candidate for the Whipple procedure but we will take whatever hope there is until we are told that there is no more hope.  This type of cancer defies all the "norms" of cancer and that is what is so frustrating about this whole thing.  Please encourge your dad to stop smoking and to try to eat healthfully - those 2 things can make a world of difference on his health and his outcome. 

 Where there is life, there is hope.  Let's pray for a treatment for this devastating cancer.

Marcia3

On 1/29/2008 Marcia3 wrote:

Our mother, aged 70, was diagnosed with bile duct cancer that has metastisized to her liver and her hepatic artery.  She will be going to MD Anderson in 10 days but they have told her that her type is operable.  She is Stage III but so far has remained jaundice free. Has anyone had this same experience either themselves or with a family member?  What can my family expect? Our emotions have been on a roller coaster ride.

 HI,

My husband is 59 yrs. old.  He  became jaundis,  they put two stints in.  They then found out he had  Bile Duct Cancer and  had the Whipple Procedure done, 7/07 .  They took out part of his stomach, 40% of his pancreas, all of his gall bladder and 31 lymph nodes.  The cancer was in the Bile Duct, tumor on top of the pancreas, 2 lymph nodes.  My husband has done remarkably well from the operation.  I cannot believe he can still pee, poop and fart, as I say. 

Well, in Oct.07 he started chemo. with the medicine Gemzar, 3 cycles and then Radiation with Five FU for 7 weeks, 5 days a week , 3 week break and started back up with Chemo. 4 weeks ago and will be done with Chemo March 08.  His levels have been good.  The treaments have been making his incision weep, is on an antibiotic right now but they said there is no infection deep inside. 

So with the operation and chemo. eating has been tough.  More mostly due to taking part of his stomach out.  He cannot acclamate himself to eating small meals more frequently.  He also does better without eating alot of sugar, sweets and such, due to the pancreas.  It has been alot of trail and error.  He lost 60 lbs. from the operation.  He did need to loose weight BUT not that way.

 He had the operation done at Mass. General in Boston.  TOP, TOP facility and Dr. that operated.   

I definatley know how all of you are feeling.  I just started on this web site a short time ago.  It has been so helpful.  I am so glad you got on it too.  Please, if I can help with anything.

Nanc

Thank you so much for your story - I know that you both are going through so much emotionally and physically.  I guess my new mantra is "Where there is life, there is hope".  My sisters, dad and I have to stay strong for her and our families.  That is one of the tenacles of this horrible disease that no one talks alot about - when I have my meltdowns my husband and kids are the ones that have to deal with ME.....I know this website will become a lifeline to others that know and understand the situation. 

 Stay strong - for yourself and your husband.

On 1/31/2008 Marcia3 wrote:

Thank you so much for your story - I know that you both are going through so much emotionally and physically.  I guess my new mantra is "Where there is life, there is hope".  My sisters, dad and I have to stay strong for her and our families.  That is one of the tenacles of this horrible disease that no one talks alot about - when I have my meltdowns my husband and kids are the ones that have to deal with ME.....I know this website will become a lifeline to others that know and understand the situation. 

 Stay strong - for yourself and your husband.

Hi,

Your quote is right on the money.  Staying strong!!!!!!.  Great website for that. 

PLease, Please one minute at a time.

Take Care.

Hi Everyone,

My dad passed just recently 01/26/08 from this terrible cancer. I found this website to also be helpful too www.cholangiocarcinoma.org It is designed specifically for Cholangiocarcinoma and several doctors are listed on there who specialize in this cancer.

 Tiff