Reading the many messages posted on this site has provided me with tons of useful information. Its both encouraging and heartbreaking at the same time. My prayers are with you all. It's amazing how "cancer" can change your life whether you are the patient or caregive. I just pray that they find what causes this cancer.
My 59 year old mother was diagnosed with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma in Jun. 03. Her primary care doctor became concerned when her routine bloodwork showed elevated and then referred to her an oncologist. The surgeons attempted to remove the tumor but it was too dangerous. Apparently, the tumor was near major bloodvessels. After a series of chemo/radiation, she then had an internal metal stent placed in 9/04. She was doing really well after that. No illnesses whatsoever - until recently. She has been in the hospital three times since Sept 05. The first admission was because the metal stent was no longer draining, she became jaundiced, had fever and infections, anemia, bleeding ulcers, swelling in her legs, fluid in her stomach lining and her blood pressure dropped really low. She was given IV antibiotics, blood and other meds. She was then discharged home with a external drainage bag. My mom hated the idea of having a bag but the doctors insisted it was best because putting another internal stent was risky. Her second admission was because the drainage to the bag stopped and she had fevers. The doctors gave IV antibiotocs and inserted a bigger cathether to improve the flow then sent her home. Currently, she's back in the hospital because she has had no drainage for the last four days, vomiting blood and there is blood in the stools. Upon admission, she was extremely anemic so they gave her more blood. Now they running tests to find out why this is happening. She does not have fevers or pain. Does anyone know if this is a normal symptom of the cancer? Is she approaching the final stages? I don't know what to think.