CancerCompass message board discussion started by Lewis on 4/14/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23029,0.htm Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Mid february  my wife was looking real yellow and went to hospital for a ERCP to put a stent in to clear a bile duct blockage. The following day she had Post ERCP pancretitis which apparantly as we discovered later is not an unusal outcome. After 6 days of nil by mouth, then several xrays and MRI we were told she had a 1 cm tumor in the upper bile duct (refered to as intrahepatic) and she was refered to a different hospital. The stent wasn't working so this was taken out, by ERCP, and  PTC was done, inserting a drain in through the side and into the bile duct by going through the liver and into the bile duct from the top. This time she had a metal stent instead of the plastic one. Now after nearly 6 weeks we are waiting for a hemihepatectomy (removal of the bile duct and 1/2 of the liver). We have read all the web literature about the survival rates, sucess or lack of re chemotherapy etc, etc but overall are still trying to get to grips with the fact this has come on reasonably fast. Laproscopic surgery shows all clean and a suitable canditate for surgery but two facts we still cannot find, is a 1cm tumor a large or small one and what is the rate of growth of a tumor of this nature. With all the reading I have done, we are still not sure if this is a Klatskins tumor and the doctors haven't yet confirmed it. As we are from New Zealand, we are dependant on the public health system finding a gap in the surgery list so "hopeful" of a operation in 2-4 weeks. Any comments appreciated.   Lewis Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had a one-centimeter liver tumor imaged by CT scan in June of last year shortly after cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed in both my intrahepatic ducts via ERCP brushings.  I was told that this is considered "small," but that size really doesn't matter.  [Where have I heard that before?]  The cancer cells in the ducts were what mattered, since they were going to metasticize elsewhere, and quickly.  The tumor might, too, but my docs weren't nearly as concerned about it as they were about what was found in the ERCP brushings.I wasn't a candidate for surgical resection like your wife since both of my ducts were involved.  However, due to the small size of the tumor and the lack of mets anywhere else, I was a candidate for orthotopic liver transplant, which I received 8 months ago yesterday.  All of the CT scans that I've had subsequently including one about a month ago have been negative for cancer.  Have your wife's doctors discussed doing any chemo/radiation prior to surgery?  I had a five-week course prior to mine, as it is required before transplant.  If your wife's surgery is only two weeks away, then maybe there'd be no benefit to it, but if there's going to be any significant delay then I would think they'd want to do something to keep the cancer at bay in the interim.Best wishes to you and your wife. GeneM Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT My sister also has a klatskins bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). The drs were very very optimistic based on the CT scans that they could resect.In reality when they opened her up, they were unable to do anything for her. So, firstly, be prepared for anything surgery-wise. Also, when the stents or drains are properly put in, the bile should flow again and you will have relief.  Sorry to hear your sad news, from down under and hope things work out for you.  Bayla Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT It seemed time for an update to my initial message, my wife eventually went to surgery on the 15th May, was opened up but within a couple of hours was back in her room, no operation. Apparently the tumor had spread and there was small seeds on the stomach wall which turned out to be malignant. The surgeon then with an apology gave her 6-12 months. Chemo was not even offered. It is now end of June, she is in real good health and feels that she is not at all sick. We found she was low on estrogen, progesterone, thyroids and adrenals were low so is now on  a handful of medications to lift these. As well as that she is on a handful of naturopathic  remedies to keep the internals clean and functioning. We have a local natureopath on the case and told the hospice, don't call us, we'll call you.Postive thinking here. As of next week we are off to a 10 day retreat in Australia for "living with cancer" course where only good food is served and mediation and other lectures on how to love yourself etc. Apparantly this place has many previous attendees who have cured their cancer or certainly put it into remission to the point they have been able to out live the doctors predictions.  We are starting to learn that the power of the mind and clean healthy eating can be a saviour and irrespective of the outcome we are giving this avenue our most. My wife feels that the doctors have hung a notice around her neck with a "use by date"  on it and we are having nothing to do with it. Maybe we can beat this, maybe not but certainly won't lie down and wait.I  read of all the new drugs being quoted in the USA, unfortunately it would appear these are not available in New Zealand so we are going the "natural" path. Will let you know how we go.  Lewis Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT