Gallbladder Cancer Stage 4

cuddlebeardee said:

about my mom (89 years old)
Just a few months ago my mom was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer. She had said that she was having some back pains and noticed she had a rash on her side and lower back. It turned out that she had shingles, so they put her on gabapentin, she has healed from that. Then the doctors did a biopsy and found a tumor in her stomach, did the Pet Scan and that's when they found it was cancer.

Right now she has stage 4 cancer, just started chemo last month. The doctor put her on Gemzar. Last week when they the blood work they were going to check her markers, well yesterday, they told us that her markers have come down quite a bit.

I've noticed that when she comes out of chemo, she is loopy, a bit disoriented, her behavior is off. I don't know if this is typical or I can just blame it on her age. It frustrates me to see her act like this. She is fine when my daughter and her great-granddaughter come over. My granddaughter is 21 months, she is wonderful.

I have concerns that she is loosing weight each week, she is small in frame to begin with. About 15 years ago I lost my dad, he went in for a quad by-pass and didn't make it, then loss my aunt and uncle the following year, so my mom's support team is no longer. Her support team is my brother, my daughter, some family members and my boyfriend. I've talked to my uncle, he is a retired microbiologist in cancer research and he tells me to hang in there. I take her to her appointments and I use up a lot of leave, thankfully where I work I accumulate leave but it does take a tole on me.

I'm curious if others out there are experiencing the same thing with their loved ones going through this. I really don't have anyone to talk to about this. Right now we are hoping for remission. I try to educated myself on this type of cancer as much as possible.

I look forward to reading any comments from others out there, take care everyone and my prayers are with you each and every day.

89 Year Old Mother
Hi,

Welcome to our board. This thread is a little older than the Gallbladder Cancer 2011 thread. Many people have moved over to the smaller thread as it takes forever for this one to load and finding new posts can be difficult.

I'm so sorry that this disease has touched your mother and your lives. This is a very sneaky disease and can sometimes appear with little or no symptoms. It is good that she started chemo and is already receiving results. That means that the Gemzar is doing its job to kill those nasty little critters.

In the beginning of chemo sometimes they will add some type of medication to help you relax. You need to ask the chemo nurses exactly what she is being given in her cocktail. Sometimes doctors will add that component if they feel it is necessary. When you ask the nurses what she is being given, write it down and if you don't understand keep asking. You need to be an advocate for your mother.

I was so happy to hear the joy in your voice when talking about your granddaughter. It is important for you not to let your mother’s illness become all consuming. You have to take care of yourself also.

It is pretty common to lose weight when undergoing treatment. You can lose your appetite or you can become hungry all the time. I found that small meals worked the best every couple of hours. Also Ensure and/or Boost will make sure that she gets the nutrition that she needs. Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and smoothies are all very good choices.
It sounds to me like your mother has a strong support team. As people get older their support system can change from people that are their age to their children.

At any time you can talk to us. There are people who have completed treatment, people who are in active treatment, and people who are the caregivers for their loved ones. We all have different perspectives on this disease. Becoming educated on this disease is a good thing. Knowledge is power and the more that you know the more comfortable you can become with this disease.
Ask us any questions and we will try to help you and your mother during this journey.

I'll add you mother to my prayer list.
Take Care
Lily

my_mom said:

gall bladder cancer stage iv
Hi,

My mother in law residing in India aged 68 has been diagnosed with gall bladder cancer stage iv, 6 days back. Family doctor as well as specialist we have consulted have told us that it has been spread out side to adjoining part of liver & she won't be able to bear the chemo as she is sufering from other aiments like diabeties, hyper tension & her heart pump rate is about 35%.

For last six months she has been given blood due to low heamoglobine level cause of this may be loss of blood via digestive track.

Please can any body suggest the course of action should be taken as we can not sit & watch.

Binny

Binny's Mother-In-Law
Hi Binny,

So sorry for my tardy response. This thread takes forever to load and finding new posts are quite difficult. There is a more current thread called Gallbladder Cancer 2011 that has current posting, please check it out. There are a few people who are dealing with this disease who are also in India.

First and foremost I'm glad you found us and I'm so sorry to hear that your mother-in-law is facing this terrible disease. This isn't an easy disease and I'm sorry that she has so many other health issues. To be told no chemo had to have broken your hearts.
I'm all for getting 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th opinions. Eastern and Western medicine both have options and the healing of the physical, spiritual and emotional components of the body is necessary.

What are her wishes with regards to facing this disease? Quality of life is sometimes the best decision that one can make. Once all options have been exhausted and you can find peace with this disease, it can become more bearable. It is not an easy road and there are many different directions one can travel. Your mother-in-law needs to choose the one that is best for her. She needs your support at this time.

I'm praying for her.
Take Care
Lily

Omy1 said:

i came to know about my mother today gallbladeer cancer stage 4
hi all
i have come to know about my mother cancer today
she is at stage 4 gallbladder cancer spread over to the liver
i dont know what to do
she is getting pale yellow every day her eyes and all
feels too much pain in urine and complete itching in the body

Dear all please tell me
i want to save her where to start from
i am from Pakistan but can go anywhere to cure her

please reply me the best surgeon and how much will it cost please

i am waiting and really very disturbed

Omy1's mom
Hello,

I'm so sorry that this disease has come into your mom and your lives. It is a very terrible disease. I too was diagnosed with GB Stage 4. I was inoperable. I completed 11 months of Gemzar/Cisiplatin, and then had surgery with an additional 3 months of chemo after. I had what is called am extended (or radical) cholecystectomy. Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin) is very common due to possible tumor blockage of the bile ducts. Itching is also one of the symptoms. I had my surgery at UCLA - CA - Dr. Howard Reber. Also Dr. David M Nagorney at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota has successfully treated GBC patients. A surgeon that specializes in Hepatobiliary Surgery is the one you need to find. Also finding an oncologist that will walk on this journey with you both is essential. This is a very expensive disease. In order for you to have the best possible care you have to financially be able to withstand that burden. But no amount of money isn't enough in order to save your mothers life. This is a long journey that has many ups and downs but this disease can be beaten with Hope, Faith and Prayer. Hope this helps you.
I will be praying for your mom.
Take Care
Lily

robynlaurie80 said:

cuddlebeardee
Hi ,I am in the middle of having chemo ( gemzo an cisplaten) each week ,for gallbladder cancer and I am becoming very empty-headed and forgetful and I start to say something and it all comes out wrong. My Oncology Nurse says it happens to lots of people having chemo. I try not to worry about it now and just get on with life.
Just forgive your Mum and give her a big hug and wish her well for me .
It's a hard journey and she needs you there . You sound a loving and caring Daughter.
Rob

Rob's Journey
Hi Rob,

Welcome to this forum. I'm so sorry that this disease is now a part of your life. It isn't any fun at all! I'm Lily and I'm a GBC Stage 4 survivor (6 years). I too had Gemzar and Cisplatin as my choice of chemo cocktail. Tough stuff! What you are experiencing(empty headed and forgetfulness)are quite common. Add pain medications on top of it all and it is no wonder that we can function at all. But this too does pass. What stage are you in? How old are you? Where are you located at? I'm glad that you found our little group and if we can help you in any way let us know. There is a more current thread that doesn't take as long to load or to find postings - Gallbladder Cancer 2011. Check that one out to if you have the time or inclination to do so. Hope & Faith will carry you through.

Take Care
Lily

Ginab1959 said:

Hi Lilly
It's Gina I think you remember me. Hey I just want to say thank you for getting me through some pretty dark times. You are the best. Gina

Gall Bladder Cancer at age 51
All My name is Gina and I was diagnosed in December 2011 quite by accident or as I say with God's guidence. I went over to Hershey Med Center to the ER as my lower pelvic area hurt and I was diagnosed with diverticulitus at the same time the doc in the ER asked to have a look at my gallbladder. The next day I received a call to come in for a consult. Several doctors looked at the pictures and after some discussion I agreed to surgery I woke up with a large incision down the length of my belly. The docs went back in again and took a third of my liver and 4 lymph nodes all of which came back negative it was stage II gallbladder cancer, it had one more layer to go before it would have been out. I was home for 3 days before I had to go back in for 17 days. The incision became inflamed causing my right lung to fill with fluid. At the same time the gallbladder drain had a staph infection in it and the pic line they installed in my left arm took on a blood clot then I acquired C-diff at the same time. After losing 24 lbs I went home. At that point I had read about microscopic residual cancer and opted for a chemo regiment for 6 mos gemzar and zeloda. The zeloda burned the soles of my feet really bad so bad they peeled in big sheets of skin. I finally had to have a port installed as the gemzar was to harsh on my veins causing big hot spots it really hurt my arm that it was going in believe me. What I'm saying here I hope I can be of help to any of you out there because this is really scary stuff and these are the times when you talk to God like you've never talked to him before to bad this is what it takes, oh well. Lean on me ask away I'll try and help anyway I can. YOU HAVE TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELVES SEARCH EVERY noOK AND CRANNY OF THE INTERNET AND EDUCATE YOURSELF IT'S THE SMARTEST THING YOU CAN DO, ASK QUESTIONS GET THAT SECOND OPINION I IMPLORE YOU. Thanks Gina

Ginab1959 said:

Hi Lilly
It's Gina I think you remember me. Hey I just want to say thank you for getting me through some pretty dark times. You are the best. Gina

Hi Gina!
Of course I remember you! You are welcome! This disease has dark times and we all need to be there for each other. There is a light at the end of the tunnel; it is just that sometimes it doesn't shine too bright. Thanks for sharing with others what you have experienced. You are a fighter!

Hope you are doing well.

Take Care
Lily

MandyCHK said:

To Lily50
Hi Lily, sorry for the delay in reply.

Thank you so much for your support and your doctor's contact details. I will as soon as I can send off all my mum's doctor reports to him and wait for his comments.

I will update you in due course.

My best wishes to your goodself and everyone on this thread.

Take Care
Mandy

To Lily50,Dr info
Hi Lily50. I have read a lot of what you wrote. Your story is much like my father in laws. He is having chemo right now, he is in his second round of it. The Drs were going to do a surgery to help him eat but they could not do it, or it would do more damage. That's when they found out that the cancer had spread and is now stage 4. He had a blood clot in his lungs but that is being treated by medication and is doing well. Would you please give me your doctors contact information also? I'd really appreciate it. Thank you.

Take care of yourself,
Jenna

Lily50 said:

Bile Duct Stent
Hello and welcome to our discussion board. I'm so sorry that a member of your family is facing this terrible disease. I'm lily and I'm a GBC Stage4 6 year survivor. There are options out there you just need to find them. Have you gotten a second, third or even fourth opinion? This is a disease that hasn't been given much attention and the statistics are dismal at best, but there are survivors out there that were also given very short time frames. We didn't accept what we were being told and kept searching for the doctor's and surgeons that would help us. You have to find the ones that are willing to stick their necks out for you if you want to fight this battle. Some of the chemo drugs that others have had include Xeloda, Capecitabine and Fluorouracil(5-FU). My chemo cocktail was Gemzar and Cisiplatin.

I know that some of the bigger cancer centers will do a consult for a set price. I know that the Mayo Clinic does that. Go on the Internet and research major cancer centers and start asking questions. I know that UCLA - CA and the Mayo Clinic - MN both have experience with gallbladder cancer. It is best to find doctors that have had prior experience with this disease. Many doctors have rarely seen it. Knowledge is power and you will have to invest the time to look for answers and keep asking questions. You have to be your own advocate or be someone’s advocate for this disease.

Hope and Faith will carry you through.
Take Care
Lily

To Lily50, Dr info
Hi Lily50. I have read a lot of what you wrote. Your story is much like my father in laws. He is having chemo right now, he is in his second round of it. The Drs were going to do a surgery to help him eat but they could not do it, or it would do more damage. That's when they found out that the cancer had spread and is now stage 4. He had a blood clot in his lungs but that is being treated by medication and is doing well. Would you please give me your doctors contact information also? I'd really appreciate it. Thank you.

Take care of yourself,
Jenna

Lily50 said:

Dr. Info.
Hi Jenna,

Nice to meet you! Welcome to our discussion board. I'm so sorry this disease has come into your lives. Sounds like your father-in-law is just beginning treatment and this can be a very long journey. How old is he? Where is he located at? What is his chemo cocktail? There are other survivors out there beside myself. We are a small but strong group. We will help you in any way that we can.
Here is my doctor's information:
Oncologist
Cancer and Blood Specialists of Nevada
Russell Gollard, MD
58 N. Pecos Road
Henderson, Nevada 89074
702-822-2000
Green Valley Location

Surgeon
Howard Reber, MD
Specialty Surgery
Hospital Affiliation Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Contact (310) 825-4976
Email Address hreber@surgery.medsch.ucla.edu
He is assoicated with The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
http://www.cancer.ucla.edu
Check out this website, it has lots of good information

Hope this helps you. Hope & Faith will carry you through.
Take Care
Lily

Dr info
Hi Lily,
Thank you for the Dr information! He was diagnosed about 3 years ago. He had his gallbladder removed due to pain after eatting and then they found cancer on it. He did chemo and radiation together after that for a while. Then for a long time the Drs. could not find any cancer anywhere! It was amazing!!! It was all the prayers! For six weeks (beginning in July 2011) he was on and off going to the ER every few days for vomiting and having trouble eating. After tests and when they were about to do surgery, they found it was stage 4, causing a blockage in the intestines. They said its in the omen-tum tissue as well and 'everywhere'. So that's where we are at now. He is doing chemo the gemzar and cisplatin. Once a week he goes for the majority of the day. He is 65. I will share your Dr information with him. Maybe he can have his records sent to them instead of traveling since he's doing chemo now. We are in IL, Chicago. Thanks for responding so quickly!
take care,
Jenna

Lily50 said:

Dr. Info.
Hi Jenna,

You are welcome. He is a fighter that is for sure! I too believe in the power of prayer. I have heard of others that have had that issue. Westie66 is in the process of treatment for secondary peritoneum and omentum cancer, she was originally diagnosed with GBC Stage 4. There is another thread for omentum cancer that talks about different treatments, just type it in the search box and you will go right to it. You might want to look at that one also. Gemzar and Cisiplatin was my chemo cocktail also. The gemzar is really toxic. I'll also give you the name of a doctor in Minnesota that another GB Cancer Stage 4 patient used who was very good. He was located in Canada and received his treatment there but had his surgery done in MN.

David M Nagorney M.D.
Gastroenterologic and General Surgery
http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/10263314.html
Mayo Clinic
200 1st Street South West
Rochester, MN 55905
800-533-1564
There is a clinical trial going on there currently. Maybe that could also be another option.
Let me know how things are going. I will add him to my prayer list.
Take Care
Lily

Thank you Lily for that Drs
Thank you Lily for that Drs information. I'll look into that thread about the ometum, thank you. He had his first dose of this chemo cocktail on Monday and he feels fine from it he says. Thank goodness! He said it could be harder as time progresses, but I'm just focusing on the fact that he feels good right now. We cant worry about tomorrow. Thank you for adding him to your prayers, you are in mine as well for your continued recovery!
Have a great weekend,
Jenna