Hello, My name is Ray A. L, I have been following this message board for the last few months, (since I was diagnosed with a klatskin tumor). Anyway I would like to share my story of this life changing, possibly life ending event. I have always enjoyed good health, exercised, tried to lead a healthy life-style. I am 53 years of age. I am a turbine aircraft engine test technian. The first trouble I had and I've been told by the doctors it was not related was my appendix burst in March 2007, no real medical history up to this point. After recovering quickly from this, I brushed it off and went on with my life. On Sept 7, 2007, I became ill with what I thought was the flu. After visiting my local care united center, the doctor didn't like the blood work, sent me for a ct-scan, then told me to get to G.I. doctor fast. I did so of course. Meeting with Dr.Arslanlar of Presbyterian hospital here in Dallas Texas, where I live not far from. The doctor told me it was a tumor, that it was cancer, of course I was shocked, scared, didn't know what to do. We all go through life and face challenges, but this, well, everyone on this message board understands The doctor performed an E.R.C.P. and inserted a temp. stint, which let the bile flow form my liver, which the bile duct blockage by the tumor was what was making me ill. I also had been having some abdominal pain through the summer, but thought it just the healing process from the burst appendix. The doctors @ Presby decided to perform surgery on Nov.11, 2007 with the whipple procedure. The surgery was performed by Dr Thomas Shires. The tumor is located in the left hepatic duct, unfortunately during the surgery it was observed that the cancer had spread to the liver, and abnominal wall on my left and right side. I was closed up and told I would be treated with chemo.I began chemo at the end of Nov., I take xeloda, I have infusions through my port of Gemzar, and Taxotare, I have had about 11 weeks of chemo and was led to belive by the doctors, that the chemo would cure me. After researching the subject, I discovered that wasn't the case. I had a permanent metal stint inserted in Dec. after temp. clogged up. This message board is where I discovered Dr. Canady, and he was gracious enough to see me, after looking at all my medical records, My wife and I met with him in early Jan. and performing a pet-scan, digital image of my liver. (He needs at least 25% of healty liver), he has accepted me as a patient. With his sucess with Cindy Russell, I feel like I have at least a chance now, as her condition was more severe than my own. He has given me hope, where there was none to be found. I am currently waiting for his call to begin the procedure, as he has been ill with the flu. I am back at my job, since the middle of Dec. and trying to lead my life as normal as I can, my loving wife and daughters, my family, my loving sisters, my friends have been so supportive and caring for me through this ordeal, of course as you all know, it affects the whole family so much. So, that's my story, I decided to share it with you, we are all bonded through this horrible cancer. My heart goes out to all of you.
Ray A L Texas