ERCP/Stent

I am 45 years old and just got the sudden news that I have cancer 5 days ago. It has been a whirlwind ever since.  Have not been given an official diagnosis or prognosis but from what I can gather from consultations and internet research I am Stage IV and most likely inoperable.

Tomorrow I am going in for an ERCP to try to put a stent in the bile duct as it is completely blocked by the tumor.  My liver is congested and backed up  and am experiencing jaundice, horrid itching and difficulty digesting most foods.

I am wondering how successful these stents are at reliveing the symptoms of liver back up, especially with complicated tumors that have grown well into the liver.  One GI specialist with a great deal of experience doing ERCPs wouldn't even touch my case based on MRI results and referred me to another hospital.

 I feel like I am in a movie.

My mother who is 82 years old had the stent put in 16 months ago, and it is still working, she has stage iii, or iv gallbladder cancer, and it has spread to her liver. She was jaundiced, and in pain, the stent saved her life, and has given her more time than they thought possible. Her doctor told her that he was surprised that she was still here. Stay strong, you don't have an expiration date stamped anywhere on you.