I began using this site hoping for information that would help my former husband and dear friend, John A. Cathey of Albany, OR who was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer in February, 2006.
John died May 22, 2008 quite peacefully in the care of Hospice.
The reason I write is because I would like others to know that it is possible to live more than two years with this dreadful disease without chemo or radiation treatments, even tho John would have tried them had it been possible. Due to a serious wound site infection after the initial surgery, the window of opportunity for those treatments had closed, and so he went on trying to live his life as best he could. He had very little discomfort until the bowel blockages began, and then it was discovered that there was a large mass in the abdoman hidden behind hernias which had precluded the mass being seen via the CAT scans.
John received treatment from the VA in concert with the Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland for the information of others.
All of us who are losing or have already lost our loved ones from this very difficult cancer must be vigilant and keep petitioning the medical community to put funds into place for research. I have been told by OHSU that the majority of any treatment procedures are coming via Japan.
I sincerely wish all who are stricken the very best, and the courage to make your own decisions about how this disease is treated.
Nagatha