Gallbladder Cancer - 2012 (Any Stage)

13468915

Comments

  • westie66
    westie66 Member Posts: 642

    Westie66
    I'm so very glad you responded, My husband's cancer at this point can't be resected just hoping that it shrinks. He starts on the chemo this friday, I hope, its same stuff you took. His Dr. states his high white blood counts are very rare, but have been noted in a few pts.We are having his tx. done at the Huntsman Cancer hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Today he gets the bone marrow Bio.I just hope that its neg, and we can just move on from here, My husband doesn't say much but ,he never has , he just excepts things and moves on without much questions. I on the other hand have all the questions. I don't know if he will truely fight this, I guess its really up to him. Thanks again for responding it has been very good for the soul. christina

    Gallbladder Cancer
    Hi Christina: There are many on this discussion thread (well, there seem to be 4 of them now!) that are struggling with gallbladder cancer, and we are still here. If your husband doesn't want to ask questions (it is hard to do), then ask your oncologist and doctor all the questions and take notes. I've found that checking in on this website regularly has helped me a lot - particularly in asking the right questions. There aren't any dumb questions that's for sure! It is both of your fight. Keep us posted!
    Cheryl
  • lirok
    lirok Member Posts: 49
    westie66 said:

    Gallbladder Cancer
    Hi Christina: There are many on this discussion thread (well, there seem to be 4 of them now!) that are struggling with gallbladder cancer, and we are still here. If your husband doesn't want to ask questions (it is hard to do), then ask your oncologist and doctor all the questions and take notes. I've found that checking in on this website regularly has helped me a lot - particularly in asking the right questions. There aren't any dumb questions that's for sure! It is both of your fight. Keep us posted!
    Cheryl

    Gallbladder Cancer
    Did anyone have any issues with low grade fevers 100-102 during chemo? I had to have my bile ducts reconstructed and I have 3 metal stents installed. Recent scans show them to be clear but my oncologist feels that this is what is causing the fever.

    Thanks,

    Rocky
  • Meg2003
    Meg2003 Member Posts: 13
    Update... surgery postponed/canceled
    Sorry for the delayed response. My dad was scheduled to have surgery on a Monday at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Illinois and they canceled it the Sunday before. After all the doctors consulted over the weekend they determined that they should try doing Chemo for a bit first. They are concerned about the recovery time (he had a very slow recovery with his last surgery) and did not want to run into any complications and then have to postpone chemo. He still has a tube from his original gallbladder surgery which is causes him a lot of pain so they are talking about going in and removing his gallbladder at a minimum but we won't know for sure until they do his next scan which will be in 4 weeks.

    He is currently on chemo; he flies to IL every 2 weeks for his infusion and takes the xeloda. He did really well after the first treatment, but the long term ant nausea medicine was affecting his memory and concentration so they chose to go without it this time so he had 4 days of nausea. He's decided that the confusion was easier to deal with so next time he'll get the anti-nausea med. He does have neuropathy on his hands and feet which has been making him crazy and he's using some kind of utter cream.

    My parents love the center they're at. They said everyone is amazing, the doctors and nurses pray with the patients before infusions and surgery and the patients all act like they're family and are very supportive. If you have private insurance, then your flight is usually covered, which is a huge plus. Medicare patients have to cover their own airfare due do the facility not receiving full reimbursements. Again, my parents love it and say they are glad they did not go anywhere else.

    He also sees a herbalist at the facility and they have him on 2 types of mushroom supplements and are supposed to stop the growth of cancer in its tracks and help regulate your white blood cell count (prevent it from dropping).

    My dad's mood has improved; he does have his down days. It all depends on how sick people were that he saw at the cancer center and how miserable he is feeling from the chemo. All in all, it's not as bad as we had pictured. I'm just thankful to find this site, I was desperate for some hope and I was not able to find it anywhere else.
  • christina55
    christina55 Member Posts: 9
    Meg2003 said:

    Update... surgery postponed/canceled
    Sorry for the delayed response. My dad was scheduled to have surgery on a Monday at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Illinois and they canceled it the Sunday before. After all the doctors consulted over the weekend they determined that they should try doing Chemo for a bit first. They are concerned about the recovery time (he had a very slow recovery with his last surgery) and did not want to run into any complications and then have to postpone chemo. He still has a tube from his original gallbladder surgery which is causes him a lot of pain so they are talking about going in and removing his gallbladder at a minimum but we won't know for sure until they do his next scan which will be in 4 weeks.

    He is currently on chemo; he flies to IL every 2 weeks for his infusion and takes the xeloda. He did really well after the first treatment, but the long term ant nausea medicine was affecting his memory and concentration so they chose to go without it this time so he had 4 days of nausea. He's decided that the confusion was easier to deal with so next time he'll get the anti-nausea med. He does have neuropathy on his hands and feet which has been making him crazy and he's using some kind of utter cream.

    My parents love the center they're at. They said everyone is amazing, the doctors and nurses pray with the patients before infusions and surgery and the patients all act like they're family and are very supportive. If you have private insurance, then your flight is usually covered, which is a huge plus. Medicare patients have to cover their own airfare due do the facility not receiving full reimbursements. Again, my parents love it and say they are glad they did not go anywhere else.

    He also sees a herbalist at the facility and they have him on 2 types of mushroom supplements and are supposed to stop the growth of cancer in its tracks and help regulate your white blood cell count (prevent it from dropping).

    My dad's mood has improved; he does have his down days. It all depends on how sick people were that he saw at the cancer center and how miserable he is feeling from the chemo. All in all, it's not as bad as we had pictured. I'm just thankful to find this site, I was desperate for some hope and I was not able to find it anywhere else.

    My Husbands cancer
    It's been awhile but I had soooo many downs the last 2 weeks. We went in for the first tx. which was cancelled because of a temp. He got 2units of blood and went in for the tx. again it was cancelled due to high bil count. Then he was admitted to the Hospital , had his Stent redone, found out that during all this the tumor had doubled in size and was how in his lungs and stomach. They did the first tx. in the hospital because of his high white blood cell count. Well after the tx. he had to stay because he went into tumor lysis syndrome. this affects the kidneys which is bad. the good part is that it is prove that it is killing off the tumor. My husband is still in the hospital , and is 20lbs over his wieght because they are trying to flush the dead tumor particals through his kidneys, The bad thing is that they may not be able to do the next round sch. for monday. I'm hoping the the best. I hope they can do the chemo , and not risk the kidneys.
  • loridee11
    loridee11 Member Posts: 1
    How to support someone going through this
    Hi Lily,

    Thank you for sharing your story and for helping connect those going through this.

    My Dad was diagnosed with Stage 3 Gallbladder cancer last June. He had his Gallbladder removed and a portion of his liver where the cancer had spread. He then underwent chemo and Radiation. His 3 month scan looked good, but they found a large tumor in December (not on an organ). They removed that and he has been on chemo since (9 weeks both pill & IV). He is still on chemo and they just found another small tumor. It appears to not be in the organ or lymph system, but it is right next to a node, so they can't say for sure until surgery which should be soon.

    The thing that is scaring him and all of us is that the cancer spread while he has been actively on chemo. They are going to try another treatment, but the oncologist is not very comforting (basically told him to start planning). My dad's a fighter, but it seems like we are running out of options.

    I am looking for two things I guess. Hope for me, and feedback on how I can best support him. When we talk I try to be positive but I'm not sure if that's helping him, or makes him feel he has to be forced positive with me. Any advice and words of wisdom would be gratefully accepted.

    ~Lori
  • lirok
    lirok Member Posts: 49
    loridee11 said:

    How to support someone going through this
    Hi Lily,

    Thank you for sharing your story and for helping connect those going through this.

    My Dad was diagnosed with Stage 3 Gallbladder cancer last June. He had his Gallbladder removed and a portion of his liver where the cancer had spread. He then underwent chemo and Radiation. His 3 month scan looked good, but they found a large tumor in December (not on an organ). They removed that and he has been on chemo since (9 weeks both pill & IV). He is still on chemo and they just found another small tumor. It appears to not be in the organ or lymph system, but it is right next to a node, so they can't say for sure until surgery which should be soon.

    The thing that is scaring him and all of us is that the cancer spread while he has been actively on chemo. They are going to try another treatment, but the oncologist is not very comforting (basically told him to start planning). My dad's a fighter, but it seems like we are running out of options.

    I am looking for two things I guess. Hope for me, and feedback on how I can best support him. When we talk I try to be positive but I'm not sure if that's helping him, or makes him feel he has to be forced positive with me. Any advice and words of wisdom would be gratefully accepted.

    ~Lori

    Loridee
    If I may ask, what type of chemo is he getting? Most here had had some success with Gemzat and or Folfox (5FU). I know it sounds difficult but every day is a new day with new opportunities. You all must stay positive. Giving in is not an option.


    Prayers your way,

    Rocky
  • LucyDoodle
    LucyDoodle Member Posts: 23
    lirok said:

    Loridee
    If I may ask, what type of chemo is he getting? Most here had had some success with Gemzat and or Folfox (5FU). I know it sounds difficult but every day is a new day with new opportunities. You all must stay positive. Giving in is not an option.


    Prayers your way,

    Rocky

    Loridee
    Hi Lori
    I am not sure I have many words of wisdom accept to say never give up and keep asking your Dad's oncologist questions.
    Tell him about the wonderful people on the board and how they refuse to give in.

    My husband was diagnosed in May last year with stage 4 gallbladder cancer with livers mets. Surgery proved not to be an option and we were told maybe he had 8 months. He has been on chemo now for 9 months and is doing ok on it. He is still working and running and biking.

    I am sure Dad gets down, that's natural and you need to acknowledge that and allow him to talk about how he feels but as Rocky so rightly said giving up isn't an option. You have to have hope!

    Debbie

    P.S Steve is currently on Gemzar and Cisplatin.
  • LucyDoodle
    LucyDoodle Member Posts: 23

    Loridee
    Hi Lori
    I am not sure I have many words of wisdom accept to say never give up and keep asking your Dad's oncologist questions.
    Tell him about the wonderful people on the board and how they refuse to give in.

    My husband was diagnosed in May last year with stage 4 gallbladder cancer with livers mets. Surgery proved not to be an option and we were told maybe he had 8 months. He has been on chemo now for 9 months and is doing ok on it. He is still working and running and biking.

    I am sure Dad gets down, that's natural and you need to acknowledge that and allow him to talk about how he feels but as Rocky so rightly said giving up isn't an option. You have to have hope!

    Debbie

    P.S Steve is currently on Gemzar and Cisplatin.

    Christina
    I am so sorry you and your husband have had to deal with so much lately. This board is a great place to come. I have found when I have been really down the advise and support I have got here has helped so much. It helps to know you are not alone.
    I would second the asking question advise you were given. I always have loads of questions for the oncologist and they never mind me asking. Steve and I are a team and that's how we plan to tackle this monster!
    I also have a folder with everything in it because I think something happens to your brain when someone you love has cancer and I forget things. This way I can look back and reassure my self.
    I hope the next treatment goes ahead as planned.
    Sending positive thoughts
    Debbie
  • LucyDoodle
    LucyDoodle Member Posts: 23

    Christina
    I am so sorry you and your husband have had to deal with so much lately. This board is a great place to come. I have found when I have been really down the advise and support I have got here has helped so much. It helps to know you are not alone.
    I would second the asking question advise you were given. I always have loads of questions for the oncologist and they never mind me asking. Steve and I are a team and that's how we plan to tackle this monster!
    I also have a folder with everything in it because I think something happens to your brain when someone you love has cancer and I forget things. This way I can look back and reassure my self.
    I hope the next treatment goes ahead as planned.
    Sending positive thoughts
    Debbie

    Meg2003
    Thanks for the up date about Dad, it's good to know the chemo treatment is not as bad as you and he feared it might be.
    Stay positive.
    Debbie
  • LucyDoodle
    LucyDoodle Member Posts: 23

    Christina
    I am so sorry you and your husband have had to deal with so much lately. This board is a great place to come. I have found when I have been really down the advise and support I have got here has helped so much. It helps to know you are not alone.
    I would second the asking question advise you were given. I always have loads of questions for the oncologist and they never mind me asking. Steve and I are a team and that's how we plan to tackle this monster!
    I also have a folder with everything in it because I think something happens to your brain when someone you love has cancer and I forget things. This way I can look back and reassure my self.
    I hope the next treatment goes ahead as planned.
    Sending positive thoughts
    Debbie

    Scans
    My husband has been having scans every 9 weeks (after three rounds of gemzar and cisplatin). Does the length of time between scans ever lengthen or is that pretty much the norm? In someways its very reassuring to know they are looking to see what is going on but you read such bad stuff about the scans......maybe you just can't think about that!
  • christina55
    christina55 Member Posts: 9

    Christina
    I am so sorry you and your husband have had to deal with so much lately. This board is a great place to come. I have found when I have been really down the advise and support I have got here has helped so much. It helps to know you are not alone.
    I would second the asking question advise you were given. I always have loads of questions for the oncologist and they never mind me asking. Steve and I are a team and that's how we plan to tackle this monster!
    I also have a folder with everything in it because I think something happens to your brain when someone you love has cancer and I forget things. This way I can look back and reassure my self.
    I hope the next treatment goes ahead as planned.
    Sending positive thoughts
    Debbie

    husbands Cancer
    Because, he had a high white count, the Drs. say it was because his tumor was emitting some sort of a hormone that caused him to produce a high number. When he was given the chemo, all the dead white blood cells and tumor cell went though his kidney and caused him to have kidney failure. Since cisplatin is hard on the kidneys they are no longer going to use this. This isn't the only problem, his platetts dropped from 400 the 39 very quickly so they may stop the chemo altogether. He is still in the hospital, being monitored. This is very hard. So my husband not only got a rare cancer but a rare syndrome called tumor lysis syndrome. I have kept copies of scans and procedures, they gave me a binder so that makes it easy. I 'm really greatful for all your comments. and encouraging words I too hope that this will come out ok.
    thanks chris
  • christina55
    christina55 Member Posts: 9

    Christina
    I am so sorry you and your husband have had to deal with so much lately. This board is a great place to come. I have found when I have been really down the advise and support I have got here has helped so much. It helps to know you are not alone.
    I would second the asking question advise you were given. I always have loads of questions for the oncologist and they never mind me asking. Steve and I are a team and that's how we plan to tackle this monster!
    I also have a folder with everything in it because I think something happens to your brain when someone you love has cancer and I forget things. This way I can look back and reassure my self.
    I hope the next treatment goes ahead as planned.
    Sending positive thoughts
    Debbie

    husbands Cancer
    Because, he had a high white count, the Drs. say it was because his tumor was emitting some sort of a hormone that caused him to produce a high number. When he was given the chemo, all the dead white blood cells and tumor cell went though his kidney and caused him to have kidney failure. Since cisplatin is hard on the kidneys they are no longer going to use this. This isn't the only problem, his platetts dropped from 400 the 39 very quickly so they may stop the chemo altogether. He is still in the hospital, being monitored. This is very hard. So my husband not only got a rare cancer but a rare syndrome called tumor lysis syndrome. I have kept copies of scans and procedures, they gave me a binder so that makes it easy. I 'm really greatful for all your comments. and encouraging words I too hope that this will come out ok.
    thanks chris
  • westie66
    westie66 Member Posts: 642

    husbands Cancer
    Because, he had a high white count, the Drs. say it was because his tumor was emitting some sort of a hormone that caused him to produce a high number. When he was given the chemo, all the dead white blood cells and tumor cell went though his kidney and caused him to have kidney failure. Since cisplatin is hard on the kidneys they are no longer going to use this. This isn't the only problem, his platetts dropped from 400 the 39 very quickly so they may stop the chemo altogether. He is still in the hospital, being monitored. This is very hard. So my husband not only got a rare cancer but a rare syndrome called tumor lysis syndrome. I have kept copies of scans and procedures, they gave me a binder so that makes it easy. I 'm really greatful for all your comments. and encouraging words I too hope that this will come out ok.
    thanks chris

    Gallbladder Cancer
    Hi: I, too, have gallbladder cancer, stage IV, with mets to the peritoneum and liver. I had 12 treatments of gemcitibine + cisplatin after the surgery in April 2010 that removed the gallbladder, its tumour, and part of the liver. I then had 12 treatments of oxaliplatin + irenotecan + 5FU pump + leucovin to work on the mets to the peritoneum. I am still here and its been 3 years since diagnosis. The next stage is either more chemo or surgery to remove the liver met followed by surgery to remove the peritoneum mets.
    Keep up the faith. All is possible.
    Cheryl
  • lirok
    lirok Member Posts: 49
    westie66 said:

    Gallbladder Cancer
    Hi: I, too, have gallbladder cancer, stage IV, with mets to the peritoneum and liver. I had 12 treatments of gemcitibine + cisplatin after the surgery in April 2010 that removed the gallbladder, its tumour, and part of the liver. I then had 12 treatments of oxaliplatin + irenotecan + 5FU pump + leucovin to work on the mets to the peritoneum. I am still here and its been 3 years since diagnosis. The next stage is either more chemo or surgery to remove the liver met followed by surgery to remove the peritoneum mets.
    Keep up the faith. All is possible.
    Cheryl

    Little Setback
    On Thursday morning I woke up with a 103 degree fever. Naturally, doc said to go to Sloane Urgent Care immediately. They put me on an antibiotic drip right away. X-rays were clear, CT scan showed inflammation around stents in my bile ducts but no blockages. After 11 hours sitting/laying in UC, they admitted me and I got an isolation room at 11PM. Fever subsided and I spent the night. Next morning the GI Dept. head came in and said they tossed around changing the stents but my numbers were only mildly out of line so they did not think it should be done. I convinced her to let me go home with a pill antibiotic (1750mg) for 10 days. I have scheduled chemo on Tuesday but feeling much better.

    Just another bump in the road. Stay positive and FIGHT no matter what the situation. God bless you all.


    Rocky
  • westie66
    westie66 Member Posts: 642
    lirok said:

    Little Setback
    On Thursday morning I woke up with a 103 degree fever. Naturally, doc said to go to Sloane Urgent Care immediately. They put me on an antibiotic drip right away. X-rays were clear, CT scan showed inflammation around stents in my bile ducts but no blockages. After 11 hours sitting/laying in UC, they admitted me and I got an isolation room at 11PM. Fever subsided and I spent the night. Next morning the GI Dept. head came in and said they tossed around changing the stents but my numbers were only mildly out of line so they did not think it should be done. I convinced her to let me go home with a pill antibiotic (1750mg) for 10 days. I have scheduled chemo on Tuesday but feeling much better.

    Just another bump in the road. Stay positive and FIGHT no matter what the situation. God bless you all.


    Rocky

    Little Setback
    Good for you, Rocky!
    Cheryl
  • DiSiano
    DiSiano Member Posts: 3
    westie66 said:

    Little Setback
    Good for you, Rocky!
    Cheryl

    Help for newly diagnosed
    Help!
    Hello. I am brand new to the site and need some assistance/advice. My 66-year-old mother was just diagnosed with adenosquamous carcinoma of the gallbladder following cholecystectomy for gallstones. She is very healthy and active, so you can imagine our shock. Her PET scan shows an area of high activity in the right lobe of the liver, which the doctors believe is metastasis. She is scheduled to have an exploratory laparotomy on April 10th. If there are no other visible lesions, the surgeon plans to resect the right lobe of the liver. They want to perform a portal vein Embolization on April 2nd. Apparently this will cut off the blood supply to the right lobe and make the left lobe "take up the slack.". Have any of you undergone this procedure? Would you recommend having it done? Is there any information you feel is vital for us to have? This news has knocked our entire family for a loop, and we're scrambling for answers while not being sure if we're asking the right questions! I am so glad I stumbled upon this site, though. Your stories have given me hope. I've shared some of them with my mom to encourage her to fight, to not give in to the statistics.
    Thank you for any information you can provide.
    Donna

    P.S. I can't figure out how to post without replying--sorry. Also, my mom is being treated at Shands Hospital, University of Florida. Does anyone have any experience with that facility?
  • hillaryjoRN
    hillaryjoRN Member Posts: 32
    DiSiano said:

    Help for newly diagnosed
    Help!
    Hello. I am brand new to the site and need some assistance/advice. My 66-year-old mother was just diagnosed with adenosquamous carcinoma of the gallbladder following cholecystectomy for gallstones. She is very healthy and active, so you can imagine our shock. Her PET scan shows an area of high activity in the right lobe of the liver, which the doctors believe is metastasis. She is scheduled to have an exploratory laparotomy on April 10th. If there are no other visible lesions, the surgeon plans to resect the right lobe of the liver. They want to perform a portal vein Embolization on April 2nd. Apparently this will cut off the blood supply to the right lobe and make the left lobe "take up the slack.". Have any of you undergone this procedure? Would you recommend having it done? Is there any information you feel is vital for us to have? This news has knocked our entire family for a loop, and we're scrambling for answers while not being sure if we're asking the right questions! I am so glad I stumbled upon this site, though. Your stories have given me hope. I've shared some of them with my mom to encourage her to fight, to not give in to the statistics.
    Thank you for any information you can provide.
    Donna

    P.S. I can't figure out how to post without replying--sorry. Also, my mom is being treated at Shands Hospital, University of Florida. Does anyone have any experience with that facility?

    Newly Diagnosed mother
    In March my 52 year old mother was diagnosed with T2 N0 M0 adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder. she had surgery two weeks ago to remove the gallbladder, portion of the liver, bile duct, and 16 lymph nodes. margins were negative for cancer and so were all of the lymph nodes! thank the Lord! Her current oncologist ( who states that my mother will be his only patient with gallbladder cancer because it is so rare) wanted to start her with Chemo and radiation soon. We are taking her to the Mayo clinic next week for a second opinion ( hopefully they see more gallbladder cancer there). I know we need to treat this very aggressively! I am so scared... all the research I have done paints a pretty grim picture. terrible survival rates, high reaoccurance, ect. I just want to take her to the best place in the world, and do EVERYTHING we can to beat this!!! I need my mother!! I appreciate any information I can get, and would love some encouragement! I know that GOD is in control... I keep telling myself that:)

    P.S. I dont' know how to post, just Reply...hope thats OK
  • lirok
    lirok Member Posts: 49

    Newly Diagnosed mother
    In March my 52 year old mother was diagnosed with T2 N0 M0 adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder. she had surgery two weeks ago to remove the gallbladder, portion of the liver, bile duct, and 16 lymph nodes. margins were negative for cancer and so were all of the lymph nodes! thank the Lord! Her current oncologist ( who states that my mother will be his only patient with gallbladder cancer because it is so rare) wanted to start her with Chemo and radiation soon. We are taking her to the Mayo clinic next week for a second opinion ( hopefully they see more gallbladder cancer there). I know we need to treat this very aggressively! I am so scared... all the research I have done paints a pretty grim picture. terrible survival rates, high reaoccurance, ect. I just want to take her to the best place in the world, and do EVERYTHING we can to beat this!!! I need my mother!! I appreciate any information I can get, and would love some encouragement! I know that GOD is in control... I keep telling myself that:)

    P.S. I dont' know how to post, just Reply...hope thats OK

    Newly Diagnosed Mother
    HillaryjoRN, this sound EXACTLY like what I have. I underwent surgery in Feb. of 2011. I had chemo (Gemzat) through last summer. I underwent 28 consecutive days of radiation to the pelvic area. Had my bile ducts reconstructed and stents placed to keep them open. A year later I am still on chemo (Folfox 5FU) as I have a small amount of active cancer in some lymph nodes that are playing peek a boo. It is a very rare and aggressive cancer but I am doing well and we have it on the run.

    Keep positive despite what you read. There are exceptions to EVERYTHING and this is one of them. Mom is young and can withstand an aggressive approach to therapy. My prayers are with you and we will BOTH overcome this.

    Rocky
  • lourdes726
    lourdes726 Member Posts: 16

    Newly Diagnosed mother
    In March my 52 year old mother was diagnosed with T2 N0 M0 adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder. she had surgery two weeks ago to remove the gallbladder, portion of the liver, bile duct, and 16 lymph nodes. margins were negative for cancer and so were all of the lymph nodes! thank the Lord! Her current oncologist ( who states that my mother will be his only patient with gallbladder cancer because it is so rare) wanted to start her with Chemo and radiation soon. We are taking her to the Mayo clinic next week for a second opinion ( hopefully they see more gallbladder cancer there). I know we need to treat this very aggressively! I am so scared... all the research I have done paints a pretty grim picture. terrible survival rates, high reaoccurance, ect. I just want to take her to the best place in the world, and do EVERYTHING we can to beat this!!! I need my mother!! I appreciate any information I can get, and would love some encouragement! I know that GOD is in control... I keep telling myself that:)

    P.S. I dont' know how to post, just Reply...hope thats OK

    Gallbladder cancer -2012
    Hillaty,
    I too was diagnosed 2 years ago in April with gallbladder cancer. T2 N0 M0 and also had a liver resection with negative margins and and negative lymph nodes at the age of 48. I was treated at UCLA and had a second opinion at UCLA. ALso my oncologist consulted with Cleveland clinic. It seems like each doctor had their own opinion on how aggressive to be. My surgeon recommended no follow-up chemo, but the team a Dana Farber and Cleveland Clinic did suggest follow-up chemo as an extra precaution. I did follow through and have 5 weeks of radiation and chemo, followed by 4 months of Gemzar. The few people that I have came in contact with that are survivors have all received some type of follow-up chemo. I think this disease is rare and it is important to travel to doctors that have treated gallbladder cancer and are similar with the best treatment options. I wish your mother the best, and please let her know there is much hope. I will be interested in hearing what the doctors at Mayo recommend and what they have to say.

    Lourdes
  • westie66
    westie66 Member Posts: 642

    Gallbladder cancer -2012
    Hillaty,
    I too was diagnosed 2 years ago in April with gallbladder cancer. T2 N0 M0 and also had a liver resection with negative margins and and negative lymph nodes at the age of 48. I was treated at UCLA and had a second opinion at UCLA. ALso my oncologist consulted with Cleveland clinic. It seems like each doctor had their own opinion on how aggressive to be. My surgeon recommended no follow-up chemo, but the team a Dana Farber and Cleveland Clinic did suggest follow-up chemo as an extra precaution. I did follow through and have 5 weeks of radiation and chemo, followed by 4 months of Gemzar. The few people that I have came in contact with that are survivors have all received some type of follow-up chemo. I think this disease is rare and it is important to travel to doctors that have treated gallbladder cancer and are similar with the best treatment options. I wish your mother the best, and please let her know there is much hope. I will be interested in hearing what the doctors at Mayo recommend and what they have to say.

    Lourdes

    Gallbladder Cancer
    Hi: Interesting to see another gallbladder cancer person having the FOLFOX treatment. I had 12 treatments at first of gemcibitine and cisplatin. No side effects but apparently didn't stabilize the mets to the peritoneum (I had the gallbladder and its tumour removed). I then did 12 treatments of FOLFOXFIRI (oxaliplatin + irenotecan + 5FU pump) and although it was a nasty combination it did seem to stabilize and even shrink some of the peritoneum nodules. I came off it Nov 4 but am back on it again next week. Unfortunately I have to pay for the oxaliplatin here in Ontario.
    Cheryl