Gallbladder Cancer

jackson1

Could anyone tell me more about this when it has spread to the liver? Thank you. Life expectancy, etc? Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy NOT an option. My mother -age 98. Sad but want to be prepared and can handle the truth.

westie66

Gallbladder Cancer
Hi: That's a tough one. I have 4-5 friends with gallbladder cancer plus myself - we range in age from 40 to 60. Three of us did have surgery to remove the gallbladder tumour which had also protruded into the liver (liver resection done). Mine has also spread to the peritoneum cavity. All of us have had chemotherapy. For three of us, this seems to have worked but it is a tough go. The other two cannot have more surgery or more chemotherapy. They have been given 2 months to 10 months in palliative care. In Ontario at least radiation is not done if the liver is compromised. Like mine. For your mom (and I'm so sorry this has happened to her), kind gentle supportive palliative care is the only option it seems. The problem will be eating - she must eat and eat as healthily as she can. She will get very weak and won't want to eat. There are several discussion threads on gallbladder cancer on this website that contain wonderful supportive information. I wish you all the best. You are a good son.
Cheryl

Lily50

Jackson's Mom
Hello,

I'm so sorry that this disease has intruded into your lives. It is a terrible disease. I was diagnosed in 2005 with Gallbladder Cancer Stage IV at the age of 46. I had chemo and surgery including a wedge resection of the liver, no radiation as my liver was compromised. Treatment for this type of cancer is very difficult and your body will go through hell. Your mother is 98 years old and has probably had a very good life. Palliative Care is what is recommended when a person isn't able to have any of the conventional treatments due to age, health, etc. It is better to have quality care and be pain free when there are no options. Being surrounded by love ones at this time is so important. It is hard to say time frames because everyone is different and everyone's body is different. It depends on what physically happens to your mother. She could have ascites (fluid build up) liver failure, kidney failure, etc. So many different things can happen that you really can't prepare for. We can only hope that she can be comfortable until she draws her last breath. You are a very good son to ask such difficult questions but know that the time that you spend with her now might just be the most important thing that you could do for her and yourself. I will be praying for her.
Take Care
Lily