Gallbladder Cancer Stage 4

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

Dear Cheryl
Dear Cheryl,

I read your message and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you for having taken the time to answer and for sharing your experience - you have made a big difference for me. I am so happy that the results of your MRI have been good. I hope with all my heart that everything goes perfect for you and will pray for that. And that you have many more chances to visit my country. If you do so, I would love if you could met my family, they will love to I am sure.

Your message gave me hope much needed. My mom does not know yet that the tumor was cancerous. They have decided to tell her that the results will be out only after fifteen days. This was unclear to me until today, when I spoke with her and she told me she hopes the tumor will be benign. It broke my heart.

In any case, I will try and apply your advice. She is got to fight and I am sure she will. I trust this battle can be fought and won, as your example shows.

Lots of thanks and all the best for you,

Maria

Helenab said:

Dear Cheryl
Dear Cheryl,

I read your message and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you for having taken the time to answer and for sharing your experience - you have made a big difference for me. I am so happy that the results of your MRI have been good. I hope with all my heart that everything goes perfect for you and will pray for that. And that you have many more chances to visit my country. If you do so, I would love if you could met my family, they will love to I am sure.

Your message gave me hope much needed. My mom does not know yet that the tumor was cancerous. They have decided to tell her that the results will be out only after fifteen days. This was unclear to me until today, when I spoke with her and she told me she hopes the tumor will be benign. It broke my heart.

In any case, I will try and apply your advice. She is got to fight and I am sure she will. I trust this battle can be fought and won, as your example shows.

Lots of thanks and all the best for you,

Maria

Stage IV Gallbladder Cancer and Your Mom
Thank you very much. We will all be thinking of you and your mom, too. They didn't tell me for one month - I guess they want us to heal first, get our bodies healthier, to better absorb the bad news and fight the disease.
I would love to visit Ecuador again and you and your family. What part do you live in? I have spent most of my time there around Quito, in the rainforest to the east of Quito, up in the high Andes, down south to Cuenca (did I get that right?), and then along the coast from Guayaquil (spelling?) northwards. It is the most beautiful, friendly, country I've visited. Do you know you have more birds than any other place in South America (I think it was over 7000 at last count). I've seen there the tiniest hummingbird and the biggest hummingbird. A professor friend here in Anthropology married a lovely man from Quito and she studies women's issues there.
Anyways, fight the good fight for your mom.
Cheryl

sharon65 said:

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

Daughter with gallbladder cancer
Hi: I drink lots of healthy smoothies (made with good quality whey protein powder, soy milk, any fresh or frozen fruit I happen to have around), as well as the bottled meal replacement drinks (I drink the low sugar ones) when my appetite is poor - they are all full of nutrients and some even are for putting on weight. As for supplements, I looked at reports online very carefully (I'm a botanist and feel we are not using plants for healing as much as we should; after all, taxol for breast cancer is from the yew tree, periwinkle is used to treat leukemia) and here is what I take (this is not to say that your daughter should take them - always let the doctor know what you are taking): first and foremost, paw paw in pill form (only one disributor, Nature's Sunshine) which I take 1 pill 4 times a day with meals; mangosteen juice, 2 tablespoons twice a day with the paw paw morning and with dinner (a fruit that has the highest levels of anti-oxidants of anything and works synergistically with paw paw) (there is also a pill form); selenium; milk thistle (to help the liver); Omega 3; turmeric 3 times a day BEFORE meals; papapa enzyme 3 times a day BEFORE meals; green tea extract (or 1-3 cups of green tea) 3 times a day before meals. I was also taking extra zinc but don't want it to compete with the paw paw. And of course a good multi-vitamin and probiotic. There are several very good books on supplements for cancer. I only chose the supplements that couldn't hurt me and I have told my oncologist I am taking them. Apparently, the paw paw can even be taken during chemo but that is up to the medical oncologist to approve. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables are key though.
Keep us posted on your daughter's progress.
Any one else out there into supplements like these?
Cheryl

Helenab said:

Dear Lily
Dear Lily,

Thank you so much for your words. They really have had an effect on me, and I will share them with my mom when she knows about her situation. Indeed, faith and hope cannot be forsaken, and your message and that of Cheryl have rekindled them in me. I hope and pray for your continuous good health and will love to keep in touch.

All the best for you,

Maria

Maria's Mom
Hello Maria,

It is very important to communicate with others regarding this disease. Ask any questions as everyone here has gone through or is going through the same thing that you and your Mom are experiencing. Let us help you if we can. Again this is a terrible disease but not one that we can't win againist. There are some success stories out there and everyday that passes another person has been told that they are scheduled for surgery or that the chemo and/or radiation has shrunk the turmor(s). Try to stay positive and talk to us.

Take Care
Lily

Linda1949 said:

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~

Linda's Surgery
Linda & Kathleen,

What wonderful news! Sorry that I missed your post. I will try to do better. But I see my good friend Cheryl stepped in. Linda is very lucky to have such a strong family support group to help her along with her recovery and next treatment steps. She has taken a positive step towards dealing with this disease. Generally speaking chemo and or radiation will be the next steps. Since there were some cancer cells in the lymph nodes that were removed based on my own experience I had to do some more chemo after my surgery. That way any stray cells can be cleaned up. Tell Linda that I'm praying for her and hope she has a speedy recovery from the surgery.

Take Care
Lily

Linda1949 said:

Linda's Surgery
Thank you Lily!

Linda is coming home from the hospital this afternoon. I had to fly back to Texas already, but Linda knows I will be back in a flash when she needs me too. The Dr. wants her to come home with the PICC line they had to put in because her veins kept collapsing. She is concerned because of the care that needs to be given to it and she doesn't have an oncology appt for another 10 to 12 days. She meets with the Radiologist next Tuesday. Her spirits are high and now that we both purchased iPhones, we are texting back and forth, playing scrabble and just having a good time despite this disease. I appreciate both you and Cheryl's support. This board's existance certainly needs to be advertised by the surgeons and oncologists. Hope is what we all want, and I know Linda and I have found it here. Thanks for all you are doing to help others. Kathleen~

Linda's Surgery
Hi Linda & Kathleen,

Yeah you are going home! Standard 6 to 7 days for surgery and recovery. Means no issues from the surgery. What a great sister Kathleen is, back in a flash that is true love. Lot's of people have PICC lines that they take care of themselves or they have a nurse come to their homes. Is that an option for you? The consultation with the Radiologist will give you the answers to the questions that you have. Make a list of the questions as you think of them in the next week that way you won't be tongue tied when you go there. That also goes for the Oncologist too. iPhones are a good way to keep in constant touch with each other. I don't think that many surgeons and oncologists have the time or put forth the effort to see anything outside of their own little world. I'm so glad that we have given you some Hope when everything that you read is bleak at best. Take Care of yourself and keep talking to all of us. We do care about you.

Lily

Lily50 said:

Linda's Surgery
Hi Linda & Kathleen,

Yeah you are going home! Standard 6 to 7 days for surgery and recovery. Means no issues from the surgery. What a great sister Kathleen is, back in a flash that is true love. Lot's of people have PICC lines that they take care of themselves or they have a nurse come to their homes. Is that an option for you? The consultation with the Radiologist will give you the answers to the questions that you have. Make a list of the questions as you think of them in the next week that way you won't be tongue tied when you go there. That also goes for the Oncologist too. iPhones are a good way to keep in constant touch with each other. I don't think that many surgeons and oncologists have the time or put forth the effort to see anything outside of their own little world. I'm so glad that we have given you some Hope when everything that you read is bleak at best. Take Care of yourself and keep talking to all of us. We do care about you.

Lily

Linda's Surgery
Hello Lily and Cheryl,

This is Kathleen again. Linda is having issues with diarrhea, and just doesn't feel well. She has told her doctor and the oncologist, but they say to just take immodium. She isn't feeling well, and is concerned about starting radiation with having this problem. Getting her body back to accepting solid food again has been a challenge. Do you or anyone else know of any "techniques" that might help her through this? This all started when the hospital gave her a salad immediately after she had been on iv's and a liquid diet for almost two weeks. She was wondering if anyone else had these issues after the liver resection surgery. On the good side, her blood work came back with very good numbers. Thanks again, for the support my sister has been getting here. Kathleen~

Linda1949 said:

Linda's Surgery
Hello Lily and Cheryl,

This is Kathleen again. Linda is having issues with diarrhea, and just doesn't feel well. She has told her doctor and the oncologist, but they say to just take immodium. She isn't feeling well, and is concerned about starting radiation with having this problem. Getting her body back to accepting solid food again has been a challenge. Do you or anyone else know of any "techniques" that might help her through this? This all started when the hospital gave her a salad immediately after she had been on iv's and a liquid diet for almost two weeks. She was wondering if anyone else had these issues after the liver resection surgery. On the good side, her blood work came back with very good numbers. Thanks again, for the support my sister has been getting here. Kathleen~

After Linda's Surgery
Hi Linda and Kathleen:

Kathleen you are such a good sister, helping Linda in any way that you can. I think that diarrhea is one of the major side effects of this type of surgery. I lived on Immodium for quite awhile. As far as food goes again I agree with Cheryl, rice, smoothies and meal replacements are the way to go. The ability for her body to digest food is now totally different. You have to learn to be more digilent regarding what you put into your mouth. I love salads but I was told not to eat them while I was having treatments and my surgery. I basically didn't eat salads for two years. Like Cheryl stated you don't really know what is living on that lettuce. Also I was told not to have any fresh flowers in my house once again because of what was living on them that I couldn't see but would end up being toxic to my body.
Glad to hear that her numbers were good. That is very positive. Linda needs to give herself some time to heal from such a radical surgery and just take it one day at a time. It does get better but it won't be soon enough for her. You have to be patient. This disease isn't something that can be fixed right away. It takes time.
Let us know how it is going. Linda took a huge step in making the decision to go thru the surgery and now it is on to the next phase.
Take Care

Lily

Lily50 said:

After Linda's Surgery
Hi Linda and Kathleen:

Kathleen you are such a good sister, helping Linda in any way that you can. I think that diarrhea is one of the major side effects of this type of surgery. I lived on Immodium for quite awhile. As far as food goes again I agree with Cheryl, rice, smoothies and meal replacements are the way to go. The ability for her body to digest food is now totally different. You have to learn to be more digilent regarding what you put into your mouth. I love salads but I was told not to eat them while I was having treatments and my surgery. I basically didn't eat salads for two years. Like Cheryl stated you don't really know what is living on that lettuce. Also I was told not to have any fresh flowers in my house once again because of what was living on them that I couldn't see but would end up being toxic to my body.
Glad to hear that her numbers were good. That is very positive. Linda needs to give herself some time to heal from such a radical surgery and just take it one day at a time. It does get better but it won't be soon enough for her. You have to be patient. This disease isn't something that can be fixed right away. It takes time.
Let us know how it is going. Linda took a huge step in making the decision to go thru the surgery and now it is on to the next phase.
Take Care

Lily

Gallbladder Cancer
Dearest Lily,

Thanks or all your help. I'm finally up to responding myself. I know that my sister Kathleen has shared with you my health status. The diarhea is better now. Still have to be very careful what I eat. You sure can't count on the hopital. They said to just go home and eat a normal diet. Wrong! I have met with the radiologist and it seems that treatments are recommended along with chemo. I will meet with the oncologist again next week to discuss. I also have a 2nd opinion with another oncologist at the same HMO that has actually treated GBC as the other ocologist I saw has never treated it. They claim that it doesn't make a difference if the Dr. has treated it before or not as they just prescribe according to established protocol. They are all very gloom and doom so thank God for you and others on this blog with encouraging news. I am so fortunate to have great family support. I was never alone in the hospital. My sister Kathleen even leaned over the top of my bed during an earthquake to shelter me! My incision is healing great and I'm ready to move on to the next step (radiation and chemo) and get over it. I'm doing what I can to eat well and walk to make myself as healthy as I can before starting additional treatment. You are the only bright light in all this mess so thank you so much for being there for us.

Linda1949

Linda1949 said:

Gallbladder Cancer
Dearest Lily,

Thanks or all your help. I'm finally up to responding myself. I know that my sister Kathleen has shared with you my health status. The diarhea is better now. Still have to be very careful what I eat. You sure can't count on the hopital. They said to just go home and eat a normal diet. Wrong! I have met with the radiologist and it seems that treatments are recommended along with chemo. I will meet with the oncologist again next week to discuss. I also have a 2nd opinion with another oncologist at the same HMO that has actually treated GBC as the other ocologist I saw has never treated it. They claim that it doesn't make a difference if the Dr. has treated it before or not as they just prescribe according to established protocol. They are all very gloom and doom so thank God for you and others on this blog with encouraging news. I am so fortunate to have great family support. I was never alone in the hospital. My sister Kathleen even leaned over the top of my bed during an earthquake to shelter me! My incision is healing great and I'm ready to move on to the next step (radiation and chemo) and get over it. I'm doing what I can to eat well and walk to make myself as healthy as I can before starting additional treatment. You are the only bright light in all this mess so thank you so much for being there for us.

Linda1949

Gallbladder Cancer New
Hi Linda: We can correspond during chemo and compare! I will be on gemcitibine and cisplantin, like Lily was. Her treatment was more aggressive than I'll be getting - mine is 6 cycles, a total of 12 treatments. Day 1 will be the two drugs together over about 5-8 hours, Day 2 will be 7 days later and only the gemcitibine over 1 hour. Then 3 weeks "vacation". Then Cycle 2 same as 1. So about 8 months. This is the standard treatment for Gallbladder Cancer in Canada as far as I know. There was a clinical trial done in Toronto this year that compared treatments using cisplantin with either gemcitibine or with capecitabine and the gemcitibine combo worked better so they discontinued the trial. The gem/cis combo was also recommended by the Harvard Univesity cancer centre. I am curious, though, why you are getting radiation if there was no indication of any tumours left (if the cancerous lymph ones were removed during surgery?). Lily, any comments on this? I was told by my oncologist that radiation would serve no purpose if there is no tumour(s) large enough to radiate.
Re the doom and gloom oncologist who hasn't worked on this type of cancer and the one who has - well, I guess I would want some experience there, someone who was positive, and someone who I could relate to and above all liked. You don't need doom and gloom!
Wow! an earthquake while you were in the hospital bed. Brave sister!

I'm so glad you made it through surgery so well.


Cheryl