Gallbladder Cancer Stage 4

westie66

unknown said:

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

Gallbladder/Liver Cancer Stage IV
Hi Jan in northern Ontario: Does you husband have his treatment up there or does he go to cancer centres in southern Ontario? Certainly the one here in London is very good but as it covers a wide area it is busy! Nevertheless, I am still awaiting a treatment plan because my incision has not yet healed. It is frustrating but in the meantime I am getting a lot of reading done. One thing I keep on hearing is that chemo (especially high doses of chemo) may not be the answer as the success statistics are not great. But low doses combined with proper nutrition, etc. (an integrated approach) can work well. Not sure what I'll go for once the oncologist has put together his team and the team makes recommendations. It is frustrating to not be doing anything, however (except positive thinking!).
So, how was your husband diagnosed? through symptoms or during surgery?
I will certainly track down the books you recommend. I do have some (e.g. 50 Fifty to do to Beat Cancer, etc.) and have several friends who have made it through, one with pancreatic cancer, and they are an inspiration.
Please keep in touch.
Cheryl

maudsie

katsie said:

MY BATTLE WITH STAGE IV GALLBLADDER CANCER
Hi Lily

I have been following this feed for a while now and would like to post on this site.

A little background on me: I had a gallbladder attack in March of 07 and it was removed only to find out it was full of cancer (adenoma, signet ring). Anyway after a PET scan that was mis-read and 2 cat scans later, I was once again operated on May 1/07. The did a liver resection and removed some lymph nodes which were cancer free, as well as removed tissue surrounding the previous gall bladder removal. They said they got it all but because of the original surgery they advised that I have chemo (gemzar and xeloda) for 4 months and a 6 week course of radiation. I did that and completed my treatment in December of 07. So far so good. However in December of 09 they found a rather large mass in my pelvis. (Note: they missed seeing the turmor on the two previous scans although if they had looked it was there to be seen.) They originally thought it was ovarian cancer, but after surgery to remove the mass if was found to be a return of my gallbladder cancer. So now it's back to the "9 months to live or maybe a year if you do chemo".

I have been actively persuing a new treatment called a "Chemo Bath". I don't know if I'm a suitable candidate for this new treatment but I have to keep my hopes up. I do know that the Doctors have all told me that the chemo won't save me, just give me a little extra time. At this time of my life (64) I'm too healthy and stubborn to accept this. I have granddaughters to play with.

Hope to talk with others with this disease.

my battle
Hello Katsie. I have been reading the posts here, and have already communicated with Lily on this site. I read your post, however, and your case struck me as VERY similar to mine....at least at the start. i was diagnosed at age 61 with GBC, July 2008, following a routine laparoscopic removal of my gall bladder for some rather vague and seemingly not too serious gallstone symptoms. A larger follow-up surgery was done, the usual one we all seem to get: an extended liver resection and lymph node dissection. My lymph were all normal, no cancer. There was some direct invasion into the lower liver from my gall bladder, but all was cut out during surgery and margins were negative. No other cancer or suspicious sites were seen, bile duck OK. I then underwent, like you, chemo (gemzar and xeloda) and radiation. Every lab, every CT scan, has been normal since then. No cancer. I feel fine. All labs normal, I never had an elevated CA 19-9. I am getting scanned every 6 months, labs every 3 months. My next scan is set for the end of August. I have started feeling more optimistic about my chances for beating this thing... "so far so good" as you say...until i read your post. You were good for two years and...whoops, here you are again, looking at a return of your cancer and you are checking out what is next for you to do. I am your age, I will turn 64 in October, and I have a lot of life i still wish to lead. I would like to know more about you, where you are, what treatment you decide upon, and how you are feeling in general. i am thinking of you and wishing you the best. Please let me know how you are doing!

