Latest Gallbladder Cancer discussions http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/gallbladder-cancer/1,0,119,21.htm Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Has anyone had a regimen of either Erbitux or Avastin?Art http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23965,0.htm Zorba Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT To anyone who might be interested,My dad was diaagnosed with GB cancer in July last year and was told there was no treatment for him because of the metastisis.  He gave up and almost died in Nov.  He started chemo with Gemzar and his tumors has shrunk to about 1/2 the size they were.  The time between having his abdomen tapped and drained is now 4 weeks and the amount is a 1/3 of what it had been. His liver is working again.  The main problem now is that he can't eat or drink much.  He is soooooooo tired of boost.  When he became confused and started falling - his doctor finally saw what we had been seeing and order TPN for dad.  Dad has a mediport in his chest and TPN is a high calorie, high protein and high lipids (fat) flluid that goes into the mediport.  He was so mal-nourished before and now he is mentally clearer than he has been in several weeks.  We are praying that his appetite returns soon and he doesn't require the TPN for a long time. It does increase the chance of infections and has to be given by an infusion pump but for now we still have dad.Miracles happen every day and it's not always a cure that is the miracle.  God bless you.                  Charlotte http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22500,0.htm charlkyl Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT hello,i am writing bc i am concerened about my mother.  her aunt just passed away within 3 weeks of her gall bladder diagnosis.  i just learned that my mom had severe gallstones, resulting in the removal of her gall bladder when she was about 38 (she is now about 48).  however, she still has unexplained abdominal pains, had a past h. pylori infection, and the whites of her eyes are yellow (but have been for a while).  my question is, should she be worried about gall bladder cancer even though her gall bladder was removed long ago (no biopsy was performed that i know of).  also, if so, what tests should she have done to rule out cancer?  thank you for your time and help. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22386,0.htm worrieddaughter1 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My sister, 44 yrs old, was diagnosed Christmas eve with gall bladder cancer.Her gall bladder was removed on 1/16/08 along with 7 lymth nodes and a small 5% of liver.Cancer was found in the gall bladder and 5 lymth nodes, the liver was clear. She was staged at stage 2. Her surgery was done at Sloan Kettering in NY a wonderful place! She had a fluid collection complication at the incision site. A drain was placed and the horizontal incision was opened to clear infection. The open incision had to remain open to heal from the inside out delaying, chemotherapy.  Gemcitabine is their recommended drug but,Sloan was clear that there is no established treatment for gall bladder cancer after surgical resection.They use protacol for a near by organ, the pancreas to decide which drug to prescibe. My hope is that someone may have some insight to share. We need to begin some type of adjuvant therapy very shortly. If not gemcitabine, or gemcitabine based, what else? Are there any sucess stories. I send my prayers to everyone touched by this. Thanks everyone.Nancy  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22253,0.htm nynancy Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT A 40-year old friend of mine was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer in 10/07.  It's inoperable and has spread to lymph nodes and his pancreas.  He currently has a biliary stint and the tumors are pressing on it, causing it to collapse.  I think he's had it replaced 3-4 times.  He went through a cycle of Gemcitabine....the tumors grew 30%.  He was then told that there is no cure for this cancer and the goal would be to improve quality of life.My friend contacted Dr. Vogl at the University of Frankfurt in Germany.  He's the same doctor who is treating Farrah Fawcett.  The just returned from their first visit.  He is being treated by Dr. Vogl, using TACE.  Does anyone here have any experience with TACE or know of any success stories that I can pass along to him?He'll be returning two more times, with a 3-4 week span in between treatments.  He's back in the hospital now having the sting replaced again.   Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,22063,0.htm txaggie Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My cousin was dx with GB cancer Nov. 2007 and spent approx. 2 months in the hospital before undergoing surgery to determine if removing the GB was possible.  The surgeon determined that the cancer had spread to nearby organs and determined that removal of the BG and surrounding organs would be too risky.  Thus, after insertion of the tube into the GB to remove fluids, no further action was taken. Query for GB survivors and/or doctors, what if anything further can be done to help the patient at this stage?  It has been close to 3 months since she has undergone surgery and since this past week began taking higher dosage of pain killers with dietary supplements to help her cope.  Based on initial research from other sites, it appears she may be now going into the final stages of the disease but my family really does not know what we can and or should do for her.  Any advise or comments someone who has gone through this with family members would be greatly appreciated.Cousin - worried, sad http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21551,0.htm moyakorea Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT My brother has been diagnosed with this type of cancer and this poses many questions.   We have been told that this is rare and difficult to treat.  Are there any stats that show his odds? Or to see about life after the diagnosis?  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21490,0.htm gincleyg Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT It would be really helpful to know if there is someone who has had 'fractioned-dose' chemotherapy. That's chemo in small amounts given over several days instead of one larger dose. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21103,0.htm Zorba Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I am glad I stumbled onto this message board. First of all, I am very sorry to hear about all the others who have been diagnosed with this dreadful disease. I hope a cure is found soon.My mom was diagnosed with gallbladder carcinoma metastasized to the liver and lymph nodes last week. She is 61 years old and is otherwise in very good health. The only symptom was brief upper abdominal pain. No fever or weight loss. The doctors did a CT scan and performed a biopsy of the lymph node from the neck to confirm the diagnosis. They immediately started her on chemotherapy - Gencitabine and Cisplatin. My mom is undergoing treatment in India. I am traveling there this week to be with her. I have asked her to start taking alternative treatment of 4.5mg Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Does anybody have experience with using LDN for gallbaldder cancer? I am also contemplating coenzyme Q-10. Any other alternative treatments anyone can think of?  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21071,0.htm shyam71 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello everyone!My name is Gemwel, and just this January of 2008 - my father who is now 60 years of age went to the hospital to have himself checked up because he has dificulty in urinating (thats what I know for him). After the doctor examined him "cystoscopy", they found out that my father already has stage 4 Gallbladder cancer. Then the doctor gave him some prescribed medication. And thats it, until now he's not yet coming back to see the doctor again because we don't have enough money, even consultation only to the doctor really involves money. And I hate it. I really hate to think that these doctors when they were still kids, they used to say like "when I grow up I wanna be a doctor someday to help those people who are in need", but now money down first is their first priority not helping those who are need... : (Now the problem is, we(my family) dont have any knowledge/idea on what to do next. Is it safe to remove his gallbladder even if the patient has this stage 4 thing?Please help me like what food should my father eat, cannot do and can do?Before my father is very active but when he found out on what was the result of his examination, he is now weak and sad.PLEASE HELP US!!!Hoping that someone can help me.Thank you very much.sincerely,Gemwel http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20837,0.htm gemwel08 Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT My sister in law was recently diagnosed with gallbladder cancer.  Her gallbladder was removed for unrelated reasons and then found to be cancerous.  During the surgery, non invasive, cancer cells spilled out of the gallbladder and are now on her abdamon.  She is undergoing chemo but having a hard time with the nausa.  She is only 45 yrs old.  Her mental state is very weak and I just want any info that could help her live as long as she can. thanks http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20712,0.htm DeniseAna Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi allThank God I found a site like this as I feel so frustrated not having someone who understands where I am. My husband was disgnosed with gallbladder and liver cancer, in July 07, in Aug 07 he had 2 thirds of his liver and gallbladder removed.  He was very very ill and had alot of setbacks as a result of major surgery, however, he had now made a remarkable recovery.  He still gets tired some days and gets tired when we walk to far but all in all I cannot believe he is still here, as I'm sure some of you will understand, we haven't asked as many questions as we should have and all we really know is that no-one has ever survived this type of cancer for more that 5 years and they told us my husband would probably have 2 years. Is there anyone out there who knows of anyone with this type of cancer, if so I would love to hear from you and compare notes. We are going for a check up CT scan this friday and are both worried sick.Look forward to hearing from someone.Siobhan (Ireland)   http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20469,0.htm Shove Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT I guess I need to just talk or scream, heck I don't even know at this point.  On 5 January 2008, my oldest sister and I took my mother to the ER in Hot Springs, Arkansas to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, because she was hurting really bad in her chest.  At first we thought it was her heart, she has had a quadruple bi-pass, but she kept telling us it was a different hurt.  I have had gall stones and remember the pain very well, so I suggested maybe she might have that, and with a CT it showed she had gallstones.  Then on 6 January 2008, mother went in for routine gallbladder surgery.........no big deal, right?  We could not have been more wrong.  The doctor came out and told us, it was cancer and the most aggressive type.  Needless to say we were all speechless!  Mother is 77 years old, has chronic lung disease (on oxygen 24/7) has heart problems, she is not active at all, has had 2 hip replacements and can't walk without assistance, so all these things are going against her.Tomorrow 25 January 2008, mother will have a PET Scan to determine how far the cancer has spread, and that will give us some idea as to the severity, and maybe how long we will have her with us.  She has a DNR in place, and does not want chemo, all she wants to do is go home, and sleep in her own house.  Another problem, my older sister believes the doctors don't know what they are talking about, she says mother is sick, but it's not cancer.  About 3 days ago mother was awake, talkative, laughing and feeling really good, then she took a nap, and woke up a totally different person.  She thought we had put something in her food, and thought my little sister and I were "up to something, and she would get to the bottom of it".  We tried to assure her no one was doing anything wrong, but that didn't work.  The nurse drew some blood for H & H, and found both extremely low so they gave her 2 units of blood, and the next morning, mother was herself again. My oldest sister says, "mother was acting that way because we were withholding information from her" although I tried to tell her, she wouldn't listen, and informed me "I better not keep anything from her".I am getting so tired.  Mother has been here 20 days and I have been here 16 of those days.  Three of my sisters have been staying as well, but they get to go home, and stay home 3 or 4 days at a time, but since I don't have a job, and evidently no life, I am expected to stay here the majority of the time.  I have had 6 back surgeries, and have to be in a wheelchair to get around, and I can't even take my medications at night to ease the pain because I have to stay awake and take care of mother.Has anyone else been in the same shoes as I am in right now?  How did you survive?  If anyone has had a loved one diagnosed with cancer in the gallbladder and in stage 3 did the doctor ever give you a life expectancy of your family.  Mother says she knows she has cancer, and doesn't like pain so she hopes she goes fast, although I want to be selfish and keep her here forever, I don't want to see her suffer.Thanks for lending an ear.Teresa Badeaux/Higginbotham http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20067,0.htm tweetybbad Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT i recently have been having alot of pain near gallbladder so the doctor order a ultrasound and found polyps on the anterior wall of the gallbladder. did not seem to concern because of my age (32). but the ultrasound doctor recommand repeat in one month but my doctor does not feel it needs to be done. what is a polyp and what is the anterior part of the gallbladder? also i have a so growing lesion on my right kidney (tube) that went from 6mm to 8mm in a year?? i don't know if that has a fact in this.quick mention ultrasound tech questioned why they had not scheduled ct yet  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19980,0.htm chriscaregiver Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,It's been a while since I wrote a message. My mom will be 61 at the end of the month. 4 months ago her tumor marker was 22. We were overjoyed! She has stage IV gallbladder and also breast cancer in 1 breast. She stopped taking chemo because her cells were very low. However, she's been taking Femara and today her tumor marker results were 45. Her liver enzymes test came back elevated. Is there a correlation between Femara, the liver enzymes, and the tumor marker?Any information would be helpful,Ariela  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19970,0.htm Arielahlibby Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, my sister was diagnosed in 11/07 with gallbladder cancer with ovary mets and lymphadenopathy.  She will begin treatment with Xeloda really soon.  We're wondering about complementary treatments.  Has anyone heard of or taken a product called Immunocal.  She was diagnosed with chronic DVT at the same time and the treatment to control that has consumed most of our time since 11/07.  Any experiences, tips and advice from fellow gbc survivors will be appreciated.One small victory at a time!  We've been in a holding pattern to be prepared for the process!Wanda B  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19805,0.htm Wandab Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT My 61 yr young mother was diagnosed with stage 4 GB in August.  She took Gem/Citabine until it stopped working this month.  They decided to do low dose radiation to shrink the largest tumor to stop the bleeding that is caused by the tumor invading her intestine.  For those of you who recently lost mothers/fathers/loved ones, my thoughts are with you.  If you wouldn't mind sharing, I would like to know what we can expect in the latest stage of this disease.  My greatest hope is for her to be without suffering and I'm not sure if this disease is one where there will be a lot of pain in the end.  Please shed some light.  I understand this is a sensitive topic, but I can't find info anywhere.    Many thanks,FiFa http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19583,0.htm FiFaWall Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi, i have recently had my gallbladder removed which was a great success i think!.I returned to the hospital to see my consultant and was told my gallbladder contained cancerous cells but they have been successfully removed with my gallbladder. As soon as i heard this i think i blanked it out instead of asking questions. Still quite shocked to tell you the truth.I have been told i will need a check up in twelve months.A little knowledge is a dangerous thing to an over active mind and i am now terrified. I have done some research on the internet and from what i have found it seems gallbladder cancer is almost always terminal.Is it possible to remove it fully by taking the gallbladder away? Am i worrying over nothing?I apologise for my poor spelling and also if this is not the right place to post this message, funnily enougth i feel a bit calmer for writing this down.Thanks in advance for any advice. Jim xx http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19445,0.htm Tastybaker Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Glad to know there are others out there, few though you may be...My 61 yo mother diagosed with CaGB this month.  GB, part of Liver, and some lymph nodes ressected, but some cancer still in her.Need info on stages...what are signs of the timeline remaining?  Am trying to make most of each day, but want to know what you've experienced.  Right now, we just have pain in the back and side still, and this could be leftover from her surgery...don't know.  Sometimes she is energized, and others completely pooped.  We meet with her oncologist next week.  Will take your experience with gemzar to the appt.Kathy http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19188,0.htm Kathy2tok Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT I wanted to thank those of you who were praying for my Mom.  It was almost 6 months to the day she died after being diagnosed with gallbladder cancer.  If we had it to do over again, we would not do the chemo.  She was given 6-8 months without it, but MD Anderson said she could live years if she did it.  She lived 6 months and because of the chemo was sick and couldn't even enjoy those last 6 months.  It was a horrible death and I am having nightmares from watching her die like that.  This is a horrible cancer and I pray they find a cure in our lifetime.Eileen http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19171,0.htm cpaeileen Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT The numbers are so dismal, I just wanted to hear some good news about how long people have been surviving with advanced gall bladder...my mom was diagnosed in August of this year and is on her fifth round of gemzar/cisplatin.  Numbers are looking good but nutrition/blood cells are a problem.  She's lost a lot of weight and can't afford to go down anymore. Many thanks,Fifa  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19146,0.htm FiFaWall Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Merry Christmas!   My sister was recently diagnosed. No treatment yet because we've been dealing with DVT (deep vein thrombosis) which is really how her cancer was diagnosed along with swollen lymph nodes. The DVT has been so bad that she has been unable to walk.  I would like some insight on what I might expect from this cancer. I am her caregiver.  We hope to begin treatment within the next week or two.  I appreciate the comments I've read so far.  We have much hope in God  and our faith is very strong.  When you read testimonies from others it just helps to reassure the hope and faith we have.  http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19120,0.htm Wandab Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT My 77 year old dad was diagnosed with GB cancer in July.  He was told there was no treatment and so decided he would die - he almost did.  He started chemo "just for you kids" and mom.  That was 2 1/2 months ago.  HIS TUMORS ARE SHRINKING!!!  His last trip to the emergency room scared him enough to start looking at what was going on in him and around him.  He started eating even though he was not really hungry - he makes himself it.  His appetite is returning.   He is gaining weight.  His out-look on life is so different now.  We know that Dad will go home to God when God is ready - until then we are all LIVING and making wonderful memories.If you or someone you know has GB cancer - the chemo drug Gemzar may offer help.Charlotte K. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,18511,0.htm charlkyl Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hi ANyoneMy mum has secondary Gall Bladder cancer with ascites fluid. I don't know what to expect and was wondering if anyone has had someone close to them with this kind of cancer.  Mum is 68yoa and has been having fluid taps every 10 days getting just over 2.5 litres removed each time.  She has been vomitting a lot this week and has quite a bit of pain in the upper region of her stomach.  What can I expect?  Thanks.... deseparately upset. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,18411,0.htm Wallygirl Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT My dear sweet mom was diagnosised on May 30 of this year with stage 4 gallbladder cancer.  They can not operate because the tumor on the liver is the size of a grapefruit and is making it impossible to operate.  MD Anderson gave her 6-8 months..more if we did chemo.  She did the chemo for a while but now throws up constantly and is too weak to do any more chemo.  Yesterday the doctor in Nacogodoches told her that she has jaundice and there is nothing else to do for her.  He is calling MD Anderson today.  They are talking about a tube to drain the stuff that is making her throw up.  She is so weak now she doesn't even try to make it to the restroom..just throws up all over herself.Can someone out there help me?  I feel so helpless.  I have tried to get Dad to ask for hospice but he says he can handle this.  She is 67, he is 68.  They have been married 51 years.  Is there something natural to help relieve the nausea?  Is there some supplement to help with the jaundice?  She has given up.  Does anyone know once the liver stops how long she has?  Also, how do you let them go?   I don't want to see her continue in the aweful life of throwing up and in pain, but I don't want her to leave.Thanks, Eileen http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,17558,0.htm cpaeileen Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT