Info On Gemzar

My 67 year old father was diagnosed with advanced gallbladder cancer in September. The surgeon at Sloan Kettering in NY removed part of the gb, but was unable to do anything more as it has spread to his lymph nodes and bile duct... The prognosis is horrible- he has received a permanent stent and has undergone 2 months of Chemo (Gemzar) and is now getting radiation everyday for a month in conjunction with more chemo. He seems to be feeling pretty good despite it all.. I'm wondering if anyone has any encouraging information regarding success with Gemzar?

Dear Kathy,

My wife Ellen is on Gemzar. See my postings in the "my Search" directory. Gemzar by itself can help keep the cancer in check. No chemotherapy can cure this cancer. Maybe the doctors are using the Gemzar to sensitize the cancer to the radiation.

Your father's cancer doesn't seem too advanced. Stage II or III? Gemzar can be combined with several other drugs, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, Taxotere, etc. We found a woman on cancer-info dot com who survived stage IV gallbladder cancer. She was on Gemzar/Taxotere and also changed her diet significantly. She used an enzyme called "Wobenzyme". My wife is taking it now.

Hope your father coninues to improve and is cured.

Rick

Thank you Rick for sharing your information about your wife's treatment.

A close male friend has been diagnosed with gb cancer, undergone a resection of his liver and one lymph gland. Before the surgery, his surgeon told him he was at that point at stage 2 or 3, but that they wouldn't know for sure until the pathology reports came back from the resection.

Thus far, my friend has received no information and was sent home. He then received a phone call telling him to report to the Oncology department for scheduling of radiation treatments. Obviously, my friend is worried knowing so little, but this is the VA and he had no prior experience with the way they work until now.

I am most interested in your knowledge and hope you might share with me.

Sincerely,

SKS

Dear Sherrie,

Most of my information is on the "my Search" section in the gallbladder cancer message board. Your friend needs to read these boards and take action. Gallbladder cancer is very dangerous and fast moving.

No standard of care exists for this cancer. Gemzar and combinations of Gemzar with cisplatin, Taxotere, or Xeloda are common and effective.

Many clinical trials exist. Also, have your friend change his diet to all organic. You can write to me at --- Message edited by CancerCompass staff: for personal protection, email address removed. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html ---- There is a good chance of recovery with only stage 2 or 3. Learn as much as you can.

Rick

Dear Rick:
I hate to seem like a total dumb bell, but I don't quite know where to find your "search" site that you spoke of in your last message to me.
At present, my friend has had the surgical resection of the liver and one lymph node. The pathology reports did not show further spreading so the VA docs in conjunction with our OHSU Oncology people have decided to start him on chemo and radiation. This after one of the doctors had told me that even in a stage 2 or 3, chemo is basically non-effective. I haven't found out what sort of chemo they are going to use, but worry, because the patient has already lost 25 pounds since the surgery due to pain and lack of appetite.
I do so feel for you and your wife....she is a fortunate woman to have a husband like you, willing to move heaven and earth to find useful information.
Keep the faith,
Sincerely,
SKS

Dear Sherrie,

Under the gallbladder cancer section is a thread called "My Search". It is a timeline of my wife's battle.

She just got pulled off Gemzar because it didn't work for her. The cancer is growing. Now they put her on Taxotere. I can only pray that it works. We are reaching the last of our options.

Search "national comprehensive cancer network" for a member closest to you and call them. Talk to an expert.

Rick

Rich, thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my last email. I shall follow your directions.

My heart goes out to your wife and you; may you both find some light in the dark tunnel of pain and fear.

Sincerely,
SKS