Lily50

westie66 said:

Gallbladder/Liver Cancer Stage IV
Hi Jan in northern Ontario: Does you husband have his treatment up there or does he go to cancer centres in southern Ontario? Certainly the one here in London is very good but as it covers a wide area it is busy! Nevertheless, I am still awaiting a treatment plan because my incision has not yet healed. It is frustrating but in the meantime I am getting a lot of reading done. One thing I keep on hearing is that chemo (especially high doses of chemo) may not be the answer as the success statistics are not great. But low doses combined with proper nutrition, etc. (an integrated approach) can work well. Not sure what I'll go for once the oncologist has put together his team and the team makes recommendations. It is frustrating to not be doing anything, however (except positive thinking!).
So, how was your husband diagnosed? through symptoms or during surgery?
I will certainly track down the books you recommend. I do have some (e.g. 50 Fifty to do to Beat Cancer, etc.) and have several friends who have made it through, one with pancreatic cancer, and they are an inspiration.
Please keep in touch.
Cheryl

Cheryl & Jan
Welcome to this forum! I'm sorry that you are both dealing with this disease but I'm glad you found each other.
See Cheryl, I told you that you would find someone in your area. Since treatment is different in Canada it is great that you can relate directly to the medical treatments there. Even though everything is similar regarding approaches to treatment there are differences and it can be quite imformative to read what steps others are taking to beat this disease. This disease has been relatively unknown and has only come to the fore-front recently.
We are here to help in any way we can. Just ask and someone will respond.
Don't lose your Hope or Faith. It is what keeps most of us going.
Take Care
Lily

westie66

Lily50 said:

Cheryl & Jan
Welcome to this forum! I'm sorry that you are both dealing with this disease but I'm glad you found each other.
See Cheryl, I told you that you would find someone in your area. Since treatment is different in Canada it is great that you can relate directly to the medical treatments there. Even though everything is similar regarding approaches to treatment there are differences and it can be quite imformative to read what steps others are taking to beat this disease. This disease has been relatively unknown and has only come to the fore-front recently.
We are here to help in any way we can. Just ask and someone will respond.
Don't lose your Hope or Faith. It is what keeps most of us going.
Take Care
Lily

Cheryl and Jan
Thanks, Lily! Jan told me about an internationally-known gallbladder cancer specialist in Toronto that her husband Don saw when he was first diagnosed. I'm going to try to get an appointment with him if I can for a 2nd opinion (not as easy in Canada I'm afraid - there aren't as many doctors here and places are very far apart and it takes awhile to get an appointment). The surgeon I saw today told me that gallbladder cancer is rare in Canada and thus not well known (unlike breast and prostate cancers). So, I'm afraid many oncologists are not as familiar with what is being done as they could be. This website is a real godsend!
Cheryl

Unknown

isellabrate said:

Gallbladder Cancer
Hi, Lily,

Thank you so much for offering your words of hope. I have stage IV metastatic gallbladder cancer. I am only 64, and lost my husband to cancer less than 8 months ago. After removing my gallbladder and discovering the cancer, I had an exploratory surgery where they tried to resent the liver and remove the tumors. They were not able to do so, since the cancer had metastitized.

My oncologist wants to use weekly Gemzar to try to shrink the tumors. May I ask what your chemo was?

Jan

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

Unknown

Lily50 said:

Gallbladder Cancer Stage 4
Hi,
I too was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer stage 4 in the fall of 2005. My husband later told me that I was given a short time frame also. Well they were wrong!

I had aggressive chemotherpy for almost a year to shink my turmor so that they could operate on my gallbladder, liver, stomach and removal of lymph nodes. I have a great oncologist in Las Vegas, Nevada and had my surgery at UCLA in California. I completed my chemo in March 2007.

I never lost my HOPE or FAITH and no doctor should ever be allowed to take away your HOPE.

If I can help answer any questions just let me know. It is a hard road but it is worth it. Every day becomes a blessing.

