Delay in Diagnosis

Karen,
I am 30years old and was diagnsed with gallbladder cancer after fighting with the doctors for almost 2 years for them to remove it. Well I under went 2 surgerys the first to remove the gallbladder and lymphnode and part of my liver, the 2nd was to remove the rest of the cancer out of my liver only leaving a little in the bio-duct area I went through 6 months if treatment 5FU and radition then just chemo, all looked good until sept27 when it has come back and spread, if you know of any treatments that can help please let me know. I am a fighter and i think that is why i am doing so well I dont look sick and I dont feel sick, so back to treatments again starting next week oh how fun
I would like to talk to you please feel free to email 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 ----
talk to you soon
melissa

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing a spread of the cancer. We wish you well in your treatment.
I am Michael, Karen's brother in law. I am speaking for her and can relay what her experiences have been to date. She too had her gall bladder removed after the cancer was discovered in June 06. She to subsequently had her duodenum (sp) rerouted because the cancer was in her lymph nodes and were too swollen to remove and were causing her severe back pain.
Karen underwent 33 radiation treatments while on chemo called Xeloda. Her 3 week follow up revealed the lymph nodes in the stomach area were for the most part contained but she also had a new "hot spot" near her clavicle. She is now getting a chemo drip called gemcitabine. She will get it for 5 rounds that consist of 2 days every three weeks.
Karen is struggling with nausea and has throughout her treatment.
It is really great to hear that you are not experiencing ill feelings and that you do not look ill as well. I know that you and Karen could provide comfort to each other. Keep fighting, believe in your heart that you will be better and make your mind follow. You sound like a strong person who has the her mind right when it comes to your illness. Please let us know how we can helpo and how your treatment plan is working for you. Karen is being treated at CTCA in IL, you?

Melissa and Michael-
I also have gall bladder cancer, and have been collecting case histories with treatments and effectiveness. Please see my website at gbcsurvey.blogspot.com and write me and I will return the survey results I have received.

Meanwhile, stay strong, know you are in my prayers, and keep smiling.
Woody B.