You will be glad that I happened on this web sight. My husband was diagnosed with cholangio carcinoma just over a year ago. There is a lot you can do and look into.
1. Before I forget you are in our prayers.
2. They tried to resection Scott's liver in May, but got in and the cancer had spread too far. They removed his gall bladder, took a biopsy and closed him up.
3. Not many options--but they put him on a combination of Gemzar (Gemsar?)--a "traditional chemo" 3 weeks on, and 1 week off. They also put him on Erbitux. It is not a chemo, but deals with cancer on a different level. It was also given interveniously every week. After 8 weeks, his tumor had "shrunk dramatically". He said on over probablly 4 more months and he did not get the fantastic response he had in the beginning. However, the tumor had shrunk enough that he was able to go into surgery again, and at that time they removed the left lobe of his liver.
He kept up on the Gemsar and Erbitux for 8 more weeks. At that time there was one spot on his liver. They used a new method of burning the spot out. This was done by a radiational oncologist. It is called Radio Frequency Oblation. It was similar to a needle biopsy--but took about a half hour of "burn". He spent the night in the hospital, we had a very quiet weekend, and he was back to work on Monday.
He said on the drugs for another month, and he now has 2 very small spots. We are in the wait and see period now.
4. Another non-chemo drug that they had discussed putting Scott on is Avastin. A google search of Erbitux and Avastin will turn up a lot information. These drugs are approved for adavanced colon cancer. I just read tonight that they are doing a test with Erbitux on head and throat cancers.
5. Read "Love, Medicine and Miracles" by Dr. Bernie Siegel, M.D. also "Affirmations for Getting Well Again" by Carl Simonton, M.D. both are great books and gave us a LOT of hope and encouragement. The Siegel book allowed us to sleep at night--we read it to each other before turning off our light at night. I honestly think it had a huge part in Scott's healing. Please write me if you have any more questions.