Cholangiocarcinoma And Chemo Treatment? Is This The Way To Go???

my first message…my husband developed cc feb 07 whipple mar 07 clear margins now ca 19 9 is 3000 slated to start chemo and rad in 3 wks otherwise feeling and doing great golf every day its hard to see a otherwise health rustic man be faced with such a bad time ahead of him do we wait for other signs of disease progression or start treatments while he is on the upswing his post whipple health has been remarkable jan

andyjuk…In our quest of finding a surgeon qualified in resection we had mailed the 3D scan to three physicians familiar with liver and bile duct resection thus allowing us to make an informed decision. And yes, opinions varied greatly but, then that is to be expected with a complex surgery such as CC however, as you will read, on this forum, many members have undergone resections, successfully. I believe, confusion is part of the situation while juggling all the information and opinions coming your way. The members on this site are so very helpful in helping you along in this maze. In the mean time I would continue gathering all medical records pertaining to your Mom (including all scans, lab reports, doctor’s notes, etc.) and have them ready to forward those to several medical institutions or physicians who could possibly review your Mom’s medical condition. Sending tons of good wishes your way.
Marion

It seems that different docs give different options for what is best.

My dad is 82 and was diagnosed on July 29, 2008. The diagnosis resulted from a hospital stay for jaundice and weakness. A temporary stent was installed and has since had to be replaced this August.

Jefferson University Hospital wanted to start chemo with surgery as a possibility after shrinking the tumors, while another hospital wanted to do only chemo as a palliative without much hope. Fox Chase wants to start off with surgery and also do radiation, and this is the path we have chosen.

It’s hard to know what is right, especially when the experts disagree.

DianeC, I’m sorry to hear about Brad. Did he have a stent that failed? Is that why the infection happened?

Dear andyuk — I’m so sorry you have to come to this website, but as others have said, you will receive exceptional support here.

My sweet husband Brad just passed on August 17 from CC. That is of course the bad news.

But the good news is that he was diagnosed in 2006 and was able to live a quality life for many many months. His CC was even suspected in 2005, although the docs failed to mention it.

Brad began radiation in 2006 along with receiving chemo (Gemzar & 5FU) through February 2007. The oncologist kept monitoring him with CT’s, and he again began chemo in the summer of 2007, due to changes (tumors)in the scan. With even more changes, Brad again began chemo, this time with Oxalyplatin and Gemzar. Unfortunately, in July this year, he developed an infection and sepsis, which greatly compromised his health, and ultimately lead to his death.

No doubt CC is a miserable disease, but Andy, don’t let statistics get in the way of your mother’s (and your) life. Fight!! And know that you have an army of supporters at this extraordinary site.

andyuk,
My dad was diagnosed in Nov 07. Surgery was not an option. He had two stents put in to open up the bile ducts as he was very jaundiced and itching alot. Dad started a treatment of 5FU with radiation…6-7 weeks. There was a little growth with suspicion that it had spread to lungs. He then started 6 wks of Gemzar. The tumors got worse. By this time it was July 08. He was told that he had 4 weeks left to live. Then we found a new oncologist who suggested treatment with Tarceva and oxyplatin. The new oncologist said that had he been involved he would have started dad with this protocol from the very beginning. Dad has been 4 weeks on Tarceva and two rounds of oxyplatin. His last CT scan showed no change which is a good sign. Before the cancer had been quickly spreading. We’re hopeful that this new treatment will help and control or shrink the cancer.

We were told that there is no cure for choloangiocarinoma. It’s a terrible disease. You’ve come to the right place to