CancerCompass message board discussion started by FiFaWall on 12/26/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,19146,0.htm Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ 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  FiFaWall Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Fifa,We are in the same boat as you.  My dad has GB ca and is on Gemzar.  He has lost weight and has had peritoneal fluid drained on 4 occasions. the first 3 were 1 1/2 to 2 weeks apart and 4 liters were drained each time.  The last one, it was 4 weeks and only 2 liters were drained.  The tumors are shrinking and even his oncologist was surprised and elated that the Gemzar is working.  Our doctors would not give us time lines.  All 3 said the time was really dependent on interventions but more importantly - the patient's attitude- and that given a time line could actually shorten a life.  Once dad decided he didn't want to die yet, he really forces himself to eat - mainly in the mornings and very little in the afternoons.  Boost plus has become his best friend.  We enjoy each day in any way we can.  This has brought our family together and even dad didn't realize how many friends he has made over the years.I am so sorry that you and your mom are going through this.  For a reportedly rare cancer, I am meeting and hearing about more people with this disease.  God is blessing you all even though it may not seem like it.  It's that silver lining in a dark storm cloud thing.  Your family will be in my prayers.Charlotte charlkyl Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT