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        <a href="/csnhome">CSN Home</a> &raquo; <a href="/forum/1">Cancer specific</a> &raquo; <a href="/forum/130">Rare and Other Cancers</a>                  <h2 class="content-title">Gallbladder Cancer Stage 4</h2>
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								<div class="author">gwc345</div>
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        			    April 15, 2009 - 8:00am			  			</div>
			
			<div class="content"><p>Hi, </p>
<p>A week ago my mom was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer stage 4. I am looking for survivors. Anyone who knows a survivor. I know the statistics, the doctor has already given us a time frame, and the oncologist has told us to go for "quality of life".</p>
<p>If there are any survivors or if you are having successful treatments I would like to hear from you. What have/are you doing right? Where did/are you getting treatment?</p>
<p>Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<div class="forum-topic-navigation"><a href="/node/151129" class="topic-previous" title="Go to the previous discussion">‹ malignant paraganglioma</a> <a href="/node/140352" class="topic-next" title="Go to next forum topic">Neuroendocrine Carcinoma ›</a><br class="clear" /></div></div>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">August 8, 2009 - 4:12pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-689587" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer Stage 4</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,<br />
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! </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>I never lost my HOPE or FAITH and no doctor should ever be allowed to take away your HOPE. </p>
<p>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.   </p>
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									<div class="author">dje17</div>
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			<div class="date">August 9, 2009 - 4:03pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-689969" class="active">my sister has stage iv</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>my sister has stage iv gallbladder cancer I was so happy to see you did well.<br />
please e-mail what you had to do and keep well</p>
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									<div class="author">gwc345</div>
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			<div class="date">August 26, 2009 - 10:50am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-699469" class="active">Hi, I would love to speak</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi, I would love to speak with you. My mom is on her second round of chemotherapy and it would be great to hear your story. </p>
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									<div class="author">grant4998</div>
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			<div class="date">September 4, 2009 - 12:33pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-704058" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer Stage 4</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I live in LV too.  My mother was recently diagnosed with this type of cancer as well.  Reading what you wrote brought tears to my eyes.  You gave me hope.  Thank you.</p>
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									<div class="author">loveourmom</div>
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			<div class="date">September 11, 2009 - 12:09am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-706730" class="active">My mom was just diagnosed with stage IV GBC also</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi.  My mom was diagnosed with stage IV gallbladder cancer about 6 hours ago.  It is "attached" to the liver and she has extensive lymph node involvement from the neck through the groin.  One month ago, we golfed and shopped together all the time.  Now the doctors are hinting that chemo won't do much to help her.  Searching the Internet didn't give me much hope ... until I found you.  Could you please let me know what type of chemo you had and how you tolerated it.  Also, did you have a lot of pre-treatment pain?  My mom has had severe pelvic pain for the last few weeks, which is constant and debilitating.  Her oncologists gave her oxycotin (sp??), which will probably only debilitate her more.  I know she doesn't want to suffer through chemo if she's only got a month or two left (nor do we want her to suffer needlessly either), but you don't know about effectiveness until you try; right?  Would you be able to give me  more details about your incredible survivor story?   These details will help us with this life-altering decision.  Also, I would love to hear more from the other posters on this site about what worked for them and what didn't; what kind of chemo they're trying; any side effects; and basically anything else that could help with pain management, nutrition and overall survival.  Thank you for your encouraging story and for (hopefully) getting back to me.    Kathleen</p>
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									<div class="author">isellabrate</div>
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			<div class="date">October 8, 2009 - 6:45pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-718454" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi, Lily,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>My oncologist wants to use weekly Gemzar to try to shrink the tumors.  May I ask what your chemo was?</p>
<p>Jan</p>
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			<div class="date">June 11, 2010 - 5:34am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-844070" class="active">N/A</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>This comment has been removed by the Moderator</p>
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									<div class="author">DeeMatt</div>
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			<div class="date">August 3, 2010 - 4:16pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-875666" class="active">Brother it stage Four Gall Bladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My brother has stage four Gall Bladder Cancer and the oncologist who just informed us of this last Friday July 30, 2010, we are still in shock over this.  He has had one hard time of it with two lesions on the liver.  He will be getting Gemzar as well with two weeks on and then one week off.  His Doctor said that at the end of 90 days they will do a MRI or PET scan to see if the tumors have shrunk at which time the surgeon who did the laprascopy will operate to remove the gall bladder and re-section the liver, the othe possibility will be the new cyber knife radiation with only three to five treatments, he has been suffering with blood clots in the lungs as well as the right leg.  He also had a stint put in the bile duct which was filled with stones, his jaundice is about gone,  He is now in rehab trying to get stronger for the Chemo!  He also had to have a filter put in his abdomen for the blood clots.<br />
He started out with a dry hacking cough in March which probably was lung blood clots, nothing was found until July, he has lost 35 pounds and had no appetite.  His Doctor gave him antibiotics and cough meds, not looking any further into his problems. He also is getting over a bad blood infection.<br />
On the bright side, if there is one,he has come thru all of this, and regardless of the outlook I believe he is going to make it, where there is life there is Hope.  He is one of the most wonderful people you could ever meet.<br />
If anyone needs a great surgeon dealing with the liver her name is Dr. Ellen Hegopian and she is at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, she found my brothers problem in less then 48 hours after being admitted.  I just wish we had had her in March or April when he may of been stage three ....<br />
Good Luck with Genzar and keep in Touch.</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">August 14, 2010 - 3:49pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-882038" class="active">Dee&#039;s Brother</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello and welcome to this forum.  I'm so sorry to hear about your brother and this terrible diagnosis.  I am a gall bladder stage IV cancer survivor.  Ask me anything you want and I'll try to answer.<br />
Quite a number of us also had lesions on the liver.  Sounds like he is receiving the standard protocol for this disease.  Gemzar is a very good chmo drug and has shrunk many turmors for others.  He has already experienced many hills and valleys and is fighting a tough fight.  I wish him well and with everyday that passes he will get stronger for his chemo battle.<br />
It amazes me that many doctor's miss the signs of this disease.  It takes a caring and compassionate doctor to find these issues and it is usually in a very short time frame.  There are some bad doctor's, some good doctor's and then there are some great doctor's.  If we are lucky enough to find them they can ultimately save our lives.  Dr. Hegopian sounds like a great one!<br />
Hope &amp; Faith will carry you through on this journey.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">jakesman</div>
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			<div class="date">January 18, 2010 - 5:20pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-772088" class="active">Eff yeah!</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>You go, Lily50.  You kick that cancer right in the bleeping behind</p>
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									<div class="author">KatieDeBakey</div>
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			<div class="date">February 8, 2010 - 2:53am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-782801" class="active">My Dear Mother...</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>This is my first post. Or so I think. Not sure how to use this. My mother has been diagnosed with stage IV gall bladder cancer and just started undergoing chemo a few days ago. If she does do well, do you think we could have her gall bladder taken out? I could give her half of my liver and a kidney if she needs one, my sister could give her another kidney. And I saw a clinical trial about zapping spinal tumors with radiation and chemo to get rid of them. She could also have the affected lymph nodes removed and that would just leave her with a little bit of pancreatic cancer. Just a small spot. I know this sounds WAAAAY out there but, if you  or anyone has heard of success with this, PLEASE let me know and direct us to the right people. If not, I will let you know what I find out so at least some progress can be made with this horrible cancer. It's great to meet you all. I wish it were under better circumstances. </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 8, 2010 - 1:20pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-782945" class="active">Your Mother</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>You did just fine on your posting.  I so sorry about your mother.  This is a terrible disease.  What type of Chemo is she receiving and how often?  This can be a very aggressive cancer and treatment will need to be aggressive.  She has many options in front of her and you need to be comfortable with the doctor's that are treating your mother.  I do believe in second opinions.  The liver is one of the organs in the body that can re-generate after surgery if the damage isn't too extensive.  When the cancer has spread to other organs it is best to find the most qualified surgeon possible.  It isn't really way out there it is just that there is so much information on the Internet and some of it is old and outdated.  I am a survivor-4 years and I had a great Liver surgeon at UCLA.  Read my profile and you will find that your thoughts are not WAAAAY out there.  I have heard of many different stories accross the country about great places.  Take the time to read all the posts you can, people are very forthcoming when they are being treated well for this disease.  East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) just let us know what side of the country you are in and we will try to help.<br />
You and your Mother are in my prayers.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">KatieDeBakey</div>
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			<div class="date">February 9, 2010 - 2:36am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-783272" class="active">Thanks, Lily</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Thank you for your quick response, Lily. We are actually in Austin, Texas. I have only found one clinical trial near us that has to do with gastrointestinal cancers (that my  mother would qualify for) and it is in San Antonio. I'm not sure about the type of chemo she is receiving. I'll be taking her to her second appointment for it on Thursday and I will have PLENTY of questions for the doctor. I was going to ask him about what I mentioned above and I will also ask him about the type of chemo she is already receiving. I'm so glad that you made it and that you are now helping others! THANKS, LILY! = ) Off to check out your profile!</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 16, 2010 - 2:21pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-786823" class="active">Your Mother</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Katie,</p>
<p>I currently talk to two other caregivers that are in Dallas, Texas.  They are gwc345 (her mother) and LisaR3159 (her friend).  They might have some suggestions for you since they are kinda in your area.  Send them a private message and let me know if you get no response.  I don't know how often they come to this site as they now just Email me at LGregg6293@Aol.Com.  We tend to have long conversations and it just is easier.  If you would like to Email me just put ACS-CSN in the subject line so that if it ends up in Spam I can add you to my contact list.  Hope Thursday went well and wasn't too overwhelming.  Never stop asking questions.  If you don't help your mother be her own health advocate then she won't feel that she is in control of this situation.  Ask me anything and I will try to help the best I can.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">Scam</div>
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			<div class="date">October 31, 2010 - 1:14pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-934817" class="active">gallbladder UGH</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I am also in Austin, TX and my Mom, 70 yoa, was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in June, after the gallbladder was removed.  It has already compromised the liver, lymph nodes, lungs and abdomin (sp).  She just finished a chemo treatment of 4 cycles over 21 days with cisplatin and gimzar.  I was able to find a study in SA that we are traveling to hear about tomorrow.</p>
<p>Can you tell me how your Mom is doing and if you were able to find something that helped ? Due to very very very low blood counts, the chemo was reduced to 60 % and she was not able to handle the last cycle at that.  </p>
<p>Has anyone here ever gone to Cancer Treatments of America in OK  ?<br />
Please, we have hope.<br />
Susan </p>
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									<div class="author">radicaltruth (not verified)</div>
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			<div class="date">June 15, 2010 - 2:08pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-846967" class="active">N/A</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>This comment has been removed by the Moderator</p>
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									<div class="author">JanetMacK</div>
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			<div class="date">July 28, 2010 - 7:36am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-872190" class="active">GBC Stage IV</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I love your story.  If I could figure out how to print it I'd paste it on my mirror.<br />
I got diagnosed in February. Dreary. But the chemo is working now and we'll see if there's more to be done. </p>
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									<div class="author">radicaltruth (not verified)</div>
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			<div class="date">July 29, 2010 - 6:36am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-872840" class="active">N/A</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>This comment has been removed by the Moderator</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">August 1, 2010 - 6:20pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-874589" class="active">Janet&#039;s GBC Stage IV</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Janet,</p>
<p>Welcome to this discussion board!  There are some really great people that you can talk to here.  I am a survivor of this terrible disease, and you can be too.  I was diagnosed in 2005,had chemo treatment 2005/2006, surgery 2006, chemo 2007 and I can proudly say I am in remission.  This is a disease that is coming to the forefront.  I know that when I was diagnosed I was told there were no other cases out there.  There were but the doctor's didn't know about us.  What chemo cocktail are you being given, and how many sessions?  Have you had any surgery yet or radiation?  Tell us what is going on and we can try to help you.  Where are you located?  It is wonderful when you can talk with someone who is in your area if possible. You are not in this alone, talk to us.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">kjgrieger</div>
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			<div class="date">August 18, 2010 - 8:33pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-884552" class="active">My mom went in to have her</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My mom went in to have her gallbladder removed and they found that an area of her gallbladder was "suspicious" , as well as a couple spots on her liver.  It is cancer.  Did your doctor tell you upfront that surgery was an option or not?  What kind of chemotherapy regimen were you on?  How large were your tumors to begin with and what did they want to shrink them to in order to surgically remove them?  I understand that they need to do chemo first to shrink the areas.  It seemed like the doctors that I spoke with thought surgery may not be an option?  I sometimes feel like they are afraid to say anything and all I have is a million questions!  My mom is in fantastic health otherwise!!! Any help you can offer would be so greatly appreciated!<br />
~Kellie</p>
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									<div class="author">kjgrieger</div>
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			<div class="date">August 18, 2010 - 8:37pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-884560" class="active">My mom went in to have her</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My mom went in to have her gallbladder removed and they found that an area of her gallbladder was "suspicious" , as well as a couple spots on her liver. It is cancer. Did your doctor tell you upfront that surgery was an option or not? What kind of chemotherapy regimen were you on? How large were your tumors to begin with and what did they want to shrink them to in order to surgically remove them? I understand that they need to do chemo first to shrink the areas. It seemed like the doctors that I spoke with thought surgery may not be an option? I sometimes feel like they are afraid to say anything and all I have is a million questions! My mom is in fantastic health otherwise!!! Any help you can offer would be so greatly appreciated!<br />
~Kellie</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">August 22, 2010 - 6:09pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-886663" class="active">Kellie&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Kellie,</p>
<p>Welcome to our small but strong group of Gallbladder Cancer patients, caregrivers, loved ones and survivors.  In alot of cases when they remove the gallbladder it is then that they determine that cancer is present.  Yes, I was told in the begining that surgery was not an option at this time, nor radiation.  We would have to get shrinkage in the tumors which were quite large, my liver was comprimised therefore no radiation.  I just kept after my oncologist because I needed him to refer me out of state to a surgeon.  Where I live there was no one qualified to do this type of surgery.  I ended up with a Liver Transplant Surgeon at UCLA in California.  He also told me two times when I went to see him that no he wouldn't do the surgery.  On the third time after 11 months of chemo for whatever reason he said yes.  I still had cancer cells in some of the lymph nodes that they removed so I had to complete an additional 3 months of chemo.You have to fight and be an advocate for your own healthcare.<br />
My chemo cocktail was Gemzar and Cisplatin. I went 4 days a week (5-8 hours) three weeks then I would have a week off.  I had to have both white and red blood cell shots in between those times, when my counts we too low.  I started my chemo December 28th, 2005, surgery October 13, 2006 (Friday the thirteenth), last chemo March 31, 2007.  I still see my oncologist every month and have blood drawn.  I was receiving Ct Scans every three months until this year.   Yes, I do glow in the dark!<br />
I think that doctors are very cautious when dealing with this disease as the statistics are outdated and this disease is coming to the forefront.  I'm glad that your mother is beginning this journey without any other major medical problems.  I too was in relative good health when I started and I was only 46 years old.  My email address is LGregg6293@Aol.Com if you would prefer to speak via email.  Just make sure you put ACS-CSN in the subject line so it won't end up in my spam folder.  Ask me anything you would like.<br />
Take Care and I will add your mom to my prayer list.  Hope and Faith will carry you through.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">September 4, 2010 - 7:05am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-895120" class="active">some good news</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I am happy to report to my latest CT scan continued to show NO evidence of cancer.  It's been more than 2 years now.  My port is going to be removed next week.  YAY!<br />
Maudsie</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">September 8, 2010 - 5:18pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-895286" class="active">Good News</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Maudsie,</p>
<p>That is not good news but "Great News".  Congratulations!!  Finally to have that port removed deserves a special celebration.  It is important for others that are in the midst of treatment to hear success stories.  Again YAY!!!</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">kgrandma</div>
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			<div class="date">October 24, 2011 - 9:11pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1144489" class="active">Gall Bladder Cancer Stage 4</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Lily, </p>
<p>This is my first time on this site and I'm really not sure if I am posting properly. I am so happy that are now cancer free. Reading your story gives me hope for my grandma. We live in Toronto and have found out that she has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 Gall Bladder cancer. It all started with the doctors finding a tumor in her gall bladder that was all removed and doctors telling us everything was fine. She went back to the doctors 3 months later and they found cancer in her gall bladder area. Something about lymph nodes and the cancer spreading to her lungs. I don't understand how this can be stage 4 all of a sudden. The doctors told her she only has 8-10 months. My grandma is currently 69 and I am really hoping she goes to get chemo therapy and whether this will help rid of the cancer. I am staying positive and I am wishing for the best. Please help thank you..</p>
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									<div class="author">kjgrieger</div>
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			<div class="date">September 7, 2010 - 6:51pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-897094" class="active">Congratulations!</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I was reading your post and was so happy to see that you are cancer free!  I am sure that is a wonderful feeling.  My mom is undergoing chemo for gallbladder cancer and we will know the week of October 11th-ish how well her chemo treatments are working.  I pray everyday that she will receive the same news as you soon!  Thank you for your positive post - gives people hope!  Take care of yourself!</p>
<p>Kellie</p>
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									<div class="author">kjgrieger</div>
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			<div class="date">September 7, 2010 - 6:52pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-897095" class="active">Congratulations!</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I was reading your post and was so happy to see that you are cancer free!  I am sure that is a wonderful feeling.  My mom is undergoing chemo for gallbladder cancer and we will know the week of October 11th-ish how well her chemo treatments are working.  I pray everyday that she will receive the same news as you soon!  Thank you for your positive post - gives people hope!  Take care of yourself!</p>
<p>Kellie</p>
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									<div class="author">newnewkb</div>
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			<div class="date">September 7, 2010 - 4:33am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-896737" class="active">Tina&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Lily,<br />
Thank goodness I found you and to hear that you are GBC survivor! Internet and the information shared by the oncologist did not give us the best future for this cancer.<br />
My mom who is 66 years young has been diagnosed on Sept.3, 2010 with stage 4 GBC that has metastasized to liver. The oncologist said no surgery due to the type of cancer. She’ll start her chemo combo of Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin next week. Is this the standard protocol of treatment for this cancer? Is there anything else that can be considered “more aggressive” to treat this cancer? What else can we do for my mom? I want to make sure that we are looking into all options so that my mom has a greater chance to fight this thing.  She lives on the north side of Chicago and if anyone knows of a great oncologist, that would be great start to get her a second opinion.<br />
Also, can anyone tell me about the experienced side effects from this chemo combo and how you coped so that I can prepare to help my mom after her treatments? Thanks, Tina. </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">September 8, 2010 - 5:12pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-898411" class="active">Tina&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Tina,</p>
<p>What a great daughter you are to your mother for taking the step towards finding information to help your mother with this terrible disease.  Thank goodness with all the negativity out there that you found this site.  This thread has been going on for over a year and there are others that have also survived this terrible disease or are in the midst of the fight.  We are all here for each other.  Hope, faith, support, whatever one needs to fight the fight for their life.  This is a terrible disease and there hasn't been alot of attention paid to it because statistically most people when they are diagnosed with it may be too late for curative purposes according to doctors.  But I say there is only one who can make such a decision and he/she doesn't live in this world.  If you have read other postings you will see that your mom's diagnosis is pretty much the same as others.  Each individual is different but the general consensus is the same.  Some of us have heard the dreaded "No Surgery" for this type of cancer.  I too fell into that catagory but it wasn't acceptable to me and some others.  We all had different situations but in the end a few of us did receive the surgery after we originally we told "No".  It is very important to receive second opinions and to have the attitude that we could beat this.<br />
You mom is around the age of most of the patients that I speak to with a few exceptions.<br />
The chemo cocktail she will be receiving is the standard protocol at this point.  Gemzar and one of the platin series seems to be what everyone is receiving.  I started with Gemzar and Cryboplatin and then was switched to Gemzar and Cisiplatin.  I now know that there is a Cisiplatin shortage currently.  I had what was classified as very aggresive treatment.  I had treatment daily for two weeks and then a week off for 11 months.  It was tiresome.  Hydration is a key, along with healthy eating, phyical exercise as tolerated.  I will review my list and see if anyone has a suggestion for you regarding an oncologist that they have faith in.  Everyone tolerates chemo differently and yes there are side effects.  Fatigue is a big one, hair loss (can be a really big one - was for me), loss of appetite, and the list goes on.  You can't approach the chemo with waiting for the side effects to kick in.  You just need to address them as they happen.  Mediation helps alot and yoga.  Talk to us with your questions as you experience them with your mother and we will try and give you advice based on our own experiences.</p>
<p>Take Care of mom and yourself.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">newnewkb</div>
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			<div class="date">December 6, 2010 - 10:21am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-956285" class="active">First CT scan is good!!</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Lily,<br />
My mom (and family) received great news that her chemo treatment is working after her first CT scan since her diagnosis!  Before this news, she was ready to die but now she has turned a new leaf and ready to live again! Her determination to fight this disease can be seen as she’s eating and drinking and trying to gain the weight back! It’s amazing to see this change!<br />
I want to share this news with you because you have been a great support system for me since my mom’s diagnosis when I thought there was no light at the end. You provided me the strength to be able to tell my mom that she has to have faith and hope! Thank you for starting this blog or all of us!!!<br />
I’ll keep you posted as she continues with her treatments!!! Best Regards, Tina. </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">December 6, 2010 - 10:15pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-956616" class="active">Tina&#039;s Mom GOOD CT Scan</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Tina,</p>
<p>That is wonderful news!  I'm so happy for your Mom, you and your entire family.  This disease needs to be treated with a positive mindset.  It is such an uphill battle sometimes but you can't let it drag you down.  Taking it day by day and hoping for no setbacks is all you can ask for.  </p>
<p>Thanks for sharing as others read these posts and even though they may not comment on them it is a ray of hope for others too.  </p>
<p>Keep us posted and tell her I wish her well.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">December 13, 2010 - 1:49pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-961539" class="active">Yay!</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Excellent news Tina!  I am so happy that this has given your mother renewed strength for the fight!  It's so important to hang in and not give in.<br />
Best to you both,</p>
<p>Maudsie</p>
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									<div class="author">NatPat</div>
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			<div class="date">September 20, 2010 - 11:34pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-906475" class="active">GallBladder Cancer Stage 4</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Lily 50,</p>
<p>I live in Australia and my mum was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in February 2010 since then she has had four major surgeries to remove her gallbladder half of her liver, reconstruction of the bile ducts and also had a very large tumor removed from her abdomen.Mum has also had 3 months of chemo ranging from iv once a week to having a pump the delivers chemo everyday and well as 6 weeks of radiation therapy 5 days a week.<br />
Her cancer spread to her liver, stomach lining, abdomen and some lymph nodes. I feel that maybe she doesn't have much time left. I have researched and there is just hardley any information about this cancer. </p>
<p>I hope that you are still doing well, and if there is any advice you could give me on the name of the chemo you had I would really appreciate it.</p>
<p>Thanks so much</p>
<p>Nat </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">September 22, 2010 - 5:13pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-907584" class="active">Nat&#039;s mum</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Nat,</p>
<p>I'm so sorry to hear about your mum.  You are a very caring to try and help your mum in any way that you can.  It is good that your mum has already had these surgeries.  That means to me that her turmors were small enough to do those types of surgeries.  Chemo and radiation at the same time has to be taking its toll on her.<br />
This type of cancer seems to involve the gallbladder, liver, stomach and lymph nodes.  Those are all the same places that my cancer had traveled to.  If you read the other posts those organs are almost always involved, depending on the stage of the cancer.  </p>
<p>This is a disease that you have to have positive thoughts about and have hope and faith.<br />
When I was diagnosed I was told 2 weeks, 2 months was the timeframe and 5 years later I am still here.  Doctors can be wrong and you have to remember that you mum sounds like a very strong lady and I'm sure that she doesn't want this disease to beat her.  </p>
<p>Most of the information on the Internet is quite outdated.  I know several people who were given a short time frame also and they are still with us.</p>
<p>I am doing very well and hope to continue to do so.<br />
The chemo cocktail that I received was Gemzar and Cisplatin. I didn't have radiation as my liver couldn't handle it.</p>
<p>Hope and Faith will carry you through this journey.  </p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">inam</div>
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			<div class="date">September 24, 2010 - 12:57am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-908687" class="active">lily you really  a great source of hope for cancer patients</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>hi lily...<br />
my father diagnosed a gall bladder cancer a month ago..since that day we all are vary upset find no way.<br />
but the source of hope is Shifa international hospital Islamabad,Pakistan<br />
his oncologist start his chemo therapy,,until now 1 cycle have been completed and other will be tomorrow.<br />
 first is consist of Gemzar, decadon, zafan.<br />
i personally want to contact you through phone or skype etc.i shall be vary thankful to you</p>
<p>remember my father in your prayers and may Allah give you a happy,properous life<br />
regards<br />
inam<br />
+9203214068659</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">September 27, 2010 - 7:05pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-911162" class="active">Inam&#039;s dad</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Inam,</p>
<p>So sorry to hear about your father.  It is understandable that you are all upset by this terrible news.<br />
I'm so glad for you that you have found hope for your father at this facility.<br />
Have they told you what Stage he is in?  How many chemo treatment cycles will he be receiving?  How old is he?<br />
I received Gemzar and Cisplatin.<br />
Since this is a public forum it isn't a good idea to list your phone number.  I don't take personal calls as things such as this are very private and I will support you however I can via this forum or email.  You can email me at LGregg6293@Aol.Com. </p>
<p>Of course I will pray for your father, along with you and your family.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily  </p>
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									<div class="author">smart_dashing</div>
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			<div class="date">May 29, 2011 - 3:42pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1064799" class="active">Best results for gall bladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hiii! howz u....?? m glad to found you here and n also know that you are GBC survivor... Well, my uncle is 70 yrs of age and he is from India... my uncle is diagnosed with gallbladder cancer stage 4 since December 2010.... He took a chemo in January 2011 but couldn't tolerate it... So, he didn't prefer any chemo after that.... Moreover, he lost half of his body weight n also not fit for chemo now. Currently, he is suffering from severe stomach pain... Now Doctor over here says that he has no way as the cancer spread to his Liver n other organs nearby...Doctor over here has discharged my Uncle from the Hospital last 6 days ago and advice to take pain killers like Morphine n contrammol Injection 2 get relief from pain... No other treatment is given by the Doctor other then 2 get relief from pain so far.. My uncle is now at home counting his days ahead... Is there any way to give him a good treatment in India yet to add few years more to his life...??? Plzz help me out for his best results... I feel like crying for him... Lastly, hope for your quick response.... My email id is (nasimsmartguy@gmail.com) thanx...<br />
                                  Yours faithfully<br />
                                  Nasim Sazzad Rahman    </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">May 30, 2011 - 5:58pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1065299" class="active">Nassim&#039;s Uncle</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Nassim,</p>
<p>Welcome to our forum.  I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle.  I can tell that you love him a lot as you have come to this board seeking answers.  I'm a five year survivor of this terrible disease.  I was only 46 when I was diagnosed.  When you say that your uncle couldn't tolerate the chemo was there any consideration to either lowering the dosage or changing it all together?  My original cocktail (Gemzar and Carboplatin) didn't work for me in the beginning so they switched it (Gemzar aand Cisplatin). Or was he just too weak to be able to handle the treatments?  This disease can be very painful.  You need to find another doctor that maybe will have some suggestions on how your uncle can have a longer life.  Maybe another doctor will have another treatment plan that will sit better with your Uncle.  Give it a try, what do you have to lose.  In order to beat this disease you have to have positive thoughts to get you through.  In order for your uncle to have any quality of life the pain has to be minimized.  It isn't unusual for nearby organs and lymph nodes to become involved.  Your Uncle probably isn't counting his days ahead but is trying to make the most out of the days he feels he has left.  Without chemo, radiation and surgery, palliative care is the only option left.  He needs to be supported by family and friends and try to enjoy each day the best that he can.  There are no alternative methods that I am aware of for this type of cancer.  He needs to try and eat healthy and take supplements to help him through this terrible disease.  Let us know what is happening with him and ask us any questions you want, we will try to help.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">parthgovil</div>
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			<div class="date">July 16, 2011 - 10:45pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1089863" class="active">Gall bladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am from Bangalore, India. My father's been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer stage 4 which has spread slightly to liver as well. </p>
<p>Yours seem to be a very motivating case, anything specific you did + can you give me the contact details of the oncologist who treated you.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Parth</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 28, 2011 - 8:09pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1096197" class="active">Parth&#039;s Father</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>I'm so sorry that this terrible disease has entered into your lives.  It is a terrible disease and the statistics are out-dated and give little hope.  I am a 5 year survivor of this disease.  I was diagnosed in 2005, received chemo from 12/2005 thru 09/2006.  I had surgery 10/2006 and then more chemo in 01/2007 thru 03/2007.  I was Stage 4 and inoperable. My chemo cocktail was Gemzar and Cisiplatin.   It took 3 visits to the surgeon in another state before I was given the opportunity to have an extended (or radical) cholecystectomy performed at UCLA in California.<br />
My oncologist was:<br />
Cancer and Blood Specialists of Nevada<br />
Russell Gollard, MD<br />
58 N. Pecos Road<br />
Henderson, Nevada 89074<br />
702-822-2000<br />
Green Valley Location<br />
He is the best and saved my life.<br />
My surgeon was:<br />
Howard Reber, MD<br />
Specialty Surgery<br />
Hospital Affiliation Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center<br />
Contact (310) 825-4976<br />
Email Address hreber@surgery.medsch.ucla.edu<br />
He is associated with The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.<br />
http://www.cancer.ucla.edu<br />
Check out this website, it has lots of good information</p>
<p>The journey with this disease is long and hard.  It is important to treat the whole body along with the mind and spirit.  Nutrition is very important along with exercise and I found meditation helps.  Don't lose your Hope and Faith when dealing with this disease.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">girishpd</div>
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			<div class="date">January 15, 2012 - 1:42pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1182568" class="active">Cancer Care in Bangalore</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Parth,<br />
I hope your father is doing well.<br />
My Father-in-law has been diagnosed of a stage 3 Gall bladder cancer, I am in Bangalore too and would like to know where you got your father treated, It would really help me to know your experience.</p>
<p>Thanks,<br />
Girish</p>
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									<div class="author">parthgovil</div>
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			<div class="date">February 4, 2012 - 11:20am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1190400" class="active">Girishpd&#039;s father in law</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>Ya, happy to state that father is doing quite well. Hope this continues. We got ourselves treated at Columbia Asia, yashvantpur, refer to Dr. Neelesh reddy, they take great care.  You could write to me at parthgovil@yahoo.com.</p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p>Parth</p>
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									<div class="author">bmcsatmss</div>
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			<div class="date">July 27, 2011 - 9:50am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1095282" class="active">about my mother(57 years)</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>hi,I am a 3rd year medical student from Srilanka. My mother was recently diagnosed for galbladder cancer which spread into liver and lympy nodes.Due to para aortic lymph node involment surgery not done.Today she has inserted a stent to releave symptoms.One of ouroncologist have desided to start chemotherapy.But he told that it was not sure.If any one can help me please reply me.I want to know about chemotherapy and how from where we can take it.thank you(twmsandamalee@gmail.com)</p>
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									<div class="author">cuddlebeardee</div>
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			<div class="date">July 28, 2011 - 9:43am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1095865" class="active">about my mom (89 years old)</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>I look forward to reading any comments from others out there, take care everyone and my prayers are with you each and every day.</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 29, 2011 - 12:30pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1096523" class="active">89 Year Old Mother</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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.<br />
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.  </p>
<p>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.<br />
Ask us any questions and we will try to help you and your mother during this journey.</p>
<p>I'll add you mother to my prayer list.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">robynlaurie80</div>
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			<div class="date">September 8, 2011 - 10:58pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1120633" class="active">cuddlebeardee</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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.<br />
Just forgive your Mum and give her a big hug and wish her well for me .<br />
It's a hard journey and she needs you there . You sound a loving and caring Daughter.<br />
                                  Rob </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">September 13, 2011 - 5:35pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1123199" class="active">Rob&#039;s Journey</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Rob,</p>
<p>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 &amp; Faith will carry you through.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 28, 2011 - 8:32pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1096213" class="active">57 Year Old Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>I'm so sorry that this disease has come into your mother's and your life.  It is a terrible disease without much research.  The information that is out there is very outdated.  Your mother is fairly young.  I was 46 at time of diagnosis Stage 4.  You are such a good son to try and help to support her.  Even though she hasn't had surgery does not mean that she can't have it later.  I had to complete 11 months of chemo (Gemzar and Cisiplatin-IV) before I could have an extended (or radical) cholecystectomy.  I had to have an additional 3 months of chemo after that as there were still cancer cells in the lymph nodes that they removed.  I didn't have radiation as my liver was compromised.  Many others have had to have stents to get relief until they were able to have surgery.<br />
I have listed in the post before yours my oncologist and surgeon names.</p>
<p>Hope and Faith can carry you through this long and hard journey.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">aziza</div>
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			<div class="date">December 5, 2011 - 4:40am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1164717" class="active">my dad is diagnose with gall bladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>hello lily! i hope you are doing well.I am aziza my father is 56 years old and find out about his gallbladder cancer on 30 october. Doctors told him that his cancer is spread upto liver,stomach and duodonum...during st scan they told that there are patches of cancer cells on liver so it cover some part.<br />
His first chemo start on 10 november, second on 17 november and third on 1 december he's been called for another chemo on 8 december they said this its advance stage and chemo is the only option we have.<br />
He is diabetic and piles sufferer and dealing very hard with chemo side effect...he cant eat feeling sick and hiccups troubling him in sleep and eating....he is loosing so much weight. he is in india.<br />
Lily i read your story and it give me positivity and show me a ray of hope that my dad can beat this deadly disease....<br />
can please tell me that how much chemo did you receive and how much time interval...<br />
because the last chemo he had ...they called him after two weeks and it took hin 12 days to get better so he was ready for that chemo but now he's been called after 1 week so he is vey stressed to take another chemo so soon.<br />
My mum she's very patient and big strength for family BUT MY DAD HE GAVE UP HIS HOPE.<br />
I am in england and my parents and siblings are in india so i tell you what i know about his disease....i am very worried about him my brother and sister is so young and are in college and school.please pray for us and suggest some thing that make him feel better.</p>
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									<div class="author">justne</div>
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			<div class="date">September 2, 2009 - 6:15pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-703090" class="active">So happy to hear....</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>that you are doing well since your diagnosis in 2005. My mom was also just diagnosed with stage IV gallbladder cancer. They removed her gallbladder 2 weeks ago but they say she has it in many places. Could you please tell me other then your gallbladder where else did you have the cancer. She will be seeing 2 different doctors for treatment recommendations next week. So much is going thru my head I'm not sure if I up or down at times...</p>
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									<div class="author">klnh0126</div>
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			<div class="date">November 21, 2009 - 7:14pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-742422" class="active">My mom has Gallbladder Cancer also</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My Mom was also recently diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer.  They tried to do a resection but found it has spread to the abdomen wall and did not continue with the operation.  They are calling it stage IV. She is scheduled to start aggressive Chemo on Dec. 3rd at the Cleveland Clinic.  The Chemo they are using is Gymzar and Oxaliplatin every 2 weeks.  What are they doing for your mom?  How is she doing with the treatments?   </p>
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									<div class="author">loveourmom</div>
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			<div class="date">September 11, 2009 - 12:15am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-706732" class="active">Your mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi.  I'm wondering how your mom is doing and whether you received any additional information about treatment and what people are and aren't doing to medically deal with this horrific disease.  I hope your Mom is doing well.  Thank you.  </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">September 13, 2009 - 6:01pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-707743" class="active">Moms, sisters, loved ones</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello,<br />
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.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">fik2010</div>
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			<div class="date">February 4, 2010 - 10:31pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-781344" class="active">my mom with cancer TO LILY 50</a></div>			<div class="content"><p> MY MOM WAS DIAGNOSED WITH GALLBLADDER CANCER STAGE 4 PLEASE EMAIL ME I WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO YOU AND FIND OUT WHAT YOU DID THANK YOU </p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">July 4, 2010 - 12:41am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-857994" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Lily50,</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>Linda1949</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 4, 2010 - 11:33am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-858093" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer Stage ?</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Good Morning Linda,</p>
<p>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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
You and your family are in my prayers.<br />
Lily  </p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">July 5, 2010 - 10:22am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-858358" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Linda</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 5, 2010 - 1:22pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-858420" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Good Morning Linda.</p>
<p>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.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">July 9, 2010 - 8:44pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861179" class="active">Linda1949 Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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~</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">July 10, 2010 - 3:39pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861623" class="active">Linda&#039;s Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>That is very good news indeed.  I, too, had my gallbladder removed with its tumour and a big chunk of adjacent liver plus a few nodules on the upper intestine (see my profile and responses on this discussion board).  All malignant.  They are waiting to start chemo once the incision site has healed completely (it has been almost 3 months).  I had an MRI 2 weeks ago and the results show no malignant tumours anywhere so I think they want to do chemo to "clean up" whatever might be there that is too small to see in an MRI or hidden.  Keep us posted on Linda's progress.<br />
Cheryl</p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">July 11, 2010 - 3:32pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-862143" class="active">Linda&#039;s Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Thanks Cheryl for your response! I will let Linda know about your fight too. It is so very comforting to have others to talk to!</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 15, 2010 - 7:09pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-864822" class="active">Linda&#039;s Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Linda &amp; Kathleen,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">July 16, 2010 - 4:28pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-865299" class="active">Linda&#039;s Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Thank you Lily!</p>
<p>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~</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 16, 2010 - 9:14pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-865430" class="active">Linda&#039;s Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Linda &amp; Kathleen,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Lily  </p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">July 21, 2010 - 1:01pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-868052" class="active">Linda&#039;s Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Lily and Cheryl,</p>
<p>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~</p>
