On 2/27/2008
KK345 wrote:
My mom was diagnosed in July '07 with stage IV at sloan kettering and they remained hopeful that chemo would work. They always acknowledged that it couldn’t be operated on however they could hinder the growth. at this point we are extremely unhappy with the results we are getting from another hospital. She got admitted last week for blood clots in the lungs and leg.
We have people coming in an recommending hospice etc and couldn't understand why so we requested ALL of her medical records and found plenty of information that wasn't presented to us or her by her attending physician . We knew from the beginning that "Seeds" had dispersed in her stomach lining from the beginning. they treated her and the tumors stopped in growth they stayed the same which was expected with the discovery of the additional tumors they started her on the 5- chemo in hopes of stopping that one from spreading. The doctor claims the initial chemo failed although it stopped the spreading and the tumor hasn't grown. Has this happened to anyone else in regards to them saying the chemo has failed even though it has stopped the growth? She's starting to feel as though they have her dead and burried before she's even gone (the doctors).
Hello...This is Leonard form Alamo, California.
Before getting into all the questions, lets deal with the first line item.
I and I'm assuming others are wondering if you are talking about Bile Duct Cancer and/or a Klatskin Tumor in the Hepatic Ducts. If so, stage IV is very serious. And if diagnosed in July 2007, she is very lucky to discussing this issue in February 2008.
It sounds like her doctors are not telling you and her the full story. Sometimes doctor's don't have the bed side manners to deal with telling their patient just how serious things are.
Stage IV in any cancer is serious and the out come in not pleasant.
There are many folks on this message board that can help...but we need the fully story. Don't make us guess the problem. Yes I know you listed youe message on the bile duct section, but you didn't say say your mom was diagnosed with this specific cancer.
I'm sure there are many of us that can input some information that may help, but we need to be sure what the issues are.
Take Care...Leonard
PS...Sloan Kettering is a very good medical center...Chemo and/or Radiation is not a cure...it may prolong life, but the quality of life may be hampered. Again, diagnosed with Stage IV approximately 7 months ago is strange. My wife was diagnosed with stage IIB Klatskin Tumor in the Hepatic Bile Duct System and given 6 weeks to live...6 weeks, not 6 or 7 months.