My dad

Hi Suzanne… My name is Jeff. About 25 years younger than your Dad and have been battling cholangiocarcinoma for 8.5 years. It’s hard to give advice not knowing your Dad and his complete medical condition. I can say only from experience that when a severe heart condition exsist it really complicates everything. My Dad had all 4 main arteries 85-95% blocked and they could not do surgery. Due to the arteries being so brittle that even trying a multiple by-pass would have ended his life. 4 months later in a nursing home he passed away. I say this because chemo can be extremely cruel to your viens and arteries and could surely cause fluxcuations in blood pressure high or low. Also, would certainly be of higher risk of internal bleeding just from rupture. Suzanne, as far as time line of life expectancy it is so individual. Your overall health and how far advanced the cancer is plays a big role and also a positive attitude as well as one could expect comes in to play. If your Dads symptoms have been relieved by replacing his stents and they can’t see anything elsewhere and he has been living somewhat quality then hang to it. Radiation Ihave had external no beads on two occassions. Beads can be pretty tough post two weeks from what I have heard. Suzanne, Have you consulted with a heart surgeon about the effects of chemo or radiation? I’m sorry about your Dad’s situation and if it was my Dad I would love him and support him with what ever he wanted to try but But if I had full say I would not put him through the living hell of chemo. I’m sorry for being so blunt but I have been doing chemo for three years now and it’s a roller coaster of discomfort and bad pain you would not believe. God Bless your Dad and you and the family, But unless I missed something completely your Dad has a better chance of surviving longer by just keeping the blockage clear and not trying any chemo or radiation beads, especially if he had a heart attack just replacing the stent. You might ask about a different kind of stent, I think it is called a coil type that helps with keeping blockage clear. Others members on this site have more knowledge about which type of stent is preferred. Again , I’m so so sorry to hear of your Dad’s condition and can only pray and wish for the best outcome. Everyone on this site understands the shock and anger and the whole cycle of emotions you are going through.
Jeff G.

Dear Suzanne,
My husband had a klatskin tumor(at the bifurtcation of the ducts inside the liver) with no spread in the liver or elsewhere. He had 5 weeks of IMRT radiation along with Xeloda , followed by brachytherapy. His tumor can no longer be seen by scans or MRIs. The only difference with your Dad and him is that his was very visible before the treatments. He really didn’t have too many negative side effects from the radiation or Xeloda. His main problem was from infections invoving his stents and drains. I am a believer in radiation if done by very experienced professionals. I know he would not be doing as well if he was given chemo alone.Try to help your Dad keep up his strength and maintain his immune system. That is very important with the cancer and his heart disease. Best wishes and God Bless. Mary