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			<div class="date">July 22, 2010 - 4:47pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-868905" class="active">Linda&#039;s Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi:  I certainly did but I was in intensive care at the time.  I threw up 2 big bowls of whatever (sorry guys!) after being taken off IV's.  They brought me cereal - I tried just a bit and wham, ugliness time! It was mostly bile because they had accidentally cut into my bile duct when removing the gallbladder and resectioning the liver.  After that they wrapped me in a big warm blanket and I slept for 6 hours and woke up ravenous.  I ate a whole plate of plain boiled white rice with some cooked carrots mixed in.  Didn't stay in my body long though - very bad runs (including when the surgeon and his team dropped by to see my progress!).  They gave me some pills to encourage the bile to leave my system fast.  I don't think the salad was a particularly good idea! Not too much in the way of bulk and you never know with lettuce what might be on it.  I had no appetite for quite a while (they say that is because of the compromised liver), like many weeks, but forced myself to eat - boiled rice, high fibre meal replacement drinks, nutritious smoothies.  There are some things I still can't eat/drink like coffee. The runs didn't last very long (then you get the other problem of constipation!).<br />
Yeah re the blood work! And what a good idea re the IPhone - I don't even have a cell phone!<br />
I start chemo on August 10 - can't say I'm looking forward to it but something that I must do of course.  I'm not getting radiation as there is nothing to radiate.<br />
Keep us posted Kathleen.<br />
Cheryl</p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">July 24, 2010 - 1:16pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-870013" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Dear Cheryl,</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your help.  You have corresponded with my sister Kathleen on several occasions.  I am finally up to blogging myself.  I finally feel human again.  My surgery was on 7/6/10.  I met with the radiologist this week and they want to radiate along with chemo. I don't have a set date yet but think that I will probably start around the same time that you will start chemo.  I have met with an oncologist but he was gloom and doom and hasn't treated it GBC before.  I have a 2nd opinion scheduled for next week and at least he has treated GBC.  I'll have to pick one of them as my oncologist.  They seem to think that it doesn't matter who you pick because they go along with established protocol.  Does your oncologist have experience with this cancer?  I'm anxious to see what drugs you get.  I'll let you know when I find out what I will be getting.  I'm not sure if it is different drugs if I'm getting radiation or not.  Not looking forward to it but want it to just be over with!  Thanks for your help and encouragement.</p>
<p>Linda1949</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 22, 2010 - 10:30pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-869073" class="active">After Linda&#039;s Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Linda and Kathleen:</p>
<p>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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
Take Care</p>
<p>Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">July 24, 2010 - 1:07pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-870010" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Dearest Lily,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Linda1949</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">July 24, 2010 - 9:50pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-870163" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer New</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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.<br />
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!<br />
Wow! an earthquake while you were in the hospital bed. Brave sister!</p>
<p>I'm so glad you made it through surgery so well.  </p>
<p>Cheryl</p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">August 10, 2010 - 4:32pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-879644" class="active">GBC</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Cheryl,</p>
<p>I'm finally set up for radiation and chemo together (adjavunt therapy) starting on Monday 8/16/10.  It will be 6 weeks since my liver resection surgery and node removal and the incision has healed great.  Hope the incision  doesn't reopen with radiaition as I guess that sometimes happens.  I will be taking oral Zeloda (Capecitabine) during radiation (25 treatments) and then after a cooling off period of a month I will be taking I believe Gemcite and Cisplatin for the remainder of my chemo cycles.  The radiation is aimed at the node bed area.  I had 15 nodes removed and 12 were malignant.  Anyhow that's the treatment plan.  Have you started chemo yet?  All of the side effect literature sure is scary but I'm trying not to dwell on it now.  Just want to get through this and get it behind me.  Let me know how it's going with you.</p>
<p>Linda</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">August 24, 2010 - 9:45pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-888423" class="active">GBC</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Linda:  Sorry I haven't responded earlier than this but somehow I've been very busy getting lectures ready for fall term and as usual waiting for the nurse to unpack/repack my incision and seeing the surgeon and oncologist.  Still can't start chemo because the incision hasn't healed completely (been 4 months now!).  I see the oncologist again on Sept 9 (school starts Sept 13).  I had hoped to be well into it by now but ... At least I've had time to get as healthy as possible and to get caught up on life.  I'm not getting radiation because there is nothing to radiate.  I'm going to ask though about radiation for the nodules on my upper intestine - there are only 1 or 2 left (they removed 1 for analysis). My chemo protocol will be 6 cycles, day 1 of cycle 1 the two drugs together (5 hours), day 2 of cycle 1 seven days later just the gem.....(2 hrs), cycle 2 starts 3 weeks later and so on.  MRI or CT scan at the end of 6 cycles which will be about February is things get going in September.  I too am worried about the side effects but some people have none, some people have lots.  I went to a chemo workshop - there are different side effects for each drug - the gem...is the most gentle.  The only good thing is that they give you a DVD player so you can watch movies! I will have people drive me there and back, at least at first.<br />
I am off to Saskatchewan to visit my 94 year old mom for a few days.<br />
Please keep me posted on your journey.</p>
<p>Cheryl</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 25, 2010 - 7:46pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-870659" class="active">Linds&#039;s Chemo and Radiation Journey</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Linda,</p>
<p>So glad to hear from you!  Thank Kathleen for me for keeping us updated on your progress.  She sounds like a great sister, and you are lucky to have her.  That is a true statement when you say you have to be careful what you eat.  As you get farther into chemo and radiation you become more and more cautious with everything you do.  Your goal is to recover from this terrible disease and go on with your life.  It may not be the same life you had before but it some ways it can become a better life for you.  Stress and negativity will no longer have a place in your life.  You will no longer have time for it.  I think that the treatment plan protocols have both radiation and chemo lumped together.  But I think that it depends on the person's circumstances.  Some people have both before surgery or after surgery and others not at all.  I think it depends on the stage of the cancer also.  If you like the second oncologist better than the first one than I would choose him.  I would feel that it is better to deal with someone who has experience with treating gallbladder chancer.  But again that is just my opinion, and you need to make your own decision regarding what is best for you.  I think all the doom and gloom that the doctor's project is just based on what they have read.  It is hard to be positive about something that they haven't seen much success with.  But that is just because they haven't met all of us.  We are quite a positive group here.  </p>
<p>It is wonderful that you are taking the time to look after yourself.  But be mindful that you just had major surgery and your body needs time to heal and rest a little bit.  Don't forget to work on your mental attitude also.  That is very important.  I'm not saying that you won't have blue days, but just remember that you have every right to feel a little down but the next day will be better and remember that we are here for you.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">Linda1949</div>
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			<div class="date">August 10, 2010 - 4:40pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-879655" class="active">Linda&#039;s journey through treatment for GBC</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily,</p>
<p>Thanks for all the information and support.  I was feeling pretty blue there for awhile but am feeling much better now.  It's been 5 weeks since my liver resection and node removal and I have healed pretty well.  I will start chemo (oral Xeloda) and radiation on Monday 8/16/10 for 25 treatments.  They are radiating the node bed area where the malignant nodes were removed.  The plan is to rest for a month after the 25 treatments and then start a combo chemo cycle with 2 drugs that there has been some success with for GBC.  How was radiation for you?  The side effects for chemo and radiation both are pretty daunting but I'm hoping that I won't have too much trouble.  My greatest fear is that I won't be able to finish treatment but I'm trying to be positive.  Just anxious to get on with it!  Thanks for all your support.  I'll let you know how it goes.</p>
<p>Linda</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">August 14, 2010 - 4:18pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-882049" class="active">Linda&#039;s journey</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Linda,</p>
<p>Don't despair you will have good and bad days, that you can count on.  I'm so glad that you haven't had any issues with the surgery, it really is great news.  Good luck on Monday with the radiation and chemo.  Get a calendar and mark off the treatments as you complete them that way you always have a visual of how far you have come.  I didn't have any radiation as my liver was in bad shape.  My treatment was a little different than others because in the beginning I wasn't a candiate for surgery.  I had to complete 10 months of chemo only having 1 week off a month. My turmors had to shrink alot in order for me to have a radical resection surgery (it was done by a liver transplant surgeon that I was told was a pioneer for this type of surgery).  After surgery the pathology report stated that some of the lymph nodes that they removed still had some cancer cells in them.  That meant 4 months more of chemo for me.  You have to bring out that inner strength that you have inside to continue to fight and then recover.  Staying positive is part of the battle, and try and break the treatment down into manageable pieces for your own sanity.  You have already been through so much just keep going. Keep in touch and if it becomes overwhelming I know that Kathleen would let us know what is going on with you.  Tell her I said HI!</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">August 16, 2010 - 9:40am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-882981" class="active">hi Linda and Lily</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Linda.  I have corresponded with Lily before, but just today I have been following this thread and wanted to chime in my best wishes as you start your chemo and radiation today.  My liver resection (cancer invaded the section of liver they removed, no where else detected)  was two years ago, followed by Xeloda and radiation.  As Lily says, there are good days and bad, but actually no really bad days for me.  I was thinking that i would have to organize a team of friends to drive me to and from my daily radiation appointments 30 minutes from my house, but actually I was able to drive myself every day.  In general I was a bit tired, less energy than my "normal" self, but i could do errands and pretty much enjoy myself.  After a while, some weeks, the Xeloda started giving me a kind of stomach discomfort, but again, not really awful.  Everyone's experience, of course, is individual.  After these treatments, my protocol was Gemzar.  I am now more than 2 years from my diagnosis, feeling great, no sign of cancer, but of course i get regular scans and blood tests to keep track.  My next CT scan is Aug. 31.  Naturally I am anxious about it.  I will be interested in hearing how you do.  I also write on the cancer-compass message board, you can look there for more stories and advice.  Advice from me, besides what you have already heard:  keep a journal so you can keep track of how you are feeling, both emotionally and physical (symptoms, side-effects).<br />
Maudsie</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">August 22, 2010 - 6:20pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-886667" class="active">Maudsie</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Maudsie,</p>
<p>Good to hear from you.  No matter how many scans you go through it is one of the most nerve racking things you have to do.  I will say a prayer for you that you will hear the words, No Malignancies.  Do you have a complete scan, chest, abdomen, pelvis with and without contrast?  I'm sure if you are like me it really doesn't bother you to drink that awful stuff.  I'm glad that you are doing so well.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">Miguel007</div>
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			<div class="date">December 8, 2010 - 7:50am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-957679" class="active">Since spices are limited I&#039;m</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Since spices are limited I'm hoping maybe someone on here with a similar problem can shed some light on this. I'm a seventeen year old college student, and though my diet is very healthy with the exception of a few things I'm working to eliminate <a href="http://www.thegallbladdersymptoms.com/">gallbladder</a> Stay away from fatty foods. I did have mine out. Lucky for me, I had just had my first child and my OB figured out what the issue was. I was diagnosed and had surgery within 2 weeks. My mom suffered for 5 years before they figured out what was wrong with her.</p>
<p>Take care people</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">December 8, 2010 - 10:56pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-958389" class="active">Gallbladder</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello,</p>
<p>Welcome to this discussion board. I am a little confused with your posting.  Have you been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer or since you have had your gallbladder removed are there some concerns that you have?  Is your mom still with you or did she have a cancer diagnosis? </p>
<p>Congratulations on the birth of your child.  It is a very blessed event. </p>
<p>What kind of information are you looking for? We will be happy to help you. </p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">FlDino</div>
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			<div class="date">November 18, 2009 - 12:55pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-740586" class="active">Wife with gallbladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>She went into the hospital with excruciating back pain and was jaundiced. After 2 and a half weeks they decide to remove the gallbladder, after one doctor said she had cancer and another didn't. She did, and it has apparently gone throughout her body. She has swelled up in her abdomen and her legs are now swollen, mostly for lying in bed so long. There's so many doctors and they all say different things. One wants to drain the fluid, another doesn't. After all this she is now on a respirator...for the 3rd time. It isn't good. Someone today said she has a 3 percent chance. What does that mean? For how long? </p>
<p>At this point we (she and I) just want her strong enough to come home. She wants to go at home, not in the hospital.</p>
<p>I'm hoping she makes it to even try chemo to put some quality back and extend for however long, even if for a few weeks.</p>
<p>It's good to hear some beat the "time frame". It does give a glimmer of hope but not much in my case. </p>
<p>Anyone try supplements? I read mega doses of D-3 help greatly and heard this morning that Selenium and Turmeric have actually beaten cancer.</p>
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									<div class="author">finbar</div>
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			<div class="date">November 19, 2009 - 6:39pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-741520" class="active">gallbladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My wife had this rare cancer. We learned lots but too late. The most important thing: the first treatment is the most important, called 'first line'. Thereafter the body becomes more resistent. Yes I have a friend that is doing very well after rejections from several major treament centers. She is on her third year and is fully active. Her doctor is George Fisher at Stanford. Need any further info, you can contact me at alb212@gmail.com</p>
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									<div class="author">fik2010</div>
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			<div class="date">January 17, 2010 - 12:36pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-771536" class="active">mom with stage 4 gallbladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Yesterday my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 gall bladder cancer pretty much the doctor told us it will take a miracle for her to get through this.the cancer has spread to her liver colon and pelvic bone. we want to give her some hope.I printed out a story and read it to her to give her some hope .how far was your cancer or where did it spead is can you let me know anything that might help us help her .you can email me at foklak@msn.com</p>
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									<div class="author">klnh0126</div>
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			<div class="date">January 21, 2010 - 12:25pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-773528" class="active">Mom with gallbladder cancer also</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>fik2010                                                                                       My mom was diagnosed with stage IV gallbladder cancer also back on Oct 21rst.  She was told she is not a surgical candidate because it had spread to her abdomen.  Did they take your mom's gallbladder out?  Are they offering Chemo as a treatment?  My mom started chemo in early December and has had 4 rounds.  She is on Gemzar and Oxaliplatin chemo drugs.  She has been handling it pretty well although they did decrease the dose last round due to the side effects.  I am sorry for your mom's diagnosis as I know it is devastating to say the least especially since we had no signs or warnings.  Her gallbladder was full of stones and had to be removed which we thought was routine until the path report came back.</p>
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									<div class="author">fik2010</div>
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			<div class="date">February 4, 2010 - 10:57pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-781353" class="active">mom with gallbladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>KLNHO126 My mom is not a candidate for surgery and no they did not take her gallbladder out.They are offering chemo but said if the chemo works it can increase her life by 1.5 years and if it does not work then she has 6 months but my mom is very strong person so we are praying she beats the odds.I am very sorry to hear about your mom and will keep her in my prayers.thank you for your information. </p>
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									<div class="author">Emma4</div>
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			<div class="date">February 7, 2010 - 3:32pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-782610" class="active">Dad with gallbladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My heart goes out to all of you family and friends and also the victims of this horrible cancer.  My dad was diagnosed with stage4 gallbladder cancer 1 month ago.  It is heart breaking to watch this once, active man, turn into a shell of pain and sickness.  Like most of your loved ones, he is not a candidate for chemo.  My question to all of you is how was the patient's pain and nausea during the last difficult times.  For us, my dad has been in severe pain(with pain medication barely helping) and unexplained nausea.  He is back in the hospital because he has been unable to hold food or liquid down for 4 days.  This is a constant problem for him now and getting worse all the time.  I have researched side effects of this cancer in its last stage but have not been able to find any.  You all are in my prayers.</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 7, 2010 - 5:22pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-782643" class="active">Your Dad</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My heart goes out to you for the difficulty in dealing with this disease.  I have a question for you, since he was just diagnosed recently have you gotten a second,third,fourth,etc opinion?  No two doctors ever say the same thing.  There are many treatment centers out there who are willing to go the extra mile if you are willing to travel down this hard road.  This type of cancer is very aggressive and it is right up there with pancreatic cancer.  There isn't alot of information out there because most people were in the advanced stages when diagnosed including myself. It can cause severe pain and nausea that you wouldn't think possible.  I hope that your Dad is able to have the hospital stablize him so that he can explore some options.  There is hope and treatment out there you just have to find it.  I'll pray for him.</p>
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									<div class="author">klnh0126</div>
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			<div class="date">February 9, 2010 - 12:11pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-783397" class="active">My Mom with gallbladder cancer also</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily50</p>
<p>My mom was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer stage IV this past Oct.  It was discovered through a routine gallbladder removal.  An attempt to remove remaining cancer and resection was attempted but during surgery it was discovered it spread to the abdomen so surgery was no longer an option.  She is undergoing aggressive Chemo every 2 weeks.  Oxaliplatin and Gemzar and handling it better that I expected.  We were so concerned to get started with Chemo so it wouldn't spread further that we didn't really explore another opinion.  Everthing you read is so bad and getting an appointment can take so long we hopped right into the chemo.  Have you heard of people eventually becoming candidates for surgery?  Her oncologists says she will never be a candidate.  Can you share more details of your personal experience.  Where had your cancer spread and was your gallbladder removed?  I'm encouraged by your words.</p>
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									<div class="author">Tracy R.</div>
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			<div class="date">February 10, 2010 - 2:32pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-783946" class="active">Treatment</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My husband, best friend, lover, companion, my life, soul mate; was diagnosed with stage IV gallbladder cancer on Oct. 23, 2009 and told the prognosis was 12 months at best, could not remove gallbladder as had metastasized to stomach lining. We did the same thing, hurried into treatment as the oncologist stated that it was a fast growing, aggressive cancer and needed to be treated as such, while also stating that surgery was not an option that the treatment would be for palliative only (reduce symptoms the cancer would cause and extend his life hopefully for a few extra months). He was put on Xeloda pills (2 AM and 2 PM) and after 4 days on that - while still taking the Xeloda - outpatient chemo of gemzar and taxatere, continued taking Xeloda and same chemo the following week, then an overnight chemo the next week with cisplatin added. Had his first cat scan early January which showed some recession and tumor shrinkage so we asked if he could get his gallbladder out at that time as I had read that was the only chance for survival. The oncologist stated that he could get it out but that she highly recommended that he did not as there would be too much chance of infection and that even if he had it out the prognosis would still be the same. She recommended continuing on another round of the same and to have another cat scan early to mid April when the 2nd complete round is done. Should we have pushed more for the gallbladder to be removed? My husband's cancer was written down as "metastic adenocarcinoma of biliary origin". He turned 54 in December and I am 50...so close to our "Golden Years" together with plans of traveling - finally - after raising 6 children. I cannot lose him!! Just ordered the Gerson Therapy program of dvd's and our new Health Master has just arrived. I will be watching the dvd's and buying organic fruit and vegetables to make into fresh juices that he must drink all day. Has anyone else tried this? Results? He has been pain free, still active and eats a lot to keep his weight on even when he says the food tastes like metal he still eats...he is a fighter and so am I. </p>
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									<div class="author">justne</div>
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			<div class="date">February 11, 2010 - 5:32pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-784643" class="active">Your husband</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I see that you and some others have written about the Dr's not doing surgery. Why are they not doing surgery? When they found my mom's cancer they took her gallbladder out right away even thou it had already spread to her abdominal lining, belly button, lymph nodes and had brushed the liver. AS I'm sure many people have told you already keep get 2nd and 3rd opinions if needed. My prayers are with your family.</p>
<p>Terri</p>
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									<div class="author">Tracy R.</div>
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			<div class="date">February 11, 2010 - 8:02pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-784720" class="active">No Surgery</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>The reason we were given was that the cancer had spread too much and that he has 12 months to live. When we heard after first round of treatment that the cat scan showed some recession and small amount of tumor shrinkage, the first thing my husband asked was if he could have the gallbladder removed. The oncologist stated that the chance of infection was a higher risk than not removing the gallbladder and that even if he took that chance that the prognosis would still be the same (12 months). We did have one other opinion before he started chemo and they said the same prognosis so we stayed with the closer oncologist. We contacted Mayo Clinic when we received the news on the cat scan and the present oncologist did not want to remove the gallbladder. Mayo Clinic asked for my husband's treatment regimen and told me that our oncologist was working outside of the box and they would not be able to the same aggressive treatment approach and that we should stay with her protocol at this time because, if it isn't broke - don't fix it - in other words since the treatment had shown some recession stay with the same. I asked about having my husband come in to see if they may consider removing the gallbladder at Mayo Clinic and they suggested going with the same treatment and waiting for the next cat scan in April first. I get so frustrated and scared because they act like a couple more months is no big thing...but to us it is! And we may not even be in this bad of a situation had the doctor's done a better job at finding what was wrong to begin with. My husband's first doctor appt. was in June of 09 with stomach pain. Many, many tests and being sent to the next "specialist", to find gallbladder cancer stage IV the end of October. He had a cat scan (upper and lower) that showed seeding in the right ascending, thickened wall in gallbladder and appendix that was enlarged - they scheduled him for colonoscopy and told us probably 70% chance it is colon cancer. When that was negative, checked for prostate cancer, urine track, so many tests that were always scheduled 2 weeks or more apart. One specialist told him that everything pointed to diverticulitis and gave a prescription for antibiotic and to take for one month and come back! We wasted an entire month going on that specialists say. So when they say to wait now, I panic and do not trust anyone's advice, so came on here to have someone tell me what to do next.    Terri - THANK YOU for your prayers!! There is strength in prayers...<br />
did your mother have stage IV also? was she given an original prognosis that she beat? hope that she is doing well at this time!</p>
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									<div class="author">justne</div>
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			<div class="date">February 12, 2010 - 9:47pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-785278" class="active">Tracy</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>All I can say is if you are not happy with your Dr. take your husband someplace else. Keep going til you are satisfied with what they have offered you in the way of treatment. I can fully relate with the wait and see that so many Dr.'s seem to say. It's fustrating on our end to not see our love ones getting seen more often. I will also say that I can understand their fear of infection. Sadly my mom passed away in Nov. and We feel alot of it had to do with an infection. She had a port put in for Chemo and it became infected. The Dr. and the infectious disease Dr.'s did not agree on this and my mom was sent home 1 week later with what we believe was an infected port. she was back in 1 week later and never left the hospital again until she passed away with many complications. I truly do not feel it was the cancer that got her I feel it was the infection that made things worse. So As I said keep going with your gut feeling. If you are not happy keep seeking out the best care for your husband. My mom was stage IV and was never given a prognosis.</p>
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									<div class="author">Tracy R.</div>
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			<div class="date">February 12, 2010 - 10:14pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-785290" class="active">Thank You</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Thank you so much for your reply, it gives me the strength to go on. I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. It breaks my heart sitting here typing away and not knowing who is on the other end and what they have gone through themselves. Very, very sorry. Peace Be With You and Your Family. Thank you for remaining to come online and help others, I am sure that your mother is smiling down at you as you type away.</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 16, 2010 - 3:09pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-786850" class="active">Your Husband</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Tracy,</p>
<p>So sorry to hear about your husband,  This is one of the most difficult times in your life.  Don't always believe what the doctor's tell you, trust yourself and get second and third opinions if necessary. I was given the prognosis of 2 weeks, 2 months, and if I was lucky 2 years that was in Dec 2005.  That was 4 years ago and I never believed in my heart that I wouldn't be around to see my child grow up and have her own children.  Sounds like he is receiving aggressive treatment for an aggressive cancer.  I too had a agressive treatment.  The fact that the turmor is shrinking means that the chemo is working.  It does become a waiting game just to finally get a surgeon who will take a chance.  I went out of state three times before they decided that I was a good enough candiate for a sucessfully surgery.  My husband and I wouldn't take no for an answer even though every trip was heartbreaking.  It took 11 months of Chemo before I could have the surgery.  Then an additional three months of Chemo after the surgery.  But it all was worth it to have my life given back to me even though it is a different life than the one I had.  It is better.  The Health Master is a great product.  Fruits,vegtables, lean meats and fish are the way to go.  The metal taste is from the Chemo and won't go away as long as you are receiving Chemo.  I'm glad he and you are fighters because that is what you need to be to beat this monster.  I love to hear that you have an oncologist that is working outside the box.  You need to have a doctor right along side of you that once they know that you are willing to go to the edge, they will be right there with you. This disease will teach you patience and perserverence.  Everyday becomes a blessing.<br />
You and your husband are in my prayers.<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">Tracy R.</div>
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			<div class="date">February 17, 2010 - 1:20am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-787229" class="active">God Bless YOU!</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily50, thank you so very much for taking the time to write such a detailed reply. I hadn't told my husband that I was looking at discussion boards when I couldn't sleep, not knowing where to turn, but had to read him your post. He was very positive afterward and told me to go ahead and start mixing those darn organic veggies and fruits! He had been being a stinker about that...not much for trying new things. Wanted to stick to his hamburger and steaks too but have pretty much weaned him off that except for his spaghetti and garlic toast dinner that he has to have. We don't know where we're heading but as I stated before, we are fighters. With the not knowing, it is heart warming to read a reply like yours, to let us know that we are doing the best we can and to give us hope. My husband is in his 2nd round and another CT scan will be done in April - so if we hear more recession/tumor shrinkage - we will push and get other opinions on the gallbladder being removed as you did. After reading your reply for the umpteenth time, I know why you are a cancer survivor - to help others is so very apparent - as you have such a way with words and are so detailed that it makes one feel special. Thank you for your prayers - means so very much to us!! If you would like, visit our website and email using our contact page, if you don't mind me emailing you. Our website is: http://www.eaglecrestk9resort.com   We own our own business so get to work together every day and play with dogs which is very therapeutic, especially for me as Mike sleeps a lot more than he used to, needs that daily nap or two. God Bless You Lily50</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 17, 2010 - 2:53pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-787484" class="active">Your Husband</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Tracy,</p>
<p>I know that when I was the patient my mind and body were in a continual fog.  After the first month of reading all the depressing news I couldn't take anymore information and just wanted to get through it.  It has been quite a life experience that I never wanted anyone else to have to go through.  Now I feel if I can help in any way, answer questions or just be there to support others that it is also part of my healing process.  Sometimes I feel that the caregiver has more stress than the patient as they are watching the one they love deal with this awful disease.<br />
Your husband will find that the farther he gets into treatment that it will be easier to drink those fruits and vegtables instead of trying to force down whole foods.  Red meat isn't really a good idea as it is hard to digest.  He is a man after my own heart, I could eat pasta and garlic toast everday.  My doctor told me to just eat whatever I wanted as long as a ate.  During the course of my treatment I lost 35 lbs.<br />
Hope and Faith are two very important things.  Being able to fight and go the distance is very important.  Some days you won't feel like fighting but each new day will bring new energies to you both.  He sounds like he is almost on the same course that I was.  I got CT scans every three months, up until now.  I only have to have them every 6 months.  I'm a frequent scanner at my radiology department.  I actually had a Liver Transplant Surgeon at UCLA do my surgery.  He pioneered the procedure for the type of surgery I had.  They removed my gallbladder, part of my liver, part of my stomach, lymph nodes and more.<br />
My dogs helped me through the tough times also.  My red golden retriever never left my side.  A year after my surgery my dog got cancer and didn't survive.<br />
You are so lucky that you can spend time together whenever he feels good.  That is so important.  I slept alot too.  The pain medication that I was on contributed to being so tired.<br />
Well off to your website.<br />
Take Care and you both are in my prayers.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">Tracy R.</div>
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			<div class="date">February 24, 2010 - 4:52pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-791877" class="active">You Are Special</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily, I sent an email and just came back onto this site...weird, but the thing that sticks out is the loss of your dog. What was his/her name? I was so sorry to hear that after all you had been through that you lost your devoted companion.<br />
  Yes, Hope &amp; Faith - very, very important. When we first heard the news, after hearing the words -"not operable", "no cure", "a year at best" - I was so lost and scared. I was standing outside with a dog in a play yard and started praying,asking the Lord to help my husband and myself, to be strong for Mike. It was an overcast cloudy gray day - as all winter days are here in Minnesota, but a few minutes into my prayer and the clouds broke and the sun felt warm on my face. I thanked the Lord at that moment - because I felt peace for the first time. It was like he was letting me know that no matter what everything would be okay - that he was there. I still get emotional and feel lost at times but think of that moment and the feeling that filled me. The sun was not warm just on my face - the warmth actually filled my body. It was the strangest feeling and I had never had that before.<br />
  God is with us - we don't always remember that - but God is with you Lily and helped send you to us.  </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 25, 2010 - 8:25pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-792644" class="active">All of us are special in our own ways</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Tracy,<br />
I went to Mike's website yesterday because I was thinking of you both.  I can tell your family and friends are very supportive and with the help of God,family and friends you both will weather this storm. We are never given more than we can handle, but sometimes we are not aware of how strong we really are.<br />
My dog's name was Dreamstarz, she was my constant companion and was the most gentle dog I had ever had.  We had no idea how sick she was, but how she felt never changed the fact that she was always by my side, if she wasn't trying to get as close to me as she could. I miss her but I do have other dogs that have risen to the occassion once she was gone.<br />
The feelings of being lost and scared are common when you are in crisis.  If you didn't love the person that is going through this with all your heart, it wouldn't bother you, but it does.<br />
The Lord can touch you when you need him the most.  It is important to ask for help when you feel that you can no longer be strong.  The sense of peace that he can give is one of the most powerful gifts that you can be given.<br />
I have listed the name of my Oncologist under Oncologist with experience treating gallbladder cancer, maybe you could share the information with Mike's oncologist.  Sometimes the oncologists do share information and sometimes not.  I feel that it can't hurt to ask and if it could be helpful why not.  Give it a shot if you would like. My doctor is the greatest and I have had others do that with some success.<br />
Rest is the best thing for Mike after Chemo as it takes a toll on your body and mind. Enjoy the days you can and work within the limitations of other days that maybe not so good.  The bad days will get better.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">knj0198006</div>
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			<div class="date">March 2, 2010 - 9:13pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-795356" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer Survivor</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Okay Lily...I see you are doing the job that all gallbladders cancer survivors should be doing!!! Letting everyone know that we exist.  I am a gallbladder cancer survivor and I have shared my story on here in the past.  I celebrated 4 years cancer free on Feb 22 this year.  I have a friend that I met through my doctor that was in Stage IV Gallbladder Cancer several years ago...the cancer has spread to the liver and intestines...her scans just came back clean!!!!</p>
<p>I also have a friend in Stage IV Breast Cancer...the tumors have melted b/c they did not remove the breast...the bone in the leg that the cancer had metastasized to has healed.  There is evidence of the cancer in the bone in the back being in the process of healing!!!</p>
<p>I appreciate you being so faithful in responding to individuals w/your story!!!</p>
<p>Take care...keep communicating and letting everyone know there are Gallbladder Cancer Survivors!!!! There is hope and there is healing!!!!</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">March 3, 2010 - 11:46pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-795958" class="active">Gallbladder Cancer Survivor Two</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Yes we do exist, even if we are few in numbers.  It is very important for us to share with others as it can be quite a healing process, for all of us.  I know that when you are in the midst of fighting this battle that it is all you can do just to get through it.  The battle can be won but the war rages on.  It is the most life changing thing that has ever happened to me.  </p>
<p>Knudos to you on 4 years of cancer freedom.  I had my last treatment in March of 2007 so I count from that point not my original diagnosis in 2005, three years for me cancer free.  Clean scans are a blessing.</p>
<p>My sister is in the last week of her radiation for breast cancer and we are truly blessed as a family to have weathered these constant storms but as a family we are even closer now.</p>
<p>Family, Faith &amp; Hope are what will get you through.</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 16, 2010 - 3:21pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-786860" class="active">Your Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Your Mom is in a better place and no longer in pain.  I'm sorry for your loss but God's hand reached down and pulled her up to be with him.  I'm so glad that you are supportive to others on this board and working through your grief.  It takes a very strong individual to do something like this.  I agree with Tracy, your mother is smiling down on you and is very proud of you.  I agree with you about the infection.  My sister too had an infection along with an allergic reaction to her port.  The doctor's don't tell you about this because it doesn't happen often.  My sister made the doctor's remove the port as she knew her own body and once it was taken out the infection went away with antibotics. She completed her Chemo directly into her veins.  She was lucky and I feel that you have to be your own advocate for your treatment.  You are giving excellent advice to others so I hope you will continue to do so.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">FriendoftheFamily</div>
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			<div class="date">February 24, 2010 - 6:33pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-791937" class="active">Treatment Option</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello to all of you,</p>
<p>My wife was also diagnosed with stage 4 gall bladder cancer. It has spread in to her liver and possibly into her colon. It is also in the lyph node outside of the gall bladder. We got second and third opinions and was given a very grim prognosis and is not operable at this time.We are not ready to accept this ! She is only 47. Through this experience I have been learning every possible thing that I can do to help her. I have been keeping a journal every day of her treatment and also of her symtoms. What I have learned is that diet is a big part of keeping her pain low. I have put her on a special diet of every food that fights cancer. STAY AWAY FROM FATTY FOODS! Foods that are high in fat will cause pain. Fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, yogurt, and fiber are all good. Be careful with foods that cause gas. Prevacid and Gas X help to keep the pressure down. The gas pain seems to be her biggest complaint. She is recieving chemo that consists of GEMOX and Cisplatin. She is also taking another drug that is a protocol. If we find it to be something that works, I will share the data with the world. She has only had two sessions of chemo. Her chemo regiment is once per week for two weeks and then one week off. We will be monitoring the tumor marker in her blood work to see if it is showing signs of progress. After two months, she will have another PET scan done to see if the tumor has shrunk. Our hopes are to shrink the tumor down to get her to a point to where she is operable. She will then have the gallbladder removed along with part of her liver, the lymph node and possibly a partial colonoscopy. If any of you would like any further information, please feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to share.</p>
<p>Let's all be friends for the cure!</p>
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									<div class="author">mttallo</div>
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			<div class="date">February 25, 2010 - 7:30am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-792204" class="active">Starting chemo today</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I was diagnosed in the beginning of December with inoperable gallbladder cancer that has metastasized to my liver and bile ducts and was given "2-3 good months to live and 6-9 months total" even though I had no symptoms.  At that point, I told the Dr I had to make it at least two more years to see my son graduate from college.  I am still asymptomatic and will be starting chemo with Gemzar and Xeloda today with the hope of shrinking the tumors enough to become operable or at least extending my life to see him graduate.</p>
<p>Since I am 61 and can't afford to stop working since I am the soul support for my son and I, of course I am nervous about starting the chemo and it has been very helpful to read your posts of chemo helping.</p>
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									<div class="author">FriendoftheFamily</div>
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			<div class="date">February 25, 2010 - 12:57pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-792357" class="active">Do Not Give Up!</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>From what I have experienced so far, the doctors all seem to give worst case scenario. I think that they do this so that they don't get your hopes up. Have you had a 2nd opinion? 2 years in not enough to ask for. You are still young and you still have more life to live. Do not give up! Be positive. Change your diet. Do you have a good support group? Through my experience with dealing with my wife's cancer, I have decided that I would like to become an advocate for others also. Please feel free to contact me and I will share all that I have learned with you.<br />
familyfriendadvocate@yahoo.com </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 25, 2010 - 9:04pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-792676" class="active">Today</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hope all went well today.  I think that the first day of chemo can be one of the hardest days of your entire life.  It is so stressful as there are so many unknowns at this time.  The doctors will give you information based on statistics that can be old and outdated.  </p>
<p>You sound like a fighter and this will be the most important fight of your life.  I'm glad to hear that you have a goal to see your son graduate from college.  I too had a goal of seeing my daughter graduate from high school and sending her away from home to college.  I was not going to let any disease or doctor come between me and that goal.  I'm now looking forward to her graduating from college in the next year and a half. </p>
<p>It will be hard to continue to work through this.  This disease will take all of your energies to beat it, but I give you alot of credit for trying to do both.</p>
<p>I didn't work, but luckily I had STD and LTD benefit coverage and then was able to go on Social Security.  Is that a possible option for you?  I was 49 years old and on Social Security.  Who knew that it was even possible </p>
<p>Take Care, your in my prayers.</p>
<p>Lily</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 25, 2010 - 8:42pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-792655" class="active">Friends</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello,</p>
<p>I'm sorry to hear about your wife.  The grim prognosis that it is not operable at this time doesn't say Never, Just not right now.  My oncologist told me that the Chemotherpy is the Science and the Surgery is the Art. It is important to remember that if you have success in shrinking the turmor with Chemo that surgery can become a viable option for you down the road.  Hope and Faith will keep you going.  I was 47 when I was diagnosed and I can proudly say that I will be turning 51 this year.  I'm a firm believer in writing things down as things happen so quickly that you can have days when you don't even remember what happened the day before.  Your information that you are sharing is very helpful.  This is a disease that seems to be coming to the forefront and any information that we can give each other that can help is well worth the time spent sharing this information.  We need to be our own advocates for this disease.  </p>
<p>Thanks for sharing!<br />
Count me as one of the friends!<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">dlialios</div>
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			<div class="date">March 4, 2010 - 2:24pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-796206" class="active">Mother in law just diagnosed -Lily50 please contact me</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi-<br />
I am new to discussion boards and am hoping that Lily50 or another survivor will see this and reply back letting me know how to contact them.  My mother in law was just diagnosed with gall bladder cancer that has apparently spread to her stomach and kidney.  We are not sure what to do next, since the doctor in the hospital seemed to say there is no game plan.  We don't want to take that advice right off the bat without looking into some things.  Lily50 thanks so much for taking the time to post your experience, and thanks to all other folks posting on this board.  You mentioned that you listed your oncologists name in Nevada somewhere but I am inexperienced with these boards and don't know where to look for that information.  We are in Arizona and would definitely contact him if you can tell me where to find his name.  Thanks</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">March 4, 2010 - 6:25pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-796322" class="active">Your Mother in Law</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Good afternoon,</p>
<p>So sorry to hear about your Mother-In-Law.  If you would like to just post on this board that is fine.  If not you can use the CSN-Email system.  Or if you would prefer just send me an E-Mail at LGregg6293@Aol.Com.  That goes for anyone else who would like to talk.<br />
It has been my experience that the doctors in the hospitals like to hand you off to others, instead of getting involved.  They just don't have the time, which is understandable.  </p>
<p>Here is the information regarding my Oncologist:<br />
Russell P Gollard<br />
Cancer &amp; Blood Specialists of Nevada<br />
58 N. Pecos Rd.<br />
Henderson, Nevada 89074<br />
702-822-2000</p>
<p>Where in Arizona are you located?  There are some good facilities in both Phoenix and Tucson.<br />
I grew up in Tucson and my daughter was born in Scottsdale.  My sister is undergoing treatment in Tucson right now and she has good doctors there.  </p>
<p>Hope this helps you and ask me any questions you want.</p>
<p>Take Care.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">dlialios</div>
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			<div class="date">March 5, 2010 - 3:25pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-796794" class="active">Thank you so much :)</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily, you have no idea what a blessing it is to have someone out there who has been through this and is willing to take the time to correspond with others about this.  Thank you so much for responding and for your Dr.'s information.  What a strange coincidence that you grew up in Tucson, since that is where we live, as well as my mother in law.  Actually, it is probably not a coincidence, perhaps it's a sign that we were meant to find you.  I am sorry to hear that your sister is undergoing treatment (for cancer, I am assuming?).  We will keep her in our thoughts and prayers, and I bet you are a huge support and inspiration to her as you are to those of us on these boards.  I had checked through all of your posts and found your email address yesterday, and passed it on to my sister in law Stacey. I believe she emailed you directly, I apologize for the bother... we were just getting really anxious and weren't sure how long it take to hear back from people on these things.<br />
I will keep you posted.  Thanks again-<br />
Deanne</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">March 5, 2010 - 5:13pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-796827" class="active">Your Welcome</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Good afternoon Deanne,</p>
<p>Thanks isn't necessary, I know that in the beginning for me it was very difficult to try and find information out there.  I love to be able to help if I can.  </p>
<p>It really is a small world and my sister is battling breast cancer and she is doing well.  </p>
<p>I responded to Stacey's Email this morning and I can tell that you all are willing to go the distance.<br />
Be Patient keep your Faith and never let go of your HOPE.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">katsie</div>
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			<div class="date">March 11, 2010 - 5:05pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-799629" class="active">MY BATTLE WITH STAGE IV GALLBLADDER CANCER</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Lily</p>
<p>I have been following this feed for a while now and would like to post on this site.</p>
<p>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".  </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Hope to talk with others with this disease.</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">March 11, 2010 - 10:39pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-799770" class="active">Your Battle</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Katsie,</p>
<p>Your battle is everyone's battle who is dealing with this terrible disease.</p>
<p>I'm so sorry that your cancer has returned.  Sometimes when you hear those words you just don't know what to do.  With everday that goes by you try not to think about it returning but in the back of your mind it is a dark cloud that just hovers.  </p>
<p>You have won the battle once before, but the war rages on.  </p>
<p>I'm a concerned that your scans had been mis-read.  Hopefully you changed facilities and now can have confidence in the radiologist that is interperting the scans.  I feel fortunate that I have seen the same tech's and doctors regarding my scans.  When I went to UCLA for my surgery they repeated all scans since they said my previous scans were unreadable.  I think it has to do with which surgeons work with which facilities, because my doctors in Nevada felt that my local scans were fine, but in order for me to have surgery I had to repeat them.  </p>
<p>Worst case is always what they present and I can tell that you don't believe what they are saying.  Good for you!  I really think that the doctor's just play it safe cause they really don't know what might happen.<br />
This is like a game of craps - throw the dice, see what happens, what do you have to lose?  There isn't really a choice. </p>
<p>Have hope, faith and family support and don't give up. You have a right to see your grandchildren grow up and be able to enjoy them.</p>
<p>My brother-in-law has had the "Chemo Bath" treatment for his bladder cancer and he is still with us.  He was given a "Short Time" frame also and just keeps battling on.  He has struggled for 10 years on again, off again but he says only God can tell him when to go, not doctors.</p>
<p>They are coming up with more and more treatments so we have to have hope.  </p>
<p>I'm glad you are healthy and stubborn and I know that you can go thru round two.</p>
<p>Let us know how it is going and keep us informed.  If we don't share with each other we can't help each other.</p>
<p>Take Care, you are in my prayers.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">June 9, 2010 - 4:28pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-843169" class="active">my battle</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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!</p>
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									<div class="author">Lin2Kimi</div>
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			<div class="date">March 9, 2010 - 9:53am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-798578" class="active">Gall Bladder Cancer Stage 4</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I too have just been diagnosed with gall bladder cancer stage 4. I am only 56 years old. My husband and I are at the end of our rope with trying to figure out if we are following the right course of treatment. Last week I started chemo of cysplatin and gemox. The cancer has spread to part of my liver and gastrointestinal track and lymph nodes. We went to Standford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA and were told it is inoperable. Please stay in touch with us as we are in the very same situation and treatment regime. We too pray that my tumor shrinks down to where it is operable and that is our prayer for your wife as well. Who is your Dr? All our blessings to you and you beloved wife.</p>
<p>Your friends....let's fight!</p>
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									<div class="author">OregonKeith</div>
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			<div class="date">April 2, 2010 - 12:26am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-809697" class="active">GBC IV</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi all,</p>
<p>My wife was diagnosed with GBC on Feb. 19th and like everyone else was given only weeks to live. She is 44 yrs old and determined to fight this disease. The cancer is around the gall bladder and also in the lymph nodes. The pet scans do not show the disease anywhere else. For now it is considered inoperable. Our doctor, Dr. Orloff of OHSU, said she would resect the tumor if the cancer responds to chemo. Her CA19-9 was normal, though the doctor said that mean the cancer cannot be track with a blood test. The team of doctors at OHSU said the pathology of my wife's cancer cells are unlike any they have seen before. Not sure if others have had a similar diagnosis for the pathology but would be interested to know if you did.  We are due to start the first chemo treatment on Sunday. However, this week she needed a stent to open the bile duct closed by swollen lymph nodes which caused her to become jaundice. The stent procedure(ERCP) went successful, but after the procedure she has been very tired and only able eat very little food. I am worried she will not regain her appetite, especially after chemo begins. We are also worried about the side effects of the chemo (Gemcitbine and Cisplatin) and if they will affect her. She is also in considerable pain in her back right shoulder blade area. We are using advil and oxcycodone to manage the pain, but at times it seems nothing works. Are there more effective meds others have used to control the pain? I also truly appreciate everyone, especially the survivors for posting to this site as it gives my wife hope that this disease can be beat. I wish everyone the best in fighting this disease and welcome anyone to email me or post to this site if they want more details on how we are treating this disease. I don't have any answers beyond what is posted on this site, but I would be more than glad to explain how we arrived at our treatment protocol. My email is keithg@focussemi.com </p>
<p>Take care and fight!</p>
<p>Keith  </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">April 2, 2010 - 10:47pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-810109" class="active">Your Wife</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Keith,</p>
<p>So sorry to hear about your wife.  This is a terrible disease and the road to recovery is quite a battle.  Your wife is so young, but the good thing is that she is so young.  I was diagnosed at the age of 46 and I will be celebrating my 51st birthday this year.  You can fight this disease but it will teach you patience.  The doctors always give you the worst case sceanario.  The statistics on this disease are outdated.  It sounds like it hasn't spread far and that is a good thing.  For now it is considered inoperatable doesn't mean never, just not right now.  The chemo has to shrink the turmor and that can take time. Others have had the ERCP procedure, with jaundice it is all part of this disease.  Her appetite will change and she will have to learn what works for her.  Small meals are best with fruits and vegtables and lots of water.  Everyone has different side effects from their chemo cocktail.  My cocktail was the same as hers.  It worked for me!  You need to tell her doctor that the pain meds aren't working for her.  They will tell you that Tylenol is what you should take when you are receiving chemo.  Oxcycodone didn't work for me but Vicodin did.  </p>
<p>Good luck on Sunday, it is a day of blessings and you and your wife will be in my prayers.<br />
Hope and Faith will carry you through.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">FlDino</div>
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			<div class="date">April 3, 2010 - 8:21am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-810198" class="active">My wife went to the ER with</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>My wife went to the ER with back pain. Turned out she was also jaundiced which we didn't notice until under the lights of the ER. She also had a blocked bile duct and underwent the ERCP. She came out of that intibated, but only for a day. They told us it was inoperable and they didn't consider chemo or radiation. Then they took her gallbladder out and it was downhill from there. Time from the ER to death was 11 1/2 weeks. Not even the 3 months the oncologist told us.</p>
<p>Your wife still has her GB? The stent will help the jaundice but it will have to be replaced in 3 months or so. Make sure taking the GB out, if they consider it, will actually HELP. I swear it hastened my wife's death. Also being jaunduced is an indicator that it is not good. Loss of appetite, then hardly drinking any water, then tired all the time. From the time I finally got my wife out of the hospital she lasted only 7 1/2 weeks. Have you talked to anybody about Hospice yet? They will control the pain, in my wife's case, with pain patches and oxycodone.</p>
<p>Though some apparently have beaten back GB cancer for a time, most I read about, including my wife who your wife sounds more like, have not. I do wish you all the best wishes and hopes but the reality is not good. Talk to Hospice in your area. They can help make her comfortable and give support for you.</p>
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									<div class="author">ahnamarie</div>
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			<div class="date">May 7, 2010 - 10:52pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-826839" class="active">My Dad has it too</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi.<br />
This is my first posting.<br />
My Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 gbc about 3 months ago.  The Oncologists at Mayo Clinic said that they could treat him with chemo and radiation, but those treatments would not save his life.  They said that he was looking at about 4 months if he does nothing and 8-12 months if he does chemo and radiation.  Dad chose to see a Naturopath and we were hopeful that her many remedies would help, but now 3 months later, a CT scan shows that his tumor is bigger than it was.  He feels that this 3 months was wasted and is planning to start chemo and radiation next week.  He will also see another Naturopath who administers therapies which work to protect the immune system from the chemo as much as possible.   Has anyone else heard of this combo treatment?  Whay type of chemo drugs have been successful?  Any information is appreciated.  I just don't know where to look and I am unable to get any flicker of hope from a Doctor.<br />
Thanks    </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">May 11, 2010 - 10:10am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-828432" class="active">Your Dad</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi</p>
<p>I'm so sorry about your Dad. Doctor's always give you information based on statistics.  Don't belive them.  I too was given a short time frame and I'll say it over and over again.  They were wrong.  Cancer isn't cureable but you can live a happy life thru this disease.  I'm glad to see that he looked at his options and chose a path.  Chemo does shrink turmors as long as it is a correct chemo cocktail.  Chemo is a posion but with turmors that is the course you have to take to get it under control.  Then there is surgery also.  When you put your body thru something such as this course of treatment it will compromise it.  I am a firm believer in East meets West medicine.  Each person is different and the whole mind, body, spirit approach works for some.  My chemo treatment was Gemzar and Cisiplatin.  I endured it for 15 months with surgery in between.  No radiation as my liver was already compromised.  My diagnosis was in 2005 and I am here to still talk about it 5 years later.  Keep your Hope and Faith.  It will carry you thru.<br />
Your Dad will be in my prayers.  Take Care.</p>
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									<div class="author">wa123</div>
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			<div class="date">June 1, 2010 - 9:42am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-838432" class="active">Gall Bladder Stage 4</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello</p>
<p>My mother in law was diagnosed with Stage 4 gall bladder surgery after removal 2 months ago.  She was given six months to live. She is undergoing 7 treatments of radiation. She is undergoing her fourth today.  </p>
<p>She is trying to remain positive and would love to speak to any survivors of this particular cancer. It had spread to her liver and blood.</p>
<p>Do you have any advice?</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">June 4, 2010 - 6:36pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-840744" class="active">Your Mother-In-Law</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Good afternoon,</p>
<p>I'm so sorry that this terrible disease has touched your lives.  Try to stay positive and never lose your hope.  Don't believe the statistics, they are outdated.  I too was given a short-time frame and five years later I am still here.  </p>
<p>I have been told that radiation sometimes is harder and sometimes easier than chemo.  You didn't say if she was also going to undergo chemo treatments also?  My cancer had spread to my liver also therefore I had no radiation, but it wasn't in my blood.  There are many good doctor's out there you just need to find the right one.  If you let us know what part of the country you are located in I'm sure you could receive some good advice from others all across the US who are currently receiving treatment or have completed treatment.  Let us know we are here to help if we can.  </p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">tnacnud1</div>
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			<div class="date">June 1, 2010 - 6:21pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-838670" class="active">Hi. I&#039;m so happy to read</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi. I'm so happy to read about your story. My Dad of 49 yrs old was just diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in march during a regular gallbladder removal. He had a tumor in his gallbladder which protruded through the 1st layer of the membrane wall. He then had another surgery to remove part of the liver and lymph nodes around the area. He is currently going through a 4 week radiation and has chemo everyday.. He looks alright, but you ccan see in his eyes that he is tired. Is there any information you can share with me so I can help my Dad fight this? I'm in the military and need to know where we stand so I can decide what to do.. Thank you so much and God Bless. </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">June 4, 2010 - 6:52pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-840752" class="active">Your Dad</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm so sorry to hear about your dad.  He is young to have such a diagnosis.  Your father's story is similar to others.  More and more people are being diagnosed with gallbladder cancer after routine gallbladder removal.  Did they say what stage it was?  It sounds that he was lucky to have good surgeons that acted quickly with a second surgery.  Radiation and chemo at the same time sounds very aggressive.  He must be a very strong man to handle such intensity every day.  This disease is very tiring and can wipe you out physically and emotionally.  It is very important to stay hydrated.  You need to flush these toxins out of your body as quickly as possible.  It will help you feel better.  Hopefully your Dad has a good support system with family and friends as this is very important.  Let us know what area of the country he is in so that anyone who is in the area might be able to help.  Posters on this forum, are throughtout the entire US, Canada and International too.  Just ask whatever you feel you need to know and I'm sure someone will respond or contact you with E-Mail addresses so you can chat directly.</p>
<p>Thank you for your service in the miltary!  Your Dad is very proud of you!<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">June 6, 2010 - 11:33am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-841432" class="active">Gallbladder/Liver Cancer Stage IV</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi:  This is the first time I've posted on this website. Greetings from Ontario, CAnada.  I have just been diagnosed with Stage IV gallbladder/liver cancer following routine laparoscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder (seems to happening a lot according to this website!).  The surgeon observed a "mass", and removed it plus a lot of surrounding unaffected tissue.  Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately as you'll see ) the surgery went wrong - my bile duct was nicked and the sutures on the liver came undone.  It was a day surgery, I was sent home, but had to return the next morning, luckily as it turned out as I was bleeding profusely internally and had to have 6 transfusions.  Anyways, I had a 2nd surgery whereby the surgeon cleaned things up and removed some small nodules (malignant). I was in critical care for 9 days.  I didn't find out about the cancer until one month later when I met with the 2nd surgeon.  I can't start treatment until the incision heals completely and the oncologist is uncertain at this time what the treatment will be - aggressive chemo possibly to get the "seeds".  I meet again with the oncologist June 21 after he has assessed CT scans I am having done June 11.  I have not yet had a PET scan.<br />
So, things appear, to me, to be moving very slowly.  I want to get things started so I know where I stand.  But the oncologist says I am "young" (66), healthy, and have a very positive attitude.  I know one thing - I am going to start eating very healthful foods from now on, avoid coffee, sugar (that will be very hard!), processed foods, for example.  I am taking all sorts of vitamins and minerals (Vit E, selenium, turmeric, cinnamon, Korean ginseng, Vit D) that I've heard can help.  I can't drink milk luckily which creates mucous that cancer cells apparently thrive in.  Deep breathing to get more oxygen into my body will start once the incision has healed.  And I have wonderful supportive friends.<br />
What are other people doing?</p>
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			<div class="date">June 8, 2010 - 7:42pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-842769" class="active">N/A</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>This comment has been removed by the Moderator</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">June 9, 2010 - 12:44pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-843058" class="active">Gallbladder/Liver Cancer Stage IV</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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!).<br />
So, how was your husband diagnosed? through symptoms or during surgery?<br />
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.<br />
Please keep in touch.<br />
Cheryl</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">June 10, 2010 - 11:54am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-843608" class="active">Cheryl &amp; Jan</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Welcome to this forum!  I'm sorry that you are both dealing with this disease but I'm glad you found each other.<br />
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.<br />
We are here to help in any way we can.  Just ask and someone will respond.<br />
Don't lose your Hope or Faith.  It is what keeps most of us going.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily    </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">June 10, 2010 - 9:34pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-843938" class="active">Cheryl and Jan</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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!<br />
Cheryl</p>
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									<div class="author">sharon65</div>
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			<div class="date">June 28, 2010 - 4:18pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-854986" class="active">My daughter has stage 4 gallbladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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.<br />
Sharon</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">June 28, 2010 - 4:55pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-855019" class="active">Your Daughter</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Welcome to our little community Sharon!</p>
<p>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 &amp; 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.</p>
<p>Take Care. I'm praying for you.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">sharon65</div>
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			<div class="date">July 10, 2010 - 12:33pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861507" class="active">Hi Lily,
I&#039;m in Indiana, but</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Lily,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Sharon</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 12, 2010 - 7:29pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-862883" class="active">Sharon&#039;s daughter</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Sharon,</p>
<p>Since you are in Indiana and she is in Florida does she have someone with her to support her?  There are some good facilities in Florida. I know as a mother myself I would want to be near my daughter if she was going through something like this.  But sometimes it isn't possible and as long as you know that someone is looking out for her best interests then you have to put your faith in her, that other person and God.  If she has lived in Florida for awhile and has had other health issues then she probably has some very good doctor's looking out for her.  Chemo is never easy and some days will be better than others.  It had to have been hard letting the rest of the family know.  You are a strong women and you sound like you have a very loving and close family.  I agree with Cheryl on the note about fruits, vegetables, and supplements. Smoothies also become a way of life for most of us.</p>
<p>You, your daughter and family are in my prayers.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily  </p>
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			<div class="date">June 28, 2010 - 8:36pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-855179" class="active">Daughter with Stage 4 Gallbladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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.<br />
Cheryl</p>
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			<div class="date">July 10, 2010 - 1:45pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861560" class="active">Hi Cheryl,
My daughter has</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Cheryl,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Sharon</p>
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			<div class="date">July 10, 2010 - 3:56pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861637" class="active">Daughter with gallbladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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.<br />
Keep us posted on your daughter's progress.<br />
Any one else out there into supplements like these?<br />
Cheryl</p>
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			<div class="date">July 6, 2010 - 3:30pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-858957" class="active">for Sharon</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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!<br />
Maudsie</p>
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			<div class="date">July 10, 2010 - 2:02pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861572" class="active">Hi Maudsie</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I'll keep you in my prayers, along with the others here who are fighting this awful disease. My daughter is tolerating her treatments well so far and I'm just amazed at her attitude. It's too early to determine if the treatments are helping, but she is definitely fighting. I appreciate all the support and info everyone posts up here.</p>
<p>Sharon </p>
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									<div class="author">Helenab</div>
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			<div class="date">July 8, 2010 - 4:53am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-860032" class="active">My mom has GBC, stage 4</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Maria</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">July 8, 2010 - 10:11am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-860200" class="active">Your Mom Diagnosed With Gallbladder Cancer Stage IV</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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.<br />
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.<br />
Cheryl</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 8, 2010 - 8:15pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-860540" class="active">Your Mom -  Helena</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Maria,</p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>She can fight this disease!</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">Helenab</div>
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			<div class="date">July 10, 2010 - 2:57pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861600" class="active">Dear Lily</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Dear Lily,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>All the best for you,</p>
<p>Maria</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 12, 2010 - 7:14pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-862861" class="active">Maria&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Maria,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">Helenab</div>
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			<div class="date">July 10, 2010 - 2:49pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861595" class="active">Dear Cheryl</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Dear Cheryl,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Lots of thanks and all the best for you,</p>
<p>Maria</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">July 10, 2010 - 3:30pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-861617" class="active">Stage IV Gallbladder Cancer and Your Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>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.<br />
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.<br />
Anyways, fight the good fight for your mom.<br />
Cheryl</p>
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									<div class="author">teresa_g</div>
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			<div class="date">July 20, 2010 - 8:53pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-867721" class="active">Dad Diagnosed with Stage 4 Gallbladder Cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Everyone,<br />
My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 gallbladder cancer in March 2010 after having his gallbladder removed.  CT Scans and a biopsy confirmed that the cancer metastasized to his liver.  Since he had several tumors in different regions of his liver, surgery would not be an option (at least not yet).  After he healed from his surgery, his oncologist (at the university of chicago) put him on Gemcitabine and Cysplatin.  After 6 cycles of chemo, the follow-up CT scan showed minor tumor shrinkage!  We were so happy and grateful for the positive news.  The plan is to continue the chemo and do another check after 6 cycles.  We are praying that the tumors will continue to shrink to the point where he may be a candidate for surgery someday.  I have read and been told that this cancer is tough to treat and after time some patients will stop responding to treatments all together.  </p>
<p>Does anyone have any success stories on other treatments for metastatic liver tumors?  I am specifically interested in hearing about:<br />
-radiofrequency ablation<br />
-chemoembolization<br />
-selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT)</p>
<p>I have asked my Dad's oncologist about each of these, but he didn't seem to be a fan of them and didn't think my dad would benefit from them.  We'd be willing to take my dad to a different Dr if these treatments do in fact work.</p>
<p>Thanks to the GBC survivors who have posted on this forum.  Your stories and courage are truly inspiring and SO very helpful for those of us caring for someone with GBC.  I lost my mother to non-hodgkins lymphoma so I am putting up a fight to keep my dad around as long as possible.</p>
<p>Thanks<br />
Teresa</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">July 22, 2010 - 10:52pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-869085" class="active">Teresa&#039;s Dad</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Teresa,</p>
<p>Welcome to our little forum.  Your Dad's story sounds so familiar to all of us here.  Dignosed with gallbladder cancer after removal of his gallbladder.  Mets to the liver therefore no surgery yet.  Sounds like he is doing well with his treatment and it is working on shrinking his tumor.  Gemzar and Cysplatin cocktail seems to be the chemo cocktail of choice lately.  It is the cocktail that I had and I am a survivor.  This is a very difficult cancer to treat because the statistics are old and outdated.  It is becoming more and more recognized almost up there with pancreatic cancer.  Once my treatment plan was completed and my oncologist stated we needed to have surgery to get the turmors out then additional chemo after surgery I was ready for it.  It took 10 months from diagnosis to surgery when I was originally told twice that there was nothing the surgeon could do for me.  I wasn't willing to accept that and I did my best to do everything in my power to get rid of the cancer that was invading my body.  </p>
<p>Have you checked the Liver Cancer forum board for your questions.  There is alot of information there regarding alternative treatments.</p>
<p>How old is your Dad?  He is a lucky man to have a daughter that loves and cares about him enough to want him to be with her always.</p>
<p>Take Care and let us know how he is progressing.<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">kamichailo</div>
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			<div class="date">August 30, 2010 - 3:29pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-892032" class="active">Stage IV that has moved to the stomach not the liver</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Does anyone have a story where the cancer has moved into the stomach.  We were told      inoperable and incurable.</p>
<p>Thanks for any ray of hope.</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">September 4, 2010 - 2:20pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-895290" class="active">Stage IV moved to the stomach not the liver</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Good Morning,</p>
<p>Welcome to this forum.  How long ago was the diagnosis?  Have you already gotten a second opinion?  In most cases of stage IV gallbladder cancer the stomach is almost always involved.  That it isn't in the liver might be a blessing.<br />
I too was told that my cancer was inoperable and incurable, but I have survived (2005) and there are others out there with similiar stories to mine.  Chemo and radiation can change the dynamics of the present situation.  Doctor's are allowed to change their minds from the initial diagnosis.  You have to have Hope and Faith to get you through this.  Maudsie just posted today that she is now cancer free for two years.  You can get through this just ask for help.  There are alot of people who are going thru this right now along with others who have been through what you are going through.  Let us try to help you in any way we can.  There are lots of stories of others that were told no surgery in the beginning but in the last month I know of three surgeries that have happened when nine months ago they were told inoperable.  My defination of "inoperable" means "just not yet".<br />
Let's us know what part of the country you are in so maybe someone is your immediate area can connect with you.  This board has become a ray of hope for others and it can be for you also.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">ejanszk</div>
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			<div class="date">September 17, 2010 - 10:30pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-904914" class="active">Cancer Stage IV</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>First off, I'm so sorry for everyone dealing with this horrible cancer right now, I can't even imagine how difficult this is for you.  </p>
<p>My best friend's mom has stage IV cancer.  Unfortunately, we're not positive what the primary source of cancer is, but there's speculation that it's from the gallbladder.  She is on hospice now and the doctors say there is no chance for chemo again in the future.  I just refuse to give up on her because she is such an amazing woman and such a fighter that I know she can get through this. My best friend is also only 21 and her mom is her life, so I want to do everything I can to help her. </p>
<p>Since she is clearly too weak for chemo and surgery, I was wondering if any of you have tried alternative therapies or treatments that helped.  Is there certain foods you eat or any arguably "silly" things you've done that have actually helped? For example, I read about this stone therapy for cancer, where you hold certain stones depending on weight in your hands and it's supposed to balance your body out.  It sounds ridiculous to me, but I'm literally willing to hear about anything as far out there as that.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
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									<div class="author">radicaltruth (not verified)</div>
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			<div class="date">September 20, 2010 - 7:27am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-905913" class="active">N/A</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>This comment has been removed by the Moderator</p>
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			<div class="date">September 23, 2010 - 10:38pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-908639" class="active">Dear Jan,
Thank you so much</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Dear Jan,</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your advice! I'll definitely pick up those books tomorrow.</p>
<p>I'm so glad your husband is doing better and I hope he keeps feeling better each day.  I know doctors really don't know what they're talking about sometimes, but I'm just worried they might be right this time.  My friend's mom is now unable to speak and can't eat anything. I guess I'm worried that if I can keep suggesting doctors and alternative treatments, but I don't want to give false hope to something that we may just need to accept. Do you think I should keep looking for alternative ideas or start helping my friend accept this?</p>
<p>She can't get chemo because the doctors say she is too weak.  They also only suspect its gallbladder cancer - she has carcinoma of an unknown primary, so we don't actually know the source. So when she was getting chemo, they were giving her 12 different strains because they didn't know what to target.</p>
<p>They live in CT, very close to NY.</p>
<p>Thank you so much again and I really am so happy that your husband is doing well!<br />
Elizabeth</p>
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									<div class="author">radicaltruth (not verified)</div>
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			<div class="date">September 27, 2010 - 7:58am</div>
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			<div class="date">September 27, 2010 - 8:02am</div>
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									<div class="author">kjp</div>
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			<div class="date">September 29, 2010 - 4:35pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-912578" class="active">New to discussion board</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>My mother was just diagnosed with advanced, stage 4 cancer of the gallbladder.  It has spread to her liver and surrounding lymph nodes and she isn't a candidate for surgery.  We have been told it is inoperable, but she is receiving chemotherapy in hopes to stabilize and kill the cancer.  She just began a treatment of Xeloda and Gemcitabine about a week ago and she is still in her first cycle.  She is pretty nauseous this week and I was wondering if anyone else was treated with the same combination she is being treated with.  Was it helpful and did you have any extreme side effects?  </p>
<p>This diagnosis has been a shock to everyone in the family.  We are still trying to deal with and part of that is becoming educated about the disease.  I am so grateful I found this discussion board because reading information laden with statistics starts to remove the humanity of the disease.  I am so happy to read about survivors and so hopeful to see that if a tumor shrinks patients can become candidates for surgery in the future.  I never knew this was an option.  </p>
<p>I am sure I will have more questions, but for now I wanted to post, introduce myself, and join the discussion.  Thank you to everyone that has posted anything on this discussion board.  It is such a wonderful resource.  </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">October 2, 2010 - 2:42pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-914411" class="active">KJP&#039;S Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello and Welcome to our little but strong community!</p>
<p>So sorry to hear that your mother and you are dealing with this terrible disease.  Her story closely resembles my story.  Not a candidate for surgery does not mean never just not right now.  I too had to hear a few no's regarding surgery and had to go thru 11 months of chemo before a surgeon would even consider surgery.  I was not about to take no for an answer.  There a some people recently that have been put on that chemo cocktail and are doing quite well.  Some people have said that as long as they take the anti-nausea medication even when they aren't nauseous the medication works.  I wasn't so lucky but shortbread cookies worked the best for me.  </p>
<p>It is understanable that you are all in shock.  This type of diagnosis hits you hard, especially if your mom has always been realatively healthy.  How old is she?  Where is she being treated at?  There are lots of good facilities all across the world.  Education about this disease is a good thing but remember that some of the information is out-dated and dismal at best.  Your mom has to be her own advocate for this disease or if she is unable than for you to do it for her is wonderful. The doctor's are very cautious and since there really hasn't been much research done lately, and everyone reacts to treatment differently they won't tell you about the options.  You have to have the right oncologist who will walk hand in hand with your mother to beat this disease.  </p>
<p>Ask any questions that you have and we all will try and help you in the best way that we can.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">kjp</div>
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			<div class="date">October 6, 2010 - 9:48am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-916513" class="active">Thank you</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Thank you for the welcome, Lily.  My mother was in good health before being diagnosed.  She had lots of energy and was working out at least four times a week.  This last summer, I truly thought she was at the peak of her health...and then the diagnosis came along. She is only 63 and it is still such a shock.  </p>
<p>She is on an off-week so far as treatment and will start back up on a second cycle tomorrow.  Her nausea has subsided this week and we have been very regimented with her anti-nausea meds to see if a strict schedule would help a bit more.   She has been able to eat quite well this week, so we are hopeful that the second cycle will be a little easier to handle.  </p>
<p>My mother has an incredible attitude, a strong faith, and a positive outlook.  She is inspiring to the whole family and we gain strength from her own.   On her good days we try to do as much as we can together as a family and she visits with as many people as she can.  </p>
<p>Thank you again for taking the time to respond to my post.  I know I will continue to read and post in this forum in future.  Take care!</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">October 7, 2010 - 5:28pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-917580" class="active">KJP&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>You are welcome.  Most people that I speak to are in relatively good health when they start on this journey.  This disease can sometimes have no apparent symptoms.  Or maybe we jut chose to ignore what we just classify as getting older ache's and pain's.  It is good that she is fairly healthly going into her treatment, that can help her alot.  It can take a toll but there is really no option not to do the treatment.  It is a understandable that your mother and you are in shock when you were told that she has a rare cancer disease.  That really came out of left field for you.  </p>
<p>How many treatment cycles is she scheduled for?  What chemo cocktail is she receiving?  Be mindful of not eating too much the day before chemo as it can make it more difficult on her.  Hydration is the key, more so than the food.  </p>
<p>I'm glad to hear that she has a positive attitude, strong hope and faith.  It is very important because she needs to fight this not only physically but mentally.  Family and friends are so very important to support each other through this terrible disease.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">kjp</div>
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			<div class="date">November 6, 2010 - 12:05am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-939387" class="active">What next</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello,</p>
<p>Thank you again, Lily, for your response.  I am a bit confused right now and hope that maybe you or someone else can assist in some way. </p>
<p>As I mentioned before, my mother was diagnosed with Stage IV gallbladder cancer.  We were told at the time of the diagnosis that the cancer had spread to her liver and surrounding lymph nodes.  When we first met with the doctor he informed us that there were several different chemo cocktails that could be used in attempts to treat the cancer.  My mother was "assigned" a combination of Gemcitabine and Xeloda, which she took over two, two-week cycles.  She was given one week "off" between each cycle and then at the end of the two cycles she had two weeks off.   Next, she had a CT scan taken. </p>
<p>This week we met with the doctor to go over the CT scan.  He informed us that additional cancerous spots were found on the liver and possible, but not significant activity, occurred in the lymph nodes.  Obviously, this was not the news we wanted to hear.  Since this combination didn't work, I expected to hear the doctor offer another combination, but he brought up palliative care right away.  When I asked about trying another combo he said it would likely be a a combo of an FU-5 drug and cisplatin; he described this combo as highly toxic, hard on the body, and that there was only a 10-15% chance it would be effective...and if it was effective only minimally.   Overall, the feeling I got from him was to not try anymore chemo and instead continue living the highest quality of life without treatment. </p>
<p>At the first appointment, he said there were options and sometimes there was trial and error involved.  I know this is a difficult cancer to treat, but I feel like he's given up on my mom already.  I'm wondering if this happened to anybody else, where one combo didn't work, but another did.  Has anybody had to try different combinations before finding an effective one?  If you anyone has been on cisplatin and a FU-5 combo, how did you feel?  What were the side effects for you?  </p>
<p>If anyone has any input or advice to share, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thank you again!</p>
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									<div class="author">OregonKeith</div>
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			<div class="date">November 20, 2010 - 2:12am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-947552" class="active">Similar experience</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi KJP,</p>
<p>My name is Keith, and my wife was diagnosed with GBC in Feb of 2010 at the age of 44. She went through treatment with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin. Next they tried FOLFIRI and then Nexavar. All the treatments were ineffective. I found every doctor we talked to did not really offer anything to treat the disease. We had to make suggestions to get the treatment. Seems with this disease doctors assume a death sentence and do not spend anytime trying to find a treatment that might work. Unfortunately, my beautiful wife succumb to the disease on Nov. 5th 2010. I'm not trying to be negative, as I too believe a positive mental outlook is very important. If you would like more details about my wife's experience with the disease I would be glad to talk to you. Just send an email to keithg@summitsemi.com. I prefer not to post all the details about her journey on this site because hers was not a positive outcome, but I believe I do have useful information about the progression of the disease that could be useful to others, assuming one wants to know what happens as the disease progresses. I truly wish you all the best.</p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>Keith</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">November 23, 2010 - 5:36pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-949593" class="active">Keith&#039;s beautiful wife!</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Keith,</p>
<p>I'm so sorry for your loss.  I can tell that you loved your wife very much and I'm sure that right now you feel somewhat lost.  She is still with you and will be forever.  Thanks for letting us know.<br />
The doctor's are just in the beginning stages of understanding how to treat this disease and there is a lot of trial and error going on.  It is a war that will not be easily won.  Please email me at LGregg6293@Aol.Com with the details of your wife's journey.  I'm sure that some of the terrible situations that you experienced could be used to help make others aware of some of the pitfalls in their own journey.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">November 23, 2010 - 5:57pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-949601" class="active">Kjp&#039;s Mother</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello,</p>
<p>Hopefully some of your confusion has passed and your mom is on the right road again.  </p>
<p>I sometimes don't understand why doctors can be so insensitive.  I think that they have so many patients that they really don't remember what they have said to you on previous visits.  Many doctors based on their experiences will sometimes offer the quality of life card and we really don't want to receive it.  You were blind-sided once again.  If there are options of different chemo's then insist that your mother try them.  As long as she is willing to go the distance they should want to try and help her.  I would take a 15% chance anyday over the alternative.  This is an aggressive cancer and needs to be treated in an aggressive manner in order to be successful.  Yes, it is true that the combo is very hard on a person but what other choice do you have?  I would consider finding another oncologist who would be more compassionate and maybe has more experience with this disease.  </p>
<p>My first combo cocktail didn't work to well for me at first - Carboplatin and Gemzar.<br />
We changed it to Cisplatin and Gemzar and that worked for me.  Everyone is different and the right combination of drugs need to be found.  There are side effects that are different for everyone.  If you are lucky the side effects can be minimal or they can be quite difficult.</p>
<p>Please let us know how she is doing and keep in touch.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">October 2, 2010 - 3:21pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-914424" class="active">Best Friend&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Elizabeth,</p>
<p>You are such a good friend to try and help your friend thru such terrible circumstances.<br />
Those books than Jan recommended are wonderful.  Your friend is so young to have to deal with something like this.  I lost my father at the age of 21 and it was very difficult.  There had to be a reason why they transferred her to hospice, do you know what that is?  Since she was receiving treatment with 12 different strains her body was being attacked very aggressively.  There is such a thing as chemo poisioning where she was given too much.  When they are doing aggressive treatment that is a possibility.  I spent 5 days in the hospital when they did that to me.  Oncologists sometimes won't admit it but it can happen.  My oncologist admitted it to me and he stated that on numerous occasions that he  took me to the edge and back.</p>
<p>I don't believe there is such a thing as false hope.  Without hope and faith there is nothing.  But Jan is right that you have to come to terms with the possibility of death, as this is what life is all about.  No matter how hard it may be to even discuss it.  I'm sure that since you stated that she was such a vibrant women to see her this way can be quite unbearable for her daughter.  Counseling is always as good idea, as sometime therapy can give you clarification on certain issues.  I'm sure that she is probably heavily medicated at this time and cannot convey to you or her daughter what she would like to do.  It is just an awful situation and for you to be there for your friend means a lot. </p>
<p>At this time are you aware of everything medically that has happened to her?  Do not be afraid to ask questions and research information.  Someone needs to be her advocate!  If she doesn't have a spouse, who knows what her wishes are?  These are things that people don't want to discuss or until they have to because they are in a life threating situation do they discuss it.  We all like to think that we will be around forever.</p>
<p>Let us know how it is going.<br />
I'll be praying for her and her family.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">tigressdana</div>
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			<div class="date">January 25, 2011 - 10:22pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-989598" class="active">My grandma was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello All:</p>
<p>On 12/29/2010 my grandma was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer.  We got her in at The Ohio State University James Cancer center where they performed a needle biopsy to confirm that it was gallbladder cancer and that the cancer was now in her liver.  The gallbladder has attached to the liver and there is (from what I have been told) at least one large tumor in the liver.  The surgeon said that he would not be able to remove the gallbladder or just a part of the liver.  The doctor said he would say she has about 3-6 months left and that it would probably progress very quickly.<br />
My grandma is a very stubborn woman (which can be bad...she says she doesn't want treatment but could also be good...if she would start treatment I think her stubborness would help to pull her through).  She does not know the time frame yet.  (We are debating on whether to tell her or not...some of us want to some of us don't.)<br />
We go to see the doctor of internal medcine to see if he reccommends any treatments or trials (my grandma is at least willing to go to see what he says) this Monday (Jan 31, 2010).<br />
Any suggestions about questions we should ask or anything? At this point any suggestions or examples or words of wisdom and hope would be beneficial to us.<br />
I was also wonderng if anyone had ever heard of someone who had gallbladder cancer that has spread to the liver to have their gallbladder and liver removed and have a liver transplant? (This was just a thought I had if any of her relatives were a match.)</p>
<p>Readig all of your posts has given me a glimmer of hope.  My family and I are thinking and praying for all of you!</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Dana</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">January 30, 2011 - 6:16pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-992845" class="active">Dana&#039;s Grandmother</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Dana,</p>
<p>Welcome to this forum.  I'm so glad you found us.  I'm Lily and I am a gallbladder cancer survivor.  I was diagnosed in 2005 and I too was given a short time frame to live.  I had gallbladder cancer with tumors in my liver, stomach,intestinal track and lymph nodes.  I had what is called a Extended (radical) cholecystectomy.  They removed my gallbladder and a wedge shape section of my liver along lots of other stuff.  It wasn't an easy surgery but I made it.  I did chemo before and after my surgery.  Since the liver is one organ that can regenerate itself unless the whole liver is very compromised they won't usually do a transplant.  But I could be wrong.  My surgeon was Dr. Howard Reber at UCLA in California.  He is part of the Jonnson Cancer Center and the Pfleger Liver Institute.</p>
<p>Don't be discourged about the timeframes as these stastics are old and outdated.  Anything is possible.  You should always get a second, third even fourth opinion if necessary.  Don't give up to quickly.  Has she had a PET Scan, CT Scan, MRI and what were the results?</p>
<p>Being stubborn is part of whom your grandma is and it could work to her advantage.  The fact that she is willing to go see what the the Internal Medicine doctor has to say means that she isn't really willing to give up yet.  Even though she says she doesn't want treatment in her heart she wants to fight.  I think that honesty is the best policy so that she can have a clear picture of what she is going up against.  Sometimes other doctors may let something slip unintentionally when they think the patient is already aware of the situation.  You really don't want her feel that she has been blindsided.  She has to be her own advocate for her healthcare and if she is unable to do that then someone needs to be her advocate.</p>
<p>Make sure that you ask any questions that you feel could be important.  Write them down before going to the doctor.  It helps you to remember to ask.  Such as if she was to try chemo and/or radiation how many cycles would it entail?  What chemo medication  would she be receiving?  From the blood tests what are the tumor markers?  Make sure you get copies of any tests that she had had and start building a medical profile for her if you continue to go see other doctors.  Not only does she need to find a doctor that she is happy with but also someone who has experience with this type of cancer.  </p>
<p>Good luck to her tomorrow and let us know how it goes.  Ask us anything and we will try to help.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">tigressdana</div>
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			<div class="date">January 31, 2011 - 12:04am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-993096" class="active">Thanks Lily</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily,</p>
<p>Thanks for responding. How are you doing?  Were you in much pain prior to your diagnosis?<br />
My grandma has had a nuclear scan and I believe a CT scan and possibly an MRI.  As well as blood tests and the needle biopsy.</p>
<p>My aunt and I have some questions written down but not all that you suggested.  I will include those on my list of questions.  </p>
<p>I will let you know what we find out.  Thanks again so much!</p>
<p>Dana</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">January 31, 2011 - 10:17pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-993805" class="active">Dana&#039;s grandma</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Dana,</p>
<p>I'm doing quite well.  I am going for my 6 month CT Scan tomorrow and it will be a good one.  It is a neccessary evil for me and even though I would prefer not to go I have to.<br />
My oncologist is a little overprotective and he just wants to make sure that if anything is going on that we catch it right away.  Better safe than sorry I always say.  </p>
<p>I wasn't in much pain prior to my diagnosis.  My symptoms in the beginning were just bothersome.  I had a tendency to ignore things as I was so busy.  When I received my diagnosis I felt like it was coming out of left field.  But I tackled it head on and just kept going.  </p>
<p>I'm glad that I could help with your questions.<br />
Good Luck<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">February 1, 2011 - 9:27am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-994108" class="active">CT today</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily -- good luck today!  please let me/us know how your scan goes!!!!<br />
big hug from me, Maudsie</p>
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									<div class="author">tigressdana</div>
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			<div class="date">February 10, 2011 - 10:41pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1001054" class="active">Hey Lily</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hey Lily,</p>
<p>Sorry it's taken me so long to respond! It's been a lil crazy around here!<br />
First off how did your CT scan go?? And I think them being overprotective is much better than the opposite of that :)  I hope you are feeling great! Have you stopped chemo treatments ?<br />
My grandma starts her treatments tomorrow morning (Friday 2/11/11).  The doctor said surgery wasn't an option because there were so many spots on her liver.  He said he hopes the chemo will give her a year or so.  He said he has heard of it lengthening lives for 2-3 years but I think, the way he talked hes just going for a year now.  He said the chemo is just to attempt to slow the spread of it.  He said she will be on it for the rest of her life, or as long as she can handle it (if it would make her sick), or until it stops working.  I just got off the phone with her and she said she wasn't really nervous.  Hopefully she doesn't have a bad reaction and won't be sick to her stomach.<br />
She has seemed to be complaining more of high abdominal pain but she said its more or less just annoying.<br />
I hope all is well with you.  Thanks for everything!</p>
<p>Dana</p>
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									<div class="author">tigressdana</div>
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			<div class="date">February 10, 2011 - 10:52pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1001061" class="active">Hey Lily</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Lily,</p>
<p>Do you mind me asking what age you were when diagnosed?  If you don't want to say I completely understand.</p>
<p>Thanks and take care,</p>
<p>Dana</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 11, 2011 - 1:45pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1001396" class="active">Age Request</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Dana,</p>
<p>I was 46 years old at time of my diagnosis.  I will be turning 52 this year. Every year I celebrate my birthday as a milestone in my life.  No matter what age you are most of us feel alot younger than our actual age.  Thankfully I was in pretty good health at the time which helped me.  This disease doesn't discrimate as far as age is concerned.  The age range spectrum is huge.  </p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">tigressdana</div>
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			<div class="date">February 22, 2011 - 8:22pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1009099" class="active">Lily</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>I'm glad you were healthy..I'm sure that did help alot!<br />
My grandma has her second chemo treatment this Friday.  She was tired a couple of days after her treatment (well more tired than on a normal day) and her feet swelled really bad for about 2 days.  Other than that she seemed to do well with it.  We are taking turns taking her.  They said we could just drop her off and pick her up but for right now we feel being with her is probably bettr.  I'll be taking her for her third chemo treatment.  I think having us there may help to keep her mind off things.  She is also battling dementia and lower body parkinson's so I'm not sure how much she remembers/understands.  I'll keep you updated.<br />
I hope you are doing well.  You're such an inspiration! Thanks again for everything!</p>
<p>Dana</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 24, 2011 - 9:11pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1010433" class="active">Dana&#039;s Grandma</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Dana,</p>
<p>Good luck tomorrow.  I'm glad to hear that the first treatment went well.  Make sure that you share with the nurse and/or the doctor about the swelling in her feet.  That is something that should always be checked to see if the fluid might be collecting in one place.  Being tired is perfectly normal.  Since it was her first chemo even though she told you that she was not nervous she probably was and the first time there are so many unknowns that it can be very exhausting.  I agree with you that being with her is so important.  It takes her mind off of the treatment.  She isn't alone in this battle and she appreciates that her loved ones are taking the time to be with her.  Also since her family knows her the best if she was to have any issues that she couldn't communicate to the nurses about someone is with her to be her advocate. </p>
<p>I am doing well thank you, my scan came out good and everyday is a blessing for me.<br />
Let us know how it is going.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">February 1, 2011 - 9:42am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-994118" class="active">Hi Dana</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Dana, I just want to add to Lily's comments.  I was diagnosed with GBC 2-1/2 years ago, after I had my gallbladder removed for some vague gassy pains and some vomiting.  Surgery is the first and best option for dealing with GBC when it is possible.  So usually the next step in a case like your grandmother's is, if she is in good shape physically otherwise, to have a surgery to remove her gallbladder, some surrounding lymph, and a large wedge of liver that sits near or touches the gallbladder. (I did this and had the cancer seen on my liver removed....we hope that is all).  If tests such as CT and PET scans show that the liver is more involved than what can be surgically removed, as seems to be the case with your grandmother, that does not mean that this type of surgery would not be an option down the road.  Often chemo can shrink tumors enough to make surgery once again an option.  All cases are different and everyone is different.  (by the way, liver transplantation is probably NOT an option).  A good conference with an experienced oncologist would be in line.  And I agree with Lily, it would be good if your grandmother were aware of her situation so she can make informed decisions and choices, what to do, and what not to do.  Good luck!  Prayers your way.....</p>
<p>Maudsie</p>
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									<div class="author">seli</div>
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			<div class="date">February 1, 2011 - 11:12am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-994191" class="active">My mother has been diagnose with stage lV GBC</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi </p>
<p>I'm clueless &amp; I'm so happy to find this web with all these wonderful survivor's stories. My mother is 59yrs old &amp; has been been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer few weeks ago. She was feeling pain &amp; when she went to the hospital, the doctor told her, "they have to remove her gallbladder ASAP &amp; they did. That's when they discover the cancer. Her cancer stage is lV and Thanks to God, it hasn't spread to anyone of her organs yet. She'll be back to U.S. on Feb 7th, 2011 and she will either be in Cincinnati OH or Atlanta GA, &amp; I'm looking for any survivors who had recieved the treatment either in Cincinnati or Atlanta area. We would like to find her the right place &amp; find the right doctor,'cause Once she arrives, We don't want to waist any time. We want her to start with the treatment ASAP. If it's possible it'll be great if she can get the threatment in either one of those 2 cities(cincinnati or Atlanta); However, as long as it's anywhere in U.S.,I'm up for all help I can get. Please let me know, anyone. My faith is stronger than ever &amp; I'm not ready to loose it.  I just hope my mother has as much faith &amp; hope I have or even more, 'cause she needs it more than me to fight &amp; win this scary disease.</p>
<p>Thanks<br />
Seli </p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">February 3, 2011 - 6:24pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-996310" class="active">Seli&#039;s mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Seli -- I just have time for a brief note, and I want to say that it is good that your mother will be in one of these two large cities, as both have top-rate  cancer centers.  I agree, your mother should be looked at as soon as possible, and be evaluated for further treatment which may include surgery, chemo, radiation, or all three, depending on the stage and spread, if any, of her cancer.  Stage IV generally means that there is involvement elsewhere, somewhere outside of the gallbladder itself.  Research on the internet for cancer hospitals in these areas, Cincinnati and Atlanta.  I know that Atlanta especially has MANY options, but she can receive great care either place.  It is great that you are getting a head start on this, your mother is lucky to have such good support!<br />
Maudsie</p>
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			<div class="date">February 6, 2011 - 7:05pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-998121" class="active">Seli&#039;s Mother</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Seli,</p>
<p>Welcome to this forum.  We are glad that you found us too.  Your mother is a very young women and she can beat this disease.  It is a long journey but Hope and Faith will carry you thru.  It is very common for this disease to be diagnosed once gallbladder surgery has been done.  I agree with what Maudsie stated that when it is Stage 4 other organs are almost always involved.  Your Mom should be home tomorrow and you can then expend your energies on finding her a good team of doctors.  Whether she will be in Cincinnati or Atlanta there are good facilities in both of those areas.  Do plenty of research and make sure that your oncologist has had experience with this disease.  Time is of the essence and getting her treatment started right away is paramount.  You will have to have patience because sometimes things progress slowly until you find the right doctors.  Always get a 2nd,3rd even a fourth opinion if neccessary.  The doctors and treatment that you select may be the most important thing that your mom has ever done.  She has to be comfortable with the doctors that are walking by her side in this journey.  Hope and Faith are very important as you all walk this dark journey.  There is HOPE for us all!  Ask us any questions you want when you are getting things set up for her.  Don't believe all the negatative information that you read on the Internet as it is pretty outdated.<br />
Keep talking to us we will help if we can.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">seli</div>
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			<div class="date">February 6, 2011 - 10:59pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-998246" class="active">Hi Lily50 &amp; Maudsie</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Thank you so much for all the hopefull, positive comfort &amp; ideas you are giving me.  It means a lot.  It's so great to connect with such amazing survivors like you too. It's giving me so much hope.  As I was waiting for my mother arrival I've been login in to this website to keep my hopes with me.  I believe in God more than anything 'cause he's the only one who can do anything that's impossible to human.  He can do it all.  I also believe in miracle &amp; I'm praying everyday that my mom is going to have her second miracle in life.  She already had her first miracle when she survivor from 3rd degree burn in 2003 &amp; I'm hoping her second miracle will be to beat this scary disease.<br />
    Lilly50 I was checking my email this evening &amp; while I was responding for your email, I got an expected call from Rome saying My mother's surgery opened while she was in the plane &amp; the flight had to leave her in Rome to get that fixed.  I Thank you kindly for your email.  They say she's in good hand.  She was very weak 'cause of not being able to eat anything &amp; she was getting iv to give her a strength for the 18hrs that she had to be in the plane.  I always say things happen for a good reason.  May God wanted her to get more iv before she gets here, may be that's why this happened so For now I have no idea when exactly my mom is going to be here in U.S. but I'm hoping in the next day or so. I'll know tomorrow for sure.  Please keep her in your prayers.  &amp; I'll let you &amp; Maudsie her situation once I know something &amp; all the status once she arrives here.  Thanks a lot for all the support &amp; hope.</p>
<p>I'm so proud of all of you.<br />
Seli </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">February 8, 2011 - 8:45pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-999630" class="active">Seli&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Seli,</p>
<p>You have to have Hope and Faith to battle this evil monster called cancer.  I have prayed for God's healing hands to touch your mother and everyone who is battling this disease.  </p>
<p>I am a firm beliver that everything happens for a reason and maybe as you said that she wasn't in good enough shape to endure that long flight.  I had only a two hour flight a week after my surgery and it was tough.  Maybe her staying in Rome and being taken care of for a little while longer will just be beneficial to her recovery.  </p>
<p>Let us know how everything is going once you get her home.  </p>
<p>My prayers are with your mother as she makes this long journey home.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">tigressdana</div>
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			<div class="date">February 10, 2011 - 10:48pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1001058" class="active">Hey Maudsie</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Maudsie,</p>
<p>Thanks for your support! How are you doing/feeling?</p>
<p>The way the dr talked he doesn't think surgery will ever be an option because there are too many spots on her liver (I suppose there could always be a chance that the chemo might shrink them but I doubt it just the way he talked.)<br />
He said the chemo wasnt going to be very aggresive just enough to attempt to slow the groth of the cancer to give her a year or so.  As for telling her, she was there when he said that but she doesn't understand alot of medical things and has dementia which isn't horrible, but her short term memory isn't very good.  The dr. made it clear that she would be on chemo for the rest of her life (or until it wasn't working or she couldn't handle it anymore) she after the appt she said he never said that and we must have heard him wrong.  It's things like that.  I'm actually surprised she agreed to the chemo...but she said tonight that she "didn't really have a choice."  Although we, her family and the dr., did tell her that was one of her options.  She didn't ask how long she would live without it and the dr. didn't bring that up.<br />
She has her first treatment tomorrow so hopefully she handles it well and doesn't get sick.  I'm sure she will be more tired and weak but hopefully that will be the extent of it.<br />
Do you mind me asking what age you were when diagnosed? (I understand if you would rather not say.)<br />
She is going to be 77 and up until the last couple of years noone could guess her age...but shes been showing it lately.  </p>
<p>Thanks for everything!</p>
<p>Dana</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-129656.jpg" alt="Tethys41&#039;s picture" title="Tethys41&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Tethys41</div>
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			<div class="date">February 12, 2011 - 12:21pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1002067" class="active">IV vitamin C and dendritic treatment</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>There is a 69 year old gentleman who receives high dose IV vitamin C at a clinic I go to.  He was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer in May of 2010,and his oncologist sent him home to die.  He started getting high dose IV vitamin C, and it has kept the cancer from progressing.  He is now receiving what is called dendritic cell treatments.  They took some of his blood, sent it to a specific clinic in WA for genetic engineering of the dendritic cells.  The cells are reintroduced into his body.  These cells tag the cancer cells so that his immune system recognizes tham as something to be killed off.  This is all I really know about his situation, but thought some of you would be interested in alternatives that are avaialable to you.  </p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">February 12, 2011 - 5:16pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1002324" class="active">To Dana</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Dana -- I am doing fine, and feeling fine, thanks for asking.  You asked my age:  when I was diagnosed (2 years ago), I was 62.  Most people with GBC are on the old side, but more and more seem to be in their 40's and younger.  Your grandmother is 76, I believe you said, and chemo can be tolerated at almost any age, although good underlying heath is helpful, as is a positive attitude.  Your grandmother had her first chemo yesterday, and I hope you will report how she is doing and what chemo she is on and how often, if you know.  You are a wonderful and supportive granddaughter!<br />
Maudsie</p>
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									<div class="author">tigressdana</div>
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			<div class="date">February 22, 2011 - 8:34pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1009109" class="active">Hey Maudsie</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hey Maudsie!<br />
I'm glad you are feeling and doing well.  :) Both you and Lily were young for a diagnosis but as we all know most cancer doesn't discriminate by age.  My grandma...up until about 2 years ago was in pretty good health.  She had some smaller issues but who in their 70's doesn't?  We started to notice signs of dementia but she wouldn't go to the doctor (she didn't go to a doctor for over 40 years against all of us asking and begging her to go.) She finally started going to a family doctor about 5 years ago but wouldn't go see any specialists and finally 2 years ago she went to a neurologist.  She was diagnosed with dementia and lower body parkinson's.  And it seems like in the last 2 years everything has gone downhill relatively fast.<br />
She doesn't seem to understand or maybe remember a lot about her cancer.  She remembers she has it but that's about it.  Her short term memory seems to be going pretty quickly lately so I don't know what will happen.<br />
Right now she has agreed to the chemo treatments.  She goes every other week for about 4 hours.  She is receiving a mixture of cisplatin and gemicitabine.  She has only had one treatment (her next one is this Friday 2/25/11).  She actually said she felt "GREAT" the day after her first treatment.  They gave her steriods before the chemo so I'm assuming that helped her but on Sunday (2 days after her treatment) she was really tired and Sunday night- Tuesday her feet were really swollen.  On Monday she wasn't able to put shoes on.  Other than that she seemed to handle it well.<br />
My aunt is taking her to her next treatment and then I will be taking her to her thrid treatment.  They said we could drop her off and pick her up but I think one of us being there helps to keep her mind off things.</p>
<p>Thank you for your support.  I will continue to update (although as you see I sometimes take awhile to respond. Working full time, going to grad school full time, and trying to help take care of my grandma and spend time with her is time consuming to please forgive me!) </p>
<p>I hope you are doing well!</p>
<p>Dana</p>
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									<div class="author">seli</div>
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			<div class="date">February 25, 2011 - 2:42pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1010752" class="active">please help me help my Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>    Hi Lily 50, Thanks a lot for your prayer &amp; support.  My mother she finally arrived here in U.S. about a week ago.  These past few weeks have been very stressful for us.  We took her to University Hospital of Cincinnati &amp; she was there for a week.  Now she's home with us.  They've told us there is nothing they can do for her except to put her on chemo for whatever time that she has left.  They are giving us few months.  I'm not letting them take away my hope &amp; faith but at the same time, I'm terrified. I'm searching for survivors who've had the same case her like my mom.<br />
    This is her situation, her cancer happens to be Cholangiocarcinoma cancer.  I don't know if anybody is familiar with that type of cancer.  It's around &amp; on her small intestine as well as on her liver blood vessel.  Usually for this type of diagnose, a kind of surgery that is called Whipple surgery is recommended; however, they are saying they won't be able to do that procedure for her 'cause the cancer is showing on her blood vessel.  Has anyone had this kind of problem when they were diagnose? What Chemo cocktail worked for you? &amp; where you able to have the surgery after wards? Which surgeon helped you? My mom will start her chemo by the end of next week.  she's having hard time eating so she's eating very little &amp; I would like to know from survivors, What should be good to feed her? The doctors are not helping a lot.  I guess it's 'cause they already believe there is no hope for her. she's also a type II diabetic. I'm keeping my faith &amp; hope 'cause that's all I have right now, &amp; I don't want any doctor to take that away from me. Please I need help so bad.    </p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">March 2, 2011 - 7:17pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1013719" class="active">Seli&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Seli,</p>
<p>I'm so glad to hear that your mom has finally arrived back home.  I'm sorry to hear that the University Hospital of Cincinnati didn't have better news for you.  Have you checked into any other facilities yet?<br />
I too was only given a few months and they were all wrong.  Don't let anybody steal your Hope and Faith.  It is natural that you are terrified, who wouldn't be?  You need to continue on searching for answers and getting more opinions.  I feel that you need to start some form of treatment for her to give her the best chance that she can possibly have.  After some chemo treatments the situation could change for her.<br />
Cholangiocarcinoma cancer is a cancer of the bile ducts but I'm sure that you already know that.  Have you checked the other discussions boards regarding the Whipple surgery?  Maybe someone has been in the same situation as your mom and found someone to do the surgery, check it out.  I have found that little meals throughout the day worked best for me.  Smoothies were a mainstay for me, easy to digest. Make sure that she gets plenty of hydration.  Sometimes doctors can be so negative they make you just want to scream.<br />
Hopefully her first chemo treatment will go well.  This first treatment can be scary as there are so many unknowns at this time.  It does get easier the more you do it.  Did she get a port or will they be giving her chemo directly into the vein?<br />
Let me know how it is going.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">tigressdana</div>
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			<div class="date">March 6, 2011 - 1:12am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1015652" class="active">OSU - The James</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Sali,</p>
<p>We are taking my grandma to the James Cancer Center at Ohio State...I see that you are in Cincinnati?  Its only about 75-90 minutes.  She goes to Dr. Saab....we were lucky that we got in so quickly though because we knew someone who knew someone.  Maybe try there?  Just a suggestion.  Good luck! Thoughts are with you and your family!</p>
<p>Dana</p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">March 12, 2011 - 8:00am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1020142" class="active">hi Dana</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Dana, I sometimes don't check this discussion board too often, and the way it is set up I often miss posts that I wish I had not.  Sounds like your family has come together as quite a team for your Grandma.  How is she doing these days?  It's a long road! The steroids they often give with the chemo do indeed provide a nice boost for the first day after treatment, but then.....it's different for all of us, and I don't know about the swollen feet, which is usually more of a cardiovascular problem.  Hopefully that has resolved.<br />
I am doing great and feel so lucky.<br />
Maudsie</p>
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									<div class="author">Glendalough</div>
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			<div class="date">March 19, 2011 - 1:49pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1025215" class="active">My brother was just diagnosed with GB cancer</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Just found this site.  We don't know what to do so I'm hoping that someone can help us.</p>
