cholangiocarcinoma
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hiya a quick update, mum as responded well with the stent in n now jaundice free shes home at the mo but as to av vit k every few days, shes loosing weight pretty quick and the expectancy is around 18-24 mnths, mum is very positive n keeps smiling she asnt felt down once yet. which im glad,still waiting as to which treatment she will be receiving.
Hi Carolann,
This is a frightening disease and I remember clearly the way I felt when I heard. It is hard, and it is lonely, and you and your mother have my prayers. But, keep hope!! My husband was diagnosed in October 06 and they were unable to place a stint because they couldn’t get it past the tumor, however they did drain his bile ducts externally. Without that we would have lost him then and there. He has been treated with Gemzar, and now Tarceva, and his markers are coming down and last week they removed the external drain because they were able to get past the blockages! His color is good, his energy is up, and his tumor markers are way down! (Even tho our insurance won’t cover the tests for the markers – the dirty dogs have made our lives much more difficult lately, but as I understand it you don’t have to deal with that, and thank your stars!)What they are doing will make your Mom feel much better, and although there is no known cure for this right now, that doesn’t mean that it’s not out there. It’s just not known yet.
just a quick update on my mum, just been to see the doctor lookin after her, they cant find where the cancer as started from, shes got to go bk in for a colon, they cant yet diagnose her as avin cc.as the cancer is round her vesels can any1 shed any light on this as im not sure. it is still inoperable which ever way its looked at.
my mum had her stent put in yesturday ( plastic) she says shes feeling really well ang got a really good apetite, can any one gave me any kind of diets that wud help, im feeling mre positive now than i did b4 although my dads not been so strong feel like hes already given uo hope 4 her.
thnx jeff will look that up, every little helps me to get a clear picture of wots happening has it is harder to understand wen its not urself whos in the situation all helpful info i can redirect to my mum thnx again hope alls well with u and ur family much appreciated.
Hi Carolann,
There are many sites that explain the use of stents. UCLA Medical Center has a real good discription of the differences. Basically plastic stents are a little narrower than metal ones and less expensive. Plastic stents are also easier and more often replaced about every three months. Metal stents are used for a more extended period of time usually. Also there are different types of metal stents to include what they call expandable ones. Just think of a drinking straw and something is blocking the flow of juice or milk if you prefer and you cut the straw where the blockage is and insert a smaller straw in to both ends so that you have free flowing juice or milk again. In your case it will allow your Mom’s bile to flow. The decesion on what type to use comes down to location of blockage and condition of the bile duct itself. Also if the surgeon suspects possible blockage recurrence they’ll most likely go plastic. Hope this paints a clearer picture for you. I wish you and your Mom the best during this trying time. A prayer is coming your way! P.S. Just type Stents in your search and you’ll gets sites with actual pictures.
Jeff G.
hi kate, thnx for ur sincere concern, how r things with u at the moment, mums time got changed for stint so hopefully she will b done and out now, guna ring later see how she got on. do u no the difference between metal n plastic stints? im not used to this sort of language its baffiling me.
sorry to hear that chris fingers crossed for u, am sure he will be home soon hes in the rite place, prayers 4 u and urs.
Carolann-
Stents have worked wonders for my father in law. As with any procedure involving a foreign object being placed in the body, there is a risk of infection. The stent will most likely need to be replaced after time-the frequency is usually determined by whether the stent is metal or plastic.
Carolann-
My father in law is currently hospitalized with a quite serious infection, in addition to edema in his extremities and a few other complications. We are hoping to have him back home soon.
Thanks for asking,
Chris
Carolan mate!
As far as I’m aware, the insertion of a stent is not a big worry in itself. My Mum had to have one put in last year before she had her resection (operation to remove the tumour), and it was quick easy and painless. I hope the Docs have explained this to you. The stent should allow the bile duct to open again and relieve her jaundice, which is caused by the bile not being able to flow through the bile duct, because the tumour constricts it.
I am going to PM you Carolann.well its been a long day t day reading up on so many touching stories that vary in different ways, thnx 4 all ur posts, support and care, hope everything keeps on the right tracks for each n every 1, of u, n mayb 1 day, this beast will be sorted once and for all, any way t/c all. post soon.
once again thnk u so much, 4 ur help and support, how r u feeling? they say times a healer, im glad to av found this site it is of much help.
once again thnk u so much, 4 ur help and support, how r u feeling? they say times a healer, im glad to av found this site it is of much help.
Hya Carolann it is 5.43/pm thursday now.
Good luck to you and your mom tomorrow for stent insertion.
Hopefully your mom will not feel too bad.
You will feel dazed and numbed by all of these things at the moment.
However, if need be personally I would either speak to docs over the weekend and find out as much as possible.
OR E-MAIL, FAX or telephone the number given for prof lodge etc.
Whilst I know most doctors are quite quick many in this country are not informed enough concerning this type of cancer and tend to take too much time.
There is no harm in making enquiries and having more information and more options.Every little helps and please make use of all of us on this site as there are some marvellous stories. love and light Teresa
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