Gallbladder Cancer

Recently diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. Looking for where to go for treatment, options, etc.

This message is posted several months after your posting date so I hope you are currently in some treatment. I was diagnosed with the same in September of 2002. I went in for a simple laproscopic surgery to remove my badly diseased gall bladder and tests showed cancer that had spread into my liver. I had a liver resection to remove a cancerous growth followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I have an oncologist who monitors my situation with periodic C/T scans and office calls. I am in Salt Lake City. I hope you are able to get good care where you are located.

I saw your message from a couple of years ago and was wondering how you are doing and what type of treatment you had.
Woody Beckman

Woody: To date, I am doing fine. Of course my life has changed, but I am grateful to be here to talk about it. My last c/t scan in July '06 showed no new growth or changes. My 6-week treatment in Oct/Nov.'02 consisted of chemo (5fu) and radiation. For the past 3 1/2 years, my oncologist has been following up the treatment with periodic visits and tests. May I ask what your interest in GB cancer is? LW

I was recently diagnosed with stage IV gallbladder cancer, so I am always happy to hear about longterm survival/thriving from others with GBC. What stage did they list you at when you were diagnosed? Do they consider you in remission?

Lynne: I am sorry to hear of your cancer. When was it diagnosed and have you had any treatment yet? When I was diagnosed, my oncologist didn't mention what stage I was at and I didn't think to ask. He did say I had only months left. I was shocked and could only think that I had a huge agenda to take care of, both medically and in my personal life. I have been maintaining periodic check-ups with this oncologist since Oct.'02. He has never used the word "remission" with me. He did say that if my c/t scans continue to show "no change," I would only need annual visits and tests. I know I am not "cured" but I am trying to make the most of what time I have. I have been trying to take good care of myself--good diet, regular exercise, and a positive outlook. One year has turned into two, then three, and now I am half way through my fourth year. Good luck to you. Linda

Linda - Thank you so much for your response. I am heartened to hear your story, and hope you continue to do well. My cancer was diagnosed in late May of this year, and I have been recovering from surgery, initially to clear a blocked bile duct, and then to remove a diseased (and cancerous) gallbladder. The pathology reports indicated that the cancer had spread not only to my bile duct, but also to a spot on my duodenum and to a lymph node. Six weeks later, my cancer marker was down and no new spread was seen, so I haven't started chemo, but I know it's in my future. I am so amazed that you have gone so long without additional treatment, and would like to hear more of your story. If you are interested, you can read more of my story at my blog, www.dahlborg.blogspot.com. Thanks again!

Linda -

I would really, really like to know more of your story now. I went for a CT scan last week, just shy of 4 months post diagnosis. The scan was clean, my CA 19-9 numbers continue to stay low, and my oncologist said to come back in 2 months for another check. If that one's clean, then he said I'd be on a 3 month checkup. He also said, for the first time, that about 10% of those diagnosed with gallbladder cancer have slow progression of the disease, and it looks as if I might be one of those. (This is the first time he mentioned that possibility.) I'm relieved, cautious, and curious about others who might fit the 10%. You are the only person I know of from the discussion boards who is a longterm survivor, so I'd really like to know more about what tests they do with you, and how your doctor characterizes your illness. I provided my blog address earlier; I know that this site won't reproduce email addresses, but you could contact me through my blog if you are willing to be in direct contact. Thanks!
Lynne

Lynne: I have tried www.dahlborg.blogspot.com several times and only get "page expired" and "error." I am not blog-proficient so perhaps I am doing something wrong. I will continue to see what I can do but I want you to know that I am most interested in your situation and am willing to give you any input I can on my history. Linda

Linda - Thanks for your response. I don't know why my blog isn't coming up for you, but I had another thought about being in touch. If you go to the discussion board on the Johns Hopkins site, you will find email addresses printed with messages. I've posted there a few times, and my email address should be accessible. Thanks! Lynne