<p>My brother, 54 years old, was just diagnosed with gallbladder cancer.  He went into the hospital initially for gall stones.  I don't know what stage it is.  It has attached itself to the liver and some in his lymph nodes.  He is jaundice and his liver is not blocked, but his bilirubin count is high.  They were going to put a stent in to drain the liver but found it is not blocked.  For the past 2 weeks he's been in and out of the hospital, they did numerous tests, biopsies, they say his liver is fine, but they don't know why his liver isn't functioning 100%.  There is no infection in the liver.  They had scheduled surgery next week to remove the gallbladder and cancer and take part of the liver, and they wanted to start him on chemo or radiation to shrink the mass and while in surgery they were going to take sections off of the liver until they found healthy liver but have found that his liver is ok.  Now they are saying that they won't do the chemo cuz the liver won't metabolize it and if they put him on anesthesia it might damage the liver or worse.  They won't do any surgery until his bilirubin count comes down.  Help!  We don't know what to do.  Are the doctors wrong in what they say about not doing the surgery and what they say about the liver not being able to metabolize the chemo or radiation and being compromised?  They said that they will continue to run tests but he is not getting any treatment at all.  We need a solution urgently.</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">March 23, 2011 - 4:33pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1027610" class="active">Glendalough&#039;s Brother</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>Welcome to this discussion board.  We are glad that you found us!  </p>
<p>Your brother is fairly young and I hope that he was in fairly good health before his diagnosis.  Many people have been told that they need surgery for gall stones and then have heard the devasting news that they have Gallbladder Cancer.  It would be helpful if you could find out what stage he is in.  I am a 5 year Stage 4 Survivor.  This is a disease that you have to have patience with.  Many tests, biopsies, numerous doctor's opinions is the road that he is on right now.  Everything that you have stated about the surgery to remove the gallbladder, taking part of the liver, removal of cancer cells and lymph nodes and chemo and/or radiation is the standard protocal.  I have never heard of not receiving chemo because the liver won't metabolize it.  I have heard of not having radiation if the liver is compromised.  I didn't have radiation because of that very reason.  I do know for a fact that if your bilirubin count isn't within the normal range you won't be able to have surgery.  That was told to me before I had my surgery.  Luckily for me my counts came down so that I was able to have surgery.<br />
Where is your brother receiving treatment?  Is he in the US, Canada or somewhere else?<br />
The reason I am asking is because we have people scattered all over the world.  Maybe someone can suggest doctor's in his area.  I am a firm believer in getting second, third and even fourth opinions.  Your brother has to be an advocate for his healthcare and if he is unable to do that he needs someone to be an advocate for him.<br />
Let us know how he is progressing.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">MandyCHK</div>
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			<div class="date">April 7, 2011 - 8:59pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1036507" class="active">Lily50</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am from Hong Kong.  </p>
<p>My mum (62 years old now) was diagnosised to have gallbladder cancer stage IV in July 2010 which had already attached to her pancreas, liver and intestines and after the unsuccessfuly and anticipated 16 hours surgery, it turned out that she was removed from the operation theatre after 2 and 1/2 hours. The doctor only connected the liver to the intestines and did not remove anything cancer cells from mum except he took some for medical test.</p>
<p>Since August 2010, mum has been under the chemo and 2 weeks ago, the CA 19.9 index started to increase again so that we had a MRI and it showed that the trauma got back to the original size.  Accordingly to the doctor, it is time to change chemo medicines.  Mum had her first injection of the new medicines last Friday, she immediately lost all her apetite and felt the pain in the area where the trauma is and she felt very tired.</p>
<p>I understand that each combination of chemo medicine lasts around 6 months so that I checked with the doctor apart from the second combination how many more combinations we would get, the doctor's reply was that this second combination should be the last as there have not been a lot of chemo medicines specifically for gallbladder cancer.  Even if he uses them, the side effect would be a bit unbearable.</p>
<p>of course, once we found out mum had the cancer last July, I had consulted about 5 specialist doctors and any possible cure.  All of them said "No".</p>
<p>I read from your message immediately above that you are 5 years Stage 4 survivor, I just thought that I really have the need to write to you although I know there is not much you or I can do for my mum...</p>
<p>By any chance, I would be grateful if you could please advise what kinds of treatment you were or have been taking.  Do you mind sharing a bit?</p>
<p>Thanks and with heaps of love and best wishes to you<br />
Mandy</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">April 10, 2011 - 6:52pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1038127" class="active">Mandy&#039;s Mum</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Mandy,</p>
<p>Welcome to our board, we are so glad you have found us.  I'm sure that you and your mum were devastated when the long surgery that was scheduled was cut short.  Sometimes that does happen and the doctors have decided that it would be too much risk for the patient.  </p>
<p>After a time period many have had to have their chemo medications changed due to their tumor(s) no longer responding to the medication.  What chemo medications has she had and what is the new medication?  There are side effects with almost all chemo medications.  Some people do very well and others have issues.  It depends on the person.  Your mum's body had gotten used to the chemo that she was receiving and now that it has been switched her body is letting her know that this isn't the same stuff that she was receiving before and it doesn't like it.  </p>
<p>That is a true statement "Cure" isn't possible but there is alway "Remission".  I was originally diagnosed in 2005 and here it is 2011.  It is a long journey but with Hope and Faith anything is possible.  </p>
<p>What this board does for others is give support, recomendations and Hope.  Ask us any questions you want and we will try to answer your questions.</p>
<p>In August of 2005 I had CT Scans, ultrasounds, needle biopsies to determine my diagnosis of GBC Stage IV.  I received chemo treatments from December 2005 thru September 2006.  I went four days a week 6-8 hours daily for two weeks and then off for one week.  I was receiving Cisiplatin and Gemzar. On the off week I was receiving White and Red Blood cell shots.  My platlets tanked and I had to recieve a transfusion.  During this timeframe I went twice to the surgeon to set up my surgery but he just kept sending me back for more chemo.  In October I had an ERCP which stands for endoscopic retrograde to see if I would be able to have surgery.  On October 13,2006 (Friday the 13th) I had an Extended (radical) cholecystectomy, it was a very long surgery (12 hours).  My gallbladder was removed along with a wedge resection of my liver, 8 Lymph nodes, common bile duct, ligament between my liver and intestines, removal of the duodenum, and part of my stomach.  4 of my lymph nodes still had cancer cells in them so I would have to do an additional 3 months of chemo.  I had a PET Scan in January of 2007.  I continue to see my oncologist every 8 weeks and have blood taken for my markers and I have CT scans every 6 months.  I have had no recurrance and for that I am truly blessed.  Light exercise, healthy eating, meditation, and yoga have all been helpful.  </p>
<p>Hope that answered your questions and if I left anything out let me know.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">MandyCHK</div>
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			<div class="date">April 12, 2011 - 2:38am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1038934" class="active">Hi Lily,
Mum’s case: in</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Lily,</p>
<p>Mum’s case: in July 2010, Mum was diagnosed to have the gallbladder cancer Stage 4, the cholecystectomy operation was scheduled to take place on 14 July 2010 and we were advised that the doctor would also need to remove the duodenum, part of the pancreas, about 40% of the liver and part of the intestines and the operation theatre was then booked for 12-16 hours.  However, once the doctor opened up mum’s body, he said the cancer cells had spread over to her abdomen wall and the tumors are attached too tightly to the nearby organs, which operation only took 2 1/2 hours.  The doctor later told us that if he completed the whole process of removing the organs as scheduled, it would take a long period of time for mum to recover and, maybe at the same time, the cancer cells may build up very quickly, then mum might miss the chance to take the chemo medications to control the cancer cells.   Therefore, all he did was only to connect the liver directly to her intestines ( a by-pass) as a precaution to reduce the side-effects (vomit) for mum when she take the chemo treatments.</p>
<p>I then visited a number of oncologists and they all came back with the same answer and agreed with what the operation doctor had said.  Then, mum was then persauded to have chemo in August 2010 (which she originally refused).  The medications then were used called Gemzar and Xeloda, which fortunately happily last until early March 2011.  the side effects are minimal, mum only lost some hair and felt tired a bit during the medication weeks, during the off weeks, she was happy and comfortable.  Sometime she has very good appetite too.</p>
<p>The CA A 19.9 index dropped from 1,669 to 125.  During the last 7/8 months, mum only has about 3 white blood cell shots and about 3 times for blood transfusions.  During these 7/8 months, mum also the one PEST scan and one MRI scan until early March 2011 when the index went up and then she took another MRI scan showing the tumor grows bigger to the original size.</p>
<p>On 28 March 2011, she started the new combination of medication called oxaliplatin.  She had the injection at the clinic and carried a tube for another bag of medicine for injection for 48 hours (substitue of the edible tablets), she immediately lost all her apetite, felt pain in the area where the tumor is, very, very tired.  Even the smell of the food makes her stomach extremely uncomfortable and stuffy, she said it’s like she is having the morning sick as a pregnant woman.  She couldn’t even digest a few mouthful of water.  </p>
<p>We went to see the doctor today and told him about mum’s situation and he suggeted we do blood and urine tests and go back this Friday.</p>
<p>Lily, I understand that there must be differences between your goodself and mum, but I just wonder why you can take the cholecystectomy but mum can’t!!  For which I have raised a few times with our existing doctor but he still says "can't do".</p>
<p>From far away in Hong Kong, I would like to sincerely send to you my blessings and thank you again for sharing with me.  I am still adjusting myself everyday.  It seems that there isn’t a firm answer of whether I should hold on to the HOPE and FAITH and ask mum to continue bearing in mind that I really can’t do anything to comfort her uneasiness….  Sometime I would think sooner or later (you know) the "end" will come, so as long as there isn’t much pain, let her go…. But I don’t want to…. Mum said she can’t just go without seeing my 6 years old son to grow bigger and stronger….. (my heart is breaking to pieces…….)</p>
<p>Heaps of love from Hong Kong<br />
Mandy </p>
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									<div class="author">maudsie</div>
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			<div class="date">April 12, 2011 - 7:12am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1038991" class="active">Mandy</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Mandy, I have been reading your recent posts and Lily's replies.  You have done a great job outlining your mother's journey up to this point.  It seems the docs are thinking your mum's best course is to try chemo, with the hope that the tumors and cancer spots can be brought enough under control and made a smaller size so that surgery can be an option.  The surgery isn't an easy one, both for surgeons to do and for patients to tolerate, and if the tumors are too scattered to remove them all, then chemo is a good option. The doctor's opinion could change if/when your mother improves with the chemo she is on.   She does need nutrition meanwhile, however, eat and drinking.  Has she tried nutritional supplemental drinks like Boost or Ensure?   You are a good and loving daughter, and that shines through in your words.  I send prayers your way.</p>
<p>Maudsie</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">April 12, 2011 - 10:50am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1039080" class="active">Mandy&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi:  Lily and Maudsie gave you great information.  One thing you might try re the oxaliplatin is make sure your mom doesn't get cold - no cold drinks, no ice in drinks, no really cold food like ice cream (which I love!), no opening the fridge without a face mask and gloves.  I am going to be starting FOLFOX which includes oxaliplatin and 5FU and this is what I was told (and living in Canada hard to avoid the cold!).  You only need to avoid cold for 3-5 days after chemo. The rest of the chemicals are often given as a take-home pack with constant infusion. As well, they should be giving her anti-nausea pills for after-chemo so she can tolerate food better.  Hope this helps!<br />
Cheryl</p>
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									<div class="author">MandyCHK</div>
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			<div class="date">April 12, 2011 - 10:10pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1039526" class="active">To: Lily, maudsie and westie66</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Thank you so much for the supports from maudsie and westie66.  your messages are well noted.  Yes, mum has been (sometimes only) also taking Ensure as supplement when she lost her apetite and realising that she really needs to consume something otherwise her stomach would ache again and maintain her nutrition. so she would have Ensure and maybe half a slice of bread.</p>
<p>Yes westie66, the nurse from the clinc reminds us of the "cold" side effect. in Hong Kong, now is spring and the weather is around 22-28 degrees and she still feesl cold when she takes a shower and has 3 layers of clothes.  </p>
<p>She told us last nite and she felt better since the injections on 1 April 2011, which is good and a great relief.</p>
<p>also, she couldn't sleep at nite and she is now on sleeping pills.</p>
<p>Lily, the more i think about your message last night the more inspiring it looks in relation to your successful operation, your successful story stayed in my mind all nite.  I fully understand that it depends on different person's situation, however, I still think i should ask you.  OK, I know we live in Hong Kong, however, with the not-so-easy-to-give-up spirit and with HOPE and FAITH, I wonder if you could in any way sending me your operation doctor information and details and I wonder if i can courier mum's medical report and history for his / her consideration to see if an operation is still feasible.  my family and I are looking forward to hearing from you in relation thereto.</p>
<p>Lastly, one more piece of information, in July 2010 when mum was diagnoised the cancer, the doctor told us that if mum refused chemo, it will last 4-6 months and if she did, it will last for a further 4-6 months. I wonder if the stage IV still covers its various sub-stage thereunder?  Since mum was 61 years last year and does it mean the age of the patient and the actual sub-stage of the cancer designate the length of her remaining life time by the doctor?  </p>
<p>heaps of love and blessings to you all here.<br />
mandy</p>
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									<div class="author">alexinla</div>
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			<div class="date">April 13, 2011 - 5:40pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1039811" class="active">Mother with Stage 4</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi to all of you (some of whom I have been luck enough to meet on other boards - Maudsie ;)</p>
<p>My mother has Stage 4 GBC, and starts Gemzar/Cisplatin next week for a recurrence in one lymph node.  She's consulted with UCLA and UCSF, and is having her treatment in Monterey, CA.  I'll be sharing as much information as I can as my family embarks on this journey.   I really do believe the medical community is turning the corner on treating, and managing, this dreadful disease, and our loved ones are much better equipped to fight this disease than they were even 2 years ago. </p>
<p>Thanks to all of you for your inspiration.  </p>
<p>My mothers brief history:</p>
<p>Jan 2010 diagnosed<br />
Jan 2010 cholystectomy (UCLA)<br />
May 2010 Whipple (UCLA, Dr, Reber - the best) after more cancer discover in her bile duct inside pancreas<br />
Great path report postwhipple (clean margins, clean lymph nodes)<br />
March 2011 confirmed recurrence in 1 lymph node (2cm well circumscribed)<br />
April 19, 2011 Begins Gemzar Cisplatin </p>
<p>The shock is horrible, and the reaction from doctors is even worse... there's just no easy way for them to say 'stage 4'... but I'm convinced that even metastatic cancer is now a manageable chronic disease , not a death sentence (as Lily has proven!). Science is now on our side. </p>
<p>Looking forward to sharing great stories of successfull treatments!</p>
<p>Alex</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">April 16, 2011 - 5:34pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1041819" class="active">Alex&#039;s Mom</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Alex,</p>
<p>Welcome!!!</p>
<p>I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's recurrence.  It is a true statement that this is quite a journey and you have to have patience.  Gemzar and Cisplatin was my chemo cocktail also. I had chemo first then surgery, then additional chemo because 4 of my lymph nodes that they removed still had cancer cells in them.  I think that is a very true statement, there seems to be more of an awareness for GBC.  </p>
<p>I have to add that I had a radical cholystectomy at UCLA with a team of surgeons headed by Howard Reber - the best.  He told me No the first two times that I saw him but then Yes the third time.  He isn't the most compassionate doctor that I have ever met but he is the best in his field.  </p>
<p>I think that there are many doctors whom have become so jaded with their experiences that they aren't willing to look outside of the box and can no longer be compassionate.  That is so sad.  </p>
<p>Let us know how it is going for your Mom and you.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">April 16, 2011 - 3:29pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1041777" class="active">Mandy&#039;s Mum</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Mandy,</p>
<p>Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, it was a very busy week.  Thanks to Maudsie and and Cheryl for their great input.<br />
I'll try and answer some of the questions you asked me in the two previous posts to the best of my ability.<br />
I too had a major loss of appetite and felt like I had morning sickness that lasted all day long.  I'm sure besides the chemo the pain pills and the Xanax added to the nausea.  I just tried to snack all day long.  Healthy snacks, lean meat and smoothies of course.<br />
I really can't answer the question as to why I was able to have the surgery and your mum couldn't.  I do know that I was young (46) and didn't really have any other health issues.  There was a time that I heard numerous "No's" regarding the surgery.  I don't know exactly what made the surgeon change his mind after refusing to do it twice before.  I don't know if some of the factor's regarding my case were the catalyst or if the relationship between my oncologist and my surgeon was the catalyst.  Or the combination of both.  There is really no way for me to find out but for whatever reason everything finally came together for me, after quite a long time.<br />
No one ever wants to lose their Hope and Faith but when your mum is called home then that is the way that it is and we have to accept that even though we may not like it.  You can tell by your posts that you love your mum very much and only want the best for her.  You are a continuous source of love and support for your mum.  She knows that in her heart and as a mom myself I know that we never want to be a burden to our children.  </p>
<p>My surgeon's name is:<br />
Howard Reber, MD<br />
Specialty Surgery<br />
Hospital Affiliation Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center<br />
State License Number C37087<br />
Contact (310) 825-4976<br />
Email Address hreber@surgery.medsch.ucla.edu </p>
<p>He is assoicated with  The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.<br />
http://www.cancer.ucla.edu<br />
Check out this website first, it has lots of good information.</p>
<p>I think that alot of the statistics regarding timeframes take age and patients overall health into consideration.  </p>
<p>Hope you and your mum are doing well and I'll talk to you soon.<br />
Take Care<br />
Lily</p>
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									<div class="author">tdover</div>
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			<div class="date">April 26, 2011 - 11:19am</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1047140" class="active">Mother-In-Law</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi,</p>
<p>After losing almost 40 pounds since the beginning of the year my mother-in-law (who just turned 66 two weeks ago) was finally convinced to go to our family doctor about 4 weeks age.  Since then she has had multiple tests including several scans, an endoscopy, xray of lungs, mri, ct guided biopsy of adrenal gland and pet scan.  Additionally, they did nuclear testing on biopsy.</p>
<p>After talking to the oncologist they were sure that the primary origin was either the lungs or pancreas.  When she went back yesterday to discuss the final test results we were all shocked at the diagnosis, including the doctor, of stage iv gallbladder cancer that involves the bile duct and spots on her liver, lungs, adreanal gland and lymph nodes.  Since her first doctors visit a month ago she has lost another 18 pounds.</p>
<p>She is supposed to start chemo this coming Monday that includes Gemzar and Carboplatin.  The first week she go one time and receive both medication, the second week she will go one time and receive one medication and then will off on week three.  They are planning on doing this treatment three times and then rerunning the tests to see if the cancer has shrunk at all.</p>
<p>After reading what everyone else's posts I am wondering if the recommended treatment is aggressive enough.  We are still in shock and don't know anyone who has ever suffered from gallbladder cancer.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any recommendations for oncologists in the Atlanta area?</p>
<p>Thank you,<br />
Tina</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-123630.jpg" alt="westie66&#039;s picture" title="westie66&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">westie66</div>
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			<div class="date">April 26, 2011 - 12:38pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1047178" class="active">Mother in Law with Gallbladder Stage IV</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Tina:  I know it is a terrible shock and hard to bear.  The Gemzar and Carboplatin regime seems to be one standard but most of us even in Canada have had the gemzar with cisplatin (a more aggressive chemical with more severe side effects for some) both together for 2 weeks then the 3rd week "off".  Lily had even more aggressive treatment - chemo before surgery, surgery, then chemo again - but her last chemo regime was every day for 4 days for I think 3 months with cisplain and gemzar (in Canada it is called gemiticibine).  I didn't have too many adverse effects from the cisplatin and I'm almost 68.  A positive attitude is very important.  I live in Canada and so can't comment on oncologists in the Atlanta area.  One thing to check for is the presence of "seeds" - nodules on the peritoneum and omentum.<br />
Cheryl</p>
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			<div class="picture"><img src="http://csn.cancer.org/sites/default/files/pictures/picture-105416.gif" alt="Lily50&#039;s picture" title="Lily50&#039;s picture"  /></div>						<div class="author">Lily50</div>
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			<div class="date">May 14, 2011 - 4:26pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1056781" class="active">Tina&#039;s Mother-In-Law</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hi Tina,</p>
<p>Welcome to our discussion board!  I'm so sorry that this disease has come into your lives.  It isn't a well known cancer but in the last 5 years there has been more and more discussions about it.  I too lost 35 lbs before I went to the doctor in 2005.  At the time for me I just thought I was doing so well on Weight Watchers (getting healthy), boy was I wrong. I was in Stage IV also and was inoperable at that time.  After 10 months of chemo I had my surgery and an additional 3 months of chemo.  It is over 5 years and I'm still here with plenty to say. </p>
<p>At least you now have a diagnosis and can proceed with the recommended treatment plan.  I too started out with Gemzar and Carboplatin.  I didn't tolerate the Carboplatin well so I was switched to Cisiplatin.  I was on an extremely aggressive treatment plan.  I went 4 days a week for 4-6 hours for two weeks and then had a week off.  The off weeks I received red and white blood cell shots so that I could receive chemo the following week. They will adjust her chemo treatments according to how well she does.  The oncologists have protocols but every patient is different.  A factor in my aggressive treatment might have been that I was 46 years old and had no underlying medical issues.<br />
I don't know of anyone off the top of my head in Atlanta but I check my contact list for you.  Stay positive and have Hope and Faith.</p>
<p>Take Care<br />
Lily </p>
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									<div class="author">bjs</div>
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			<div class="date">May 15, 2011 - 12:11pm</div>
			<div class="comment-title"><a href="/node/167397#comment-1057135" class="active">Hope</a></div>			<div class="content"><p>Hello Tina,<br />
i am am so sorry for your mother-in-law and your whole family's having to go through this. I was diagnosed in March with gallbladder cancer that had spread to my bile duct. i had my gallbladder removed and have been undergoing radiation and oral chemo with Xeloda for six weeks. Then i will have a month off before another chemo regimen for six months or so. I am relatively fortunate in that the cancer has not spread beyond the bile duct so it could be treated with radiation. We talked to two oncologists before choosing one. We chose largely on the basis of recommendations from my doctors. I live in Seattle so am not familiar with the Atlanta area but in such a big city you should have lots of choices I hope. I think one of the main factors in choosing an oncologist and a cancer center is to have someone familiar with this rare cancer and other digestive cancers. It seems that each type of cancer is different and requires a different treatment.<br />
I will be thinking of your family.<br />
Betty</p>
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