newly diagnosed

My Mother was recently diagnosed with GBC, which has spread into her Abdominal Cavity, but to what extent we do not know. This last week she had to have the Stent placed into her Bile Duct due to the blockage caused by the abdominal mass. It was to be a routine Gallbladder removeal when it was discovered, and we have been told that removing the Gallbladder is not an option, and that we are looking at about 3-6 months for her life expectancy.  Is there anyone else in this boat with us? Is there any hope? We are told that Chemo is a good option for her? Is is really?

Please see message I wrote 5/28. BM

On 5/18/2009 4cr8ion wrote:

My Mother was recently diagnosed with GBC, which has spread into her Abdominal Cavity, but to what extent we do not know. This last week she had to have the Stent placed into her Bile Duct due to the blockage caused by the abdominal mass. It was to be a routine Gallbladder removeal when it was discovered, and we have been told that removing the Gallbladder is not an option, and that we are looking at about 3-6 months for her life expectancy.  Is there anyone else in this boat with us? Is there any hope? We are told that Chemo is a good option for her? Is is really?

Hi;. I have gallbladder cancer, too. You didn't mention your mother's age or general physical condition -- but usually the chemo options for GBC aren't too bad in terms of side-effects (knowing however that everyone reacts differently). It sounds like chemo might possibly buy her some more time, and if she tolerates the treatment pretty well, it could be good quality time. Ask your doctors, and good luck! You are in my thoughts.

Thank you for your reply.

My Mom is 84 years old, and has been in good health up until now, and was quite active. Doesn't look near her age. It has been confirmed that she has Mastastic (sp?)Neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma. It is in her Gallbladder, abdominal lining, behind her colon, and I believe in the pelvic area as well, and in the Lymph nodes of her stomach. This type of Cancer, as we're told, is quite rare and aggressive. With Chemo, she would lose her hair (not a big deal) and they said that they have meds to possibly help with the nausea, should she decide to do Chemo. She is scheduled to begin tomorrow, and has decided to call and say, "Not today."  She wants quality right now. She is so unsure with feeling the way she does right now. She's already having a hard time with keeping food down, even with everything being low fat/fat free. She lost 16 pounds in the first 2 weeks, and a pound this last week. Though we know that times and medicines have changed immencely, the only thing that we have to compare it to is when my Dad suffered so much with his battle against Leukemia back in '75. His Chemo was a terrible violation against his body. He suffered so and lost his fight in 1981.  

Anything in way of encouragement? How are you doing? What type of GBC do you have? I am so sorry that you are on this journey as well. 

I can't seem to get to it. Sorry.

On 6/7/2009 4cr8ion wrote:

Thank you for your reply.

My Mom is 84 years old, and has been in good health up until now, and was quite active. Doesn't look near her age. It has been confirmed that she has Mastastic (sp?)Neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma. It is in her Gallbladder, abdominal lining, behind her colon, and I believe in the pelvic area as well, and in the Lymph nodes of her stomach. This type of Cancer, as we're told, is quite rare and aggressive. With Chemo, she would lose her hair (not a big deal) and they said that they have meds to possibly help with the nausea, should she decide to do Chemo. She is scheduled to begin tomorrow, and has decided to call and say, "Not today."  She wants quality right now. She is so unsure with feeling the way she does right now. She's already having a hard time with keeping food down, even with everything being low fat/fat free. She lost 16 pounds in the first 2 weeks, and a pound this last week. Though we know that times and medicines have changed immencely, the only thing that we have to compare it to is when my Dad suffered so much with his battle against Leukemia back in '75. His Chemo was a terrible violation against his body. He suffered so and lost his fight in 1981.  

Anything in way of encouragement? How are you doing? What type of GBC do you have? I am so sorry that you are on this journey as well. 

Hello again. I have read your response and am not sure what to say. It sounds like your mother has an aggressive widespread cancer, but I am not very family with neuroendocrine cancers and their treatment and/or prognosis. Her gall bladder appears to be involved, but her cancer, I think, is not a primary gallbladder cancer. Mine is, and that is where my knowledge and experience is. I say keep wide open to research and treatment options, go all over the internet and ask questions everywhere, but also prepare yourself for the possibility that what you may be facing for your mother is palliative (not curative) care: that is, keeping your mother comfortable and in the best condition possible for as long as possible. Above all, most importantly, support her in whatever choices and decisions she makes. BTW, Zofran is a good anti-nausea drug, for effects of chemo, or just for other nausea. Prayers out to you and your mother.