Has anyone survived gallbladder cancer?

My mother passed away in November of gallbladder to liver cancer.....just wondering if anyone has had the ultimate fortune of surviving this beast?

Well, my dad had his cancer discovered in '05.  Had surgery, then it came back last spring.  Chemo has had a good effect so far, with only one small spot remaining as of last December.  This week we have the latest scan and get the results in the first week of March.  In short, three and a half years later he's still here and looks to have a shot at a remission (though that is often ust temporary).  Gall bladder/bile duct cancer is, as you said, a beast.  One day at a time I guess.

Yes, for some reason I have so far. I am in my 7th year with wit stage 4 gallbladder cancer. God must be keeping me around to help others. Bill M

You just made my day and put a big smile on my face Billy....God Bless You!

One day at a time is right.  God Bless your father and walk beside him on this quest.

My mom was diagnosed with stage IV gallbladder cancer, I would love to know what treatments you have undergone to survive 7 years, they have only given her a possible 3-7 months.

WOW Bill M, I'm so blessed to hear your testimony of surviving this beast. My father was diagnosed of Gallbladder cancer in January- He's been on Gemcitabine, but we discovered last week that it hasn't worked and the scan showed small spots on his lungs. Apart from the scary news, he's holding up fine, has an appetite, still strong and taking each day as it comes. The doctors want him to continue treatment since his blood results have been consistently good as well as his immune system. I pray God will bring him through the way he did you. God bless you sooo much

 Linda

Regarding your 7 year survival with gallbladder cancer it would be helpful to have some specific information.

 What was your treatment?

Where was your treatment?

How long was your treatment?

 Did you have surgery?

Thank you. 

I was diagnosed with stage iv cancer in March 2007 (so extensive - lungs, liver, gallbladder, bowel, colon, peritoneum, and lymph nodes in throat, neck, groin and abdomin -  they couldn't tell the exact source but the biopsies and pathology reports identified it as adeno carcinoma of the gallbladder).  Systemic treatment with chemo (oxaliplatin, xeloda, and avastin)  killed 80% of the cancer, making surgery possible and for which I pleaded.  Surgery on July 11 2007 to remove the gallbladder, two segments of liver, lymph glands, and opening up the bowel and colon but luckily the cancer cells  were necrotic from the chemo. Surgery was followed by four more months of aggressive chemo.  CT scans (every three months) have been clear.  I feel wonderful, and continue to have Avastin every three weeks (am on the 27th cycle). Every day is a blessing.

Your story is sad as well as very much encouraging for me. My mom has just been diagnosed with stage IV Gallbladder cancer. The cancer has not spread very much. Just one 1 x 0.8 cm nodule in abdomen, liver edge where Gallbladder is attached to liver and very few surrounding lymphnodes. Nothing else. 

Doctors are plannig to start her on Gemzar and cisplatin. Lets see what happens later. 

Please keep my mom in your prayers.

Hi torontoguy,

 my mum just recently diagnoesd with GBC. Doctor did the surgery to remove her gallbladder and we were told that her cancer is at stage 2B or 3.

What stage was your father's GBC when he first diagnosed? Did he do the surgery to remove her gallbladder and part of the liver? Did he do any radiation?

Also, since he has been thru this for about 4 years, can you advise what kind of treatment he is on and what kind of diet he is on? As you know GBC is so aggressive, we just want to make sure we are on the right track from treatment to diet.

Your advise or info would be very much appreciated.

thanks

wt