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

sharon65

westie66 said:

Cheryl and Jan
Thanks, Lily! Jan told me about an internationally-known gallbladder cancer specialist in Toronto that her husband Don saw when he was first diagnosed. I'm going to try to get an appointment with him if I can for a 2nd opinion (not as easy in Canada I'm afraid - there aren't as many doctors here and places are very far apart and it takes awhile to get an appointment). The surgeon I saw today told me that gallbladder cancer is rare in Canada and thus not well known (unlike breast and prostate cancers). So, I'm afraid many oncologists are not as familiar with what is being done as they could be. This website is a real godsend!
Cheryl

My daughter has stage 4 gallbladder cancer
My 26 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Gallbladder cancer. What a blessing to find this site and hear that some people are beating this. The statistics on the web and that doctors tell you are so grim. She's been told that the cancer has spread to her liver and lungs and that she has maybe a year. She's started chemo and has an amazing attitude. Her gallbladder was removed immediatly. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories. It does help to hear that some people have lived for years after diagnosis.
Sharon

Lily50

sharon65 said:

My daughter has stage 4 gallbladder cancer
My 26 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Gallbladder cancer. What a blessing to find this site and hear that some people are beating this. The statistics on the web and that doctors tell you are so grim. She's been told that the cancer has spread to her liver and lungs and that she has maybe a year. She's started chemo and has an amazing attitude. Her gallbladder was removed immediatly. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories. It does help to hear that some people have lived for years after diagnosis.
Sharon

Your Daughter
Welcome to our little community Sharon!

I'm so sorry that this has happened to your daughter. She is so young, probably the youngest person that I have encountered with this disease. The good thing for her is that she is so young and probably was in good health before this diagnosis. I say it time and time again that the statistics are outdated and are really quite grim at best. You have to have Hope & Faith to carry you through this fight for her life. It is good that the gallbladder was taken out and was that when they determined that she had this cancer? What part of the country are you located at? There are people from all across the U.S., Canada and International also. We are all willing to help you with recommendations and support thru this difficult time. It is so helpful to find someone in your area or close by that has already experienced some of the roads that you and your daughter will be traveling. Talk to us about anything and we will try to help you and your daughter in any way that we can.

Take Care. I'm praying for you.
Lily

westie66

sharon65 said:

My daughter has stage 4 gallbladder cancer
My 26 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Gallbladder cancer. What a blessing to find this site and hear that some people are beating this. The statistics on the web and that doctors tell you are so grim. She's been told that the cancer has spread to her liver and lungs and that she has maybe a year. She's started chemo and has an amazing attitude. Her gallbladder was removed immediatly. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories. It does help to hear that some people have lived for years after diagnosis.
Sharon

Daughter with Stage 4 Gallbladder Cancer
She is young and healthy and has a good attitude. She can beat this thing. Check out some of the health strategies in this discussion forum like eating lots of vegetables and fruit and taking appropriate supplements even while doing chemo. I had the tumour cut out of the liver when they removed the gallbladder with its tumour (you can lose a lot of liver as it is very fast growing). You/she must be proactive even aggressive about treatment, and if you are in the States (I'm not) go to the best doctors possible. Keep us posted. We're in it with you.
Cheryl

Linda1949

Lily50 said:

Moms, sisters, loved ones
Hello,
To all readers and posters to this discussion board, if you would like add me as a friend and we can talk via the CSN Email or if you prefer send me your Internet Email address and I will respond. View my profile and ask me anything you want. You all have my support and prayers through this difficult time.
Lily

Gallbladder Cancer
Hello Lily50,

On June 1st I had my gallbladder removed for gall stones and afterward was told that it was cancer. I am scheduled to have surgery for a liver resection on Tues. July 6th. I am feeling well, but my doctor believes that the cancer is in the liver bed where my gallbladder was removed. The CT scan did not show any evidence of metastices (sp). I am told that the "standard" is this surgery with followup on Chemo and radiation. I have had well meaning friends and relatives ask me why I don't do the chemo first because the surgery is so invasive. I noticed that you had chemo before surgery. Can you tell my why you chose this form of treatment first. The doctor tells me there aren't any real studies about this form of cancer. I am very confused and don't know now if I am making the right decision to have this major surgery. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions. By the way, I don't fit the "usual" patient for this, as I am a caucasian female. Thank you,

Linda1949

Lily50

Linda1949 said:

Gallbladder Cancer
Hello Lily50,

On June 1st I had my gallbladder removed for gall stones and afterward was told that it was cancer. I am scheduled to have surgery for a liver resection on Tues. July 6th. I am feeling well, but my doctor believes that the cancer is in the liver bed where my gallbladder was removed. The CT scan did not show any evidence of metastices (sp). I am told that the "standard" is this surgery with followup on Chemo and radiation. I have had well meaning friends and relatives ask me why I don't do the chemo first because the surgery is so invasive. I noticed that you had chemo before surgery. Can you tell my why you chose this form of treatment first. The doctor tells me there aren't any real studies about this form of cancer. I am very confused and don't know now if I am making the right decision to have this major surgery. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions. By the way, I don't fit the "usual" patient for this, as I am a caucasian female. Thank you,

Linda1949

Gallbladder Cancer Stage ?
Good Morning Linda,

Have they told you what stage they are identifying the cancer as? There are alot of people who have surgery first and then do chemo and radiation. This is a good thing. Usually it has been my experience in talking with others that if they are doing chemo and radiation first it is because they need to have shrinkage in the turmor first before they can even be considered for surgery. I did not have an option or was able to make a choice for surgery or treatment. I had to wait for my turmor to shrink. I couldn't have radiation as my liver was already compromised. From diagnosis to surgery it was 11 months of waiting, hoping and praying. I would have jumped at the chance for surgery because then you are only dealing with cancer cells that have moved on through your body and not the initial site of the turmor.
What the doctor has told you is true, the information about this disease is outdated and dismal at best. If you feel that this decision is right in your heart than don't let well meaning family and friends talk you into something that really they have no idea about. It is easier to stand on the sidelines and give opinions but they are not the ones who are facing these tough decisions.
By the way, I too didn't fit the "usual" patient profile as I am a caucasian female like many others on this forum and at the time of diagnosis I was 46 years old. Again I will say that the information that the doctor's have is outdated.
What part of the country are you located at? People who post on this forum are all across the US, Canada and International too. If you have questions just ask, this is a scary time and we will try to help you the best we can.

Take Care
You and your family are in my prayers.
Lily

Linda1949

Lily50 said:

Gallbladder Cancer Stage ?
Good Morning Linda,

Have they told you what stage they are identifying the cancer as? There are alot of people who have surgery first and then do chemo and radiation. This is a good thing. Usually it has been my experience in talking with others that if they are doing chemo and radiation first it is because they need to have shrinkage in the turmor first before they can even be considered for surgery. I did not have an option or was able to make a choice for surgery or treatment. I had to wait for my turmor to shrink. I couldn't have radiation as my liver was already compromised. From diagnosis to surgery it was 11 months of waiting, hoping and praying. I would have jumped at the chance for surgery because then you are only dealing with cancer cells that have moved on through your body and not the initial site of the turmor.
What the doctor has told you is true, the information about this disease is outdated and dismal at best. If you feel that this decision is right in your heart than don't let well meaning family and friends talk you into something that really they have no idea about. It is easier to stand on the sidelines and give opinions but they are not the ones who are facing these tough decisions.
By the way, I too didn't fit the "usual" patient profile as I am a caucasian female like many others on this forum and at the time of diagnosis I was 46 years old. Again I will say that the information that the doctor's have is outdated.
What part of the country are you located at? People who post on this forum are all across the US, Canada and International too. If you have questions just ask, this is a scary time and we will try to help you the best we can.

Take Care
You and your family are in my prayers.
Lily

Gallbladder Cancer
Lily,

Thank you so much for your quick response. This has been a nightmare! The Drs. think I'm a stage 3 at this time. I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow (7/6/10) They will look first with a camera and if no other cancer is seen in other organs then they will go forward with the liver resection, node removal and clean up the area where the gallbladder was. If they see cancer in other areas then I guess I'll be stage IV and the surgery will not be done. After surgery I'll have chemo and possibly radiation. I had a 2nd surgical opinion at City of Hope and they also recommended surgery. Some family members disagree and want me to fight this with chemo only or homeopathic methods. But I feel that if I don't have the surgery then I didn't do everything possible to fight this. I feel very confident with my surgeons but not so much with my oncologist. I have only met him once and he has never treated GBC before. My insurance is with an HMO so I don't have many options. Did you have an oncologist who is experienced with GBC? I'm 61 years only and live in Southern California. You're experience has made me feel so much better. No one in the medical field has given me anything to hope for. It's been all gloom and doom! I'll contact you after my surgery. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. You have been a blessing.


Linda

Lily50

Linda1949 said:

Gallbladder Cancer
Lily,

Thank you so much for your quick response. This has been a nightmare! The Drs. think I'm a stage 3 at this time. I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow (7/6/10) They will look first with a camera and if no other cancer is seen in other organs then they will go forward with the liver resection, node removal and clean up the area where the gallbladder was. If they see cancer in other areas then I guess I'll be stage IV and the surgery will not be done. After surgery I'll have chemo and possibly radiation. I had a 2nd surgical opinion at City of Hope and they also recommended surgery. Some family members disagree and want me to fight this with chemo only or homeopathic methods. But I feel that if I don't have the surgery then I didn't do everything possible to fight this. I feel very confident with my surgeons but not so much with my oncologist. I have only met him once and he has never treated GBC before. My insurance is with an HMO so I don't have many options. Did you have an oncologist who is experienced with GBC? I'm 61 years only and live in Southern California. You're experience has made me feel so much better. No one in the medical field has given me anything to hope for. It's been all gloom and doom! I'll contact you after my surgery. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. You have been a blessing.


Linda

Gallbladder Cancer
Good Morning Linda.

If you feel that this is a nightmare, that's because it is. You feel like you will never wake up from this terrible disease. Good Luck tomorrow, it is a pretty common procedure for them to go in and look around before making the decision to proceed with the liver resection. Let's hope for the best that the surgery will take place. There are some really good places in Southern California. I had my surgery done at UCLA. In my home state of Nevada they have no one qualified to do this type of surgery. It was only a 6 hour drive so I was willing to travel anywhere to have my surgery done. I agree with you that you have to make that decision for yourself no matter what anyone else says. I believe in homeopathic methods also but as my oncologist told me that chemo and radiaiton is the science of this disease and art is the surgeon's hands. For me it was a true statement. It is hard to put your life into someone's hands that you are not comfortable with, but I have talked to alot of people that either didn't like their surgeon or their oncologist. It is quite unusual for eveyone to get along. Yes, my oncologist has always had an interest in GBC which I think gave me a little bit of an edge. You are 61 years young (not old) and since Southern California is all about healthy living then you are probably in realitive good health. I hear again and again that the doctor's are all gloom and doom but that is their issue and not ours. We have to have Hope if we are able to beat this and doctor's have no right to take away that hope. Let me know how it goes, I will be praying for you.
Take Care
Lily

maudsie

sharon65 said:

My daughter has stage 4 gallbladder cancer
My 26 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Gallbladder cancer. What a blessing to find this site and hear that some people are beating this. The statistics on the web and that doctors tell you are so grim. She's been told that the cancer has spread to her liver and lungs and that she has maybe a year. She's started chemo and has an amazing attitude. Her gallbladder was removed immediatly. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories. It does help to hear that some people have lived for years after diagnosis.
Sharon

for Sharon
Hi Sharon, like the others, I am surprised to hear of someone so young with GBC. And I am so sorry! However, as was pointed out, she has her youth in her favor. I want to underscore the suggestion that you act immediately to make sure your daughter is seen at a large, prominent cancer center by docs who are very familiar with gall bladder cancer, who know the latest treatment options, have surgical and medical expertise, and can put their knowledge to bear in your daughter's case. The statistics are not pretty, but they are getting better and better all the time, not everything we read is up-to-date. Please let us know how things are going!
Maudsie

Helenab

My mom has GBC, stage 4
Hi,

My mom has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. Her illness is in a very advanced stage (what in medical terms is known as T4). Her name is Helena and she lives in Ecuador.

She is always been a very healthy person. She has not shown any of the symptoms related to her condition. The cancer was discovered after she noticed a bump in her abdomen, one week ago. She was taken for surgery yesterday. They extracted her gallbladder, part of the liver and the lymph nodes related to the gallbladder.

The surgeon suspects metastasis has taken place. He has given a rather dire prognosis, initially advising that no further treatment was warranted and, in short, that her cancer is fatal. Then, after our requests, he advised that without chemotherapy/radiotherapy her life expectation is of only two months, and with these therapies from 4 to 6 months in the best of cases.

It was very encouraging to find this forum and the histories of GBC survivors. I hope everybody here who suffers of GBC or has a loved one in such circumstance will find healing.

Maria

westie66

Helenab said:

My mom has GBC, stage 4
Hi,

My mom has been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. Her illness is in a very advanced stage (what in medical terms is known as T4). Her name is Helena and she lives in Ecuador.

She is always been a very healthy person. She has not shown any of the symptoms related to her condition. The cancer was discovered after she noticed a bump in her abdomen, one week ago. She was taken for surgery yesterday. They extracted her gallbladder, part of the liver and the lymph nodes related to the gallbladder.

The surgeon suspects metastasis has taken place. He has given a rather dire prognosis, initially advising that no further treatment was warranted and, in short, that her cancer is fatal. Then, after our requests, he advised that without chemotherapy/radiotherapy her life expectation is of only two months, and with these therapies from 4 to 6 months in the best of cases.

It was very encouraging to find this forum and the histories of GBC survivors. I hope everybody here who suffers of GBC or has a loved one in such circumstance will find healing.

Maria

Your Mom Diagnosed With Gallbladder Cancer Stage IV
Hi Maria: Greetings from Canada. Do not despair about your mom and do not give up hope. I was diagnosed with Stage IV gallbladder cancer (same as T4) in mid-April 2010. They did the same to me - took out my gallbladder that had a 4 cm tumour protruding from it to the liver, cut out a chunk of liver, as well as some nodules on the upper intestine - all cancerous. The prognosis of course was not good. BUT ... I had an MRI last week and the results came in yesterday. No sign of any malignant tumours from the base of the lungs to the pelvis - only a non-cancerous tumour on the liver called a hemangioma and some cysts. That doesn't mean of course that the cancer has gone and that there aren't any cancerous cells or small cancers that can't be seen around somewhere. I suspect they will want to do some chemo on me, too, but I have to wait for the surgery incision to heal which has taken 3 months. So, don't let the doctors give your mom that kind of prognosis! Tell her to fight it and get as healthy as she can with good food and a positive attitude.
Interestingly, gallbladder cancer rates are highest for women in the High Andes of Ecuador and Peru. I've been to Ecuador several times and loved it very much.
Cheryl

Lily50

westie66 said:

Your Mom Diagnosed With Gallbladder Cancer Stage IV
Hi Maria: Greetings from Canada. Do not despair about your mom and do not give up hope. I was diagnosed with Stage IV gallbladder cancer (same as T4) in mid-April 2010. They did the same to me - took out my gallbladder that had a 4 cm tumour protruding from it to the liver, cut out a chunk of liver, as well as some nodules on the upper intestine - all cancerous. The prognosis of course was not good. BUT ... I had an MRI last week and the results came in yesterday. No sign of any malignant tumours from the base of the lungs to the pelvis - only a non-cancerous tumour on the liver called a hemangioma and some cysts. That doesn't mean of course that the cancer has gone and that there aren't any cancerous cells or small cancers that can't be seen around somewhere. I suspect they will want to do some chemo on me, too, but I have to wait for the surgery incision to heal which has taken 3 months. So, don't let the doctors give your mom that kind of prognosis! Tell her to fight it and get as healthy as she can with good food and a positive attitude.
Interestingly, gallbladder cancer rates are highest for women in the High Andes of Ecuador and Peru. I've been to Ecuador several times and loved it very much.
Cheryl

Your Mom - Helena
Hi Maria,

I'm glad that you are joining our little community. I'm so sorry that you Mom has been diagnosed with this terrible disease. My diagnosis was T4 in December of 2005 and I have been in remission for 3 years. The doctor's all seem to give dire prognosis, The statistics regarding this disease are unreliable at best.

I agree with Cheryl, if your mother has been a healthy person she needs to get even healthier and stay postive. Don't not let anyone take away your HOPE and Faith.

She can fight this disease!

Take Care
Lily

Linda1949

Lily50 said:

Gallbladder Cancer
Good Morning Linda.

If you feel that this is a nightmare, that's because it is. You feel like you will never wake up from this terrible disease. Good Luck tomorrow, it is a pretty common procedure for them to go in and look around before making the decision to proceed with the liver resection. Let's hope for the best that the surgery will take place. There are some really good places in Southern California. I had my surgery done at UCLA. In my home state of Nevada they have no one qualified to do this type of surgery. It was only a 6 hour drive so I was willing to travel anywhere to have my surgery done. I agree with you that you have to make that decision for yourself no matter what anyone else says. I believe in homeopathic methods also but as my oncologist told me that chemo and radiaiton is the science of this disease and art is the surgeon's hands. For me it was a true statement. It is hard to put your life into someone's hands that you are not comfortable with, but I have talked to alot of people that either didn't like their surgeon or their oncologist. It is quite unusual for eveyone to get along. Yes, my oncologist has always had an interest in GBC which I think gave me a little bit of an edge. You are 61 years young (not old) and since Southern California is all about healthy living then you are probably in realitive good health. I hear again and again that the doctor's are all gloom and doom but that is their issue and not ours. We have to have Hope if we are able to beat this and doctor's have no right to take away that hope. Let me know how it goes, I will be praying for you.
Take Care
Lily

Linda1949 Surgery
Lily, I am Kathleen, Linda's sister. She had her surgery on Tuesday as planned. Drs. did not find obvious signs of cancer on other organs. They took a wedge of her liver at the gallbladder site, small sample of bile tract and the lymph nodes. The preliminary pathology just came in and shows the liver and bile tract free of cancer, but some cancer showed up in lymph nodes (which were removed). Linda is doing well, and recovery is coming along. Family has been taking turns staying with her all day and night to keep her spirits up and cater to her every need. We missed seeing her dr. when he came in with the news today and won't be able to talk to him until Monday. What do you think? I am very hopeful that she has a chance. Do you happen to know what might be the type of treatment she will look forward too? This site has been a "God send" for her. I appreciate your support to her this last week. You are a true angel! Kathleen~

sharon65

Lily50 said:

Your Daughter
Welcome to our little community Sharon!

I'm so sorry that this has happened to your daughter. She is so young, probably the youngest person that I have encountered with this disease. The good thing for her is that she is so young and probably was in good health before this diagnosis. I say it time and time again that the statistics are outdated and are really quite grim at best. You have to have Hope & Faith to carry you through this fight for her life. It is good that the gallbladder was taken out and was that when they determined that she had this cancer? What part of the country are you located at? There are people from all across the U.S., Canada and International also. We are all willing to help you with recommendations and support thru this difficult time. It is so helpful to find someone in your area or close by that has already experienced some of the roads that you and your daughter will be traveling. Talk to us about anything and we will try to help you and your daughter in any way that we can.

Take Care. I'm praying for you.
Lily

Hi Lily,
I'm in Indiana, but
Hi Lily,

I'm in Indiana, but my daughter is in Florida. We're trying to work out a way to bring her home to be with us but right now it's not possible. She's a fighter, but she has a number of other health issues. Unfortunately she wasn't in good health before her diagnosis. Still, she's tolerating the chemo pretty well. Tough weekend--we've been talking to her siblings about the diagnosis. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. You are in mine as well.

Sharon

sharon65

westie66 said:

Daughter with Stage 4 Gallbladder Cancer
She is young and healthy and has a good attitude. She can beat this thing. Check out some of the health strategies in this discussion forum like eating lots of vegetables and fruit and taking appropriate supplements even while doing chemo. I had the tumour cut out of the liver when they removed the gallbladder with its tumour (you can lose a lot of liver as it is very fast growing). You/she must be proactive even aggressive about treatment, and if you are in the States (I'm not) go to the best doctors possible. Keep us posted. We're in it with you.
Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,
My daughter has
Hi Cheryl,

My daughter has always been a healthy eater and very aware of nutrition. She doesn't feel much like eating but says she's forcing herself to keep from losing weight. She's very petite anyway. Are there particular types of supplements that are recommended? Thanks for your concern.

Sharon