CancerCompass message board discussion started by Degs5 on 5/17/2005 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,2092,0.htm Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi -- I'm 56 and was diagnosed with Stage IV gallbladder cancer last summer. Surgery was unsuccessful and was told I may only have three months to live. I started six months of chemo and was lucky to respond to the treatment-- so much so that surgery was attempted again in January. It was deemed successful as I'm currently in remission. I know I'm not cured but feel lucky to feel somewhat normal again. I just ran across this site and would like to correspond with others in my situation. This is such an unusual cancer that sometimes I feel alone in this journey. My friends and family have been great but I don't want them to think I'm fixated on this disease. But once your life expectancy has been measured in days remaining, it's hard to look forward to a carefree future. Thanks. Degs5 Tue, 17 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT Hi Paula---I was about your age when I found out I had gall bladder cancer 2 1/2 years ago. I also was given a gloomy prognosis and underwent surgery to remove my gall bladder and part of my liver where it had spread. I went through chemo and radiation and am thankful that I did. Today, I am continuing to feel good and so far have no recurrance of the cancer. However, I know that it easily could return so I know there is no "home free" for me. However, I am trying to maintain a positive attitude, take care of myself, and plan for the future. I believe that insures me the best odds at this point. I have already had 2 years more than was predicted so that makes me hopeful. The longer you go without recurrance, the better your odds. There are a few of us out there who have undergone the same thing as you have---you are not alone. I wish you the best. Linda L W. Mon, 23 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT My wife is in the same boat, Stage IV. What chemo did you have? Who operated on you? I have not found a doctor who will operate on my wife, as the disease is too advanced. We are hoping for a good response to chemo, then surgery. Also look at the posts under bile duct cancers. There are many gallbladder patients on that section. Wamba138 Thu, 07 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/17/2005 Degs5 wrote:Hi -- I'm 56 and was diagnosed with Stage IV gallbladder cancer last summer. Surgery was unsuccessful and was told I may only have three months to live. I started six months of chemo and was lucky to respond to the treatment-- so much so that surgery was attempted again in January. It was deemed successful as I'm currently in remission. I know I'm not cured but feel lucky to feel somewhat normal again. I just ran across this site and would like to correspond with others in my situation. This is such an unusual cancer that sometimes I feel alone in this journey. My friends and family have been great but I don't want them to think I'm fixated on this disease. But once your life expectancy has been measured in days remaining, it's hard to look forward to a carefree future. Thanks.Hi, my mother has a similar story to yours. She has gall bladder cancer that has metastacized in the liver. The morning of surgery , they opened her up and then closed her up because they saw it had spread to far on the liver. She's about to undergo an aggressive chemo cocktail-gemcitabine with two other drugs.  I just wanted to ask you about your chemo experience. How was it? I'm asking because I just feel worry for my mother about what side effects of the treatments she's gonna have to suffer through. Or, was it not too horrible??Sincerely,Susan Sueshe1 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Susan-You are not alone with this disease.  I also have GBC, was diagnosed in August 2005, and have been collecting information from others like us, and sharing it.  Please go to www.gbcsurvey.blogspot.com/ to learn more about me and to get my email address and receive a copy of the survey results.Woody B Woodyb Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT My mother was just diagnosed this week, no one will operate.  Hoping your Mom  is doing ok.  Did you ever find any info on who operated on Linda and what Chemo she had? Thanks, Sherry Smlev Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/23/2005 L W. wrote:Hi Paula---I was about your age when I found out I had gall bladder cancer 2 1/2 years ago. I also was given a gloomy prognosis and underwent surgery to remove my gall bladder and part of my liver where it had spread. I went through chemo and radiation and am thankful that I did. Today, I am continuing to feel good and so far have no recurrance of the cancer. However, I know that it easily could return so I know there is no "home free" for me. However, I am trying to maintain a positive attitude, take care of myself, and plan for the future. I believe that insures me the best odds at this point. I have already had 2 years more than was predicted so that makes me hopeful. The longer you go without recurrance, the better your odds. There are a few of us out there who have undergone the same thing as you have---you are not alone. I wish you the best. LindaI really hope to get a reply from you as I am aware you posted in in 05?  My husband was diagnosed 6mths ago with similar cancer to you and had major surgery.  He's doin fine at the moment. How are you?SiobhanHi Shove Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT HiMy husband had major surgery 6mths ago to remove his gallbladder and 2 thirds of his liver, I was wondering if you can help me with any positive information on what he should be doing to prolong his life expectancy witch is anywhere between 2 and 5 yrs we have been told.He is having a second CT scan on friday so we are praying hard.ThanksSiobhan (Ireland)   Shove Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT