Sue, I was dx Sep 03 with cholangiocarcinoma and was non-resectable. I did 12 cycles of Cisplatin and Gemzar chemo, became allergic to cisplatin and switched to Xeloda chemo pills in May 04. I took seven 500 mg pills a day for 14 days then no pills for 14 days. after 3 cycles and checkup MDAnderson, Houston decided to attempt the resection as Xeloda had caused a little bit of shrinkage in the tumor. It was 6" x 4" and is about 40% of my liver (Total Left lobe involvement). To make a long story short they did find 2 lymph nodes with involvement so resection was not done. It is better to leave existing tumor as is and seemingly contained than to remove and risk cancer reattacking my 60% good liver. I continued on Xeloda until may 05 when I had my first growth since dx in Sep 03. A slight shadow of growth in liver and a nodule we had been watching in lower right lung went from 1 cm to 2 cm. I began a new regimen of Irinetecan, lecovorin and 4 FU in June. I go back to Houston Aug 1st for checkup. Oh, and I didn't loose hair on Xeloda but have now lost it due to new chemo regimen. It's not so bad. I always said It's just hair and if it goes, it goes. I'd rather take treatment than worry about the hair. LOL.
Anyways, I did really well on the Xeloda. Only symptoms were fatigue (which I've always had) and the dry,itchy, cracking and peeling of skin on feet (which wasn't a lot at any one time - I just used lots of good lotion with cotton socks to help control it). They list quite a few other side effects but I never had them. Everyone is different and react differently to the chemo.
It is great that your mom got to have the resection. They tell me I may never see remission but I'm really not that sick feeling even though I am on disability now. I generally do whatever I want. If I push too hard and overdo it I just have a few down days and sleep a lot till I feel like getting out and about again. I plan to live a long time as is and to enjoy each day. It is a battle and a positive attitude is about 95% of that battle. So keep up the support and love and make the most of each day.
Hugs and prayers,
Marilyn