Just diagnosed in summer 2012 chloangiocarcinoma

Hi Everyone,

Im new here.  I was diagnosed in July.  Stage 1 only 1 tumor.  Had surgery in Charlotte Sept 17th with Da Vinci robot.  Back to work Oct 22 full time. They caught it because Im an ex lab tech and positive for hep b and c; so, I made sure I was scanned every year. Now Im on cisplatin and gemzar for 6 mo probably.  Im very positive that I will be fine for a good long time; but, Im certainly aware that it could recur at anytime and Im ready for a fight if necessary.  I have made a ton of lifesyle changes and always get lots of exercise anyway.  Use to compete in triathalons.

Im praying for everyone here who is having a really hard time.  Unfortunately, it is usually found so late and hard to treat.  I feel very fortunate.  I did hear of someone who is still good at 6.5 years!!!!!

Hi - just wondering if that 6.5 year surviver is e ---- well I am now at 7.5 and going strong - and feeling great ....

Wow thats great!!!  I sure hope thats me.  Did you receive any adjuvant chemo or anything?  Im going to see my gastro doc Monday and Im wondering if I should just stop or keep going since so many docs thinks it makes no difference after curative surgery.

PS  I don't know where I saw the article that the person is at 6.5 years and still going.  I did read of Japanese lady at 9 yr.  I have been all over internet researching.  Also, did you have curative surgery?

Yes I had to make a decision too - chemo and radiation --- My surgeon reassured me that he got it all out .... so I had a session with the onco and he told me that chances of reoccurance are only 15% lower than not taking it --- so I did opt for it --- I was not very educated about all that stuff and my thinking was "hey I will kick myself if it comes back because I didn't take the follow up treatment" --- I took the chemo pretty well (gemzar and cisplatin) just was very tired all the time --- the Chemo was even more tiring --- but now I have days when I can really forget the whole cancer journey (sometimes, atleast) --- I call myself very lucky --- I work out at curves 3 times a week and feel great - I am a 73 year old Grandma -- how old are you? btw - I took the radiation for my uterine cancer... not related to the pancreatic cancer! let me know how you are going and doing, cheers, Sabine

Im 69 and still working at a very high stress job that I love and have 3 very active whippets that get me out hiking.  Wish I had time to work out.  Im on gemzar and cisplatin now .  Im not tired at all.  They give me decadron that helps a lot.  Gives a big boost to the energy level.  No radiation tho.  I just had surgery in Sept.  chemo should do it.  When were you diagnosed?  I did tons of research on this and they really don't know if the chemo does anything; but, hey, like you, it is worth it to do everything we can to keep this at bay.  It is a very nasty cancer with a bad habit of coming back, just like a bad penny!!  LOL  Im sorry I  was so long getting back.  This was supposed to come to my email when someone replied and its didn't!!

Diane

Hi again - Wippedlady! ----

I lost your email adress - and I also cannot open on this board-please contact again with private mail --- I wish you well in the morning with the port ..... keep in touch and think positiv -

rooting for you and cheers, Sabine

I have been 5 years in August since surgery and July 2008 was last chemo... still doing okay.   I wish the best for you !

Jeff

Hi Sabine,

Port went well and Im a bit out of it still from having it done.  I had chemo this morning and slept thru it and Im back at work now.  email:  

Message edited by CancerCompass staff. For personal protection,email address removed. Consider private reply. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines athttp://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html 

Diane

Oh wow, that is just fabulous!!!  Im so happy for you.  Im so glad I decided to do the chemo.  Im hoping for long survival now and no recurrance.  Thanks so much for writing.  Gives me a big boost!!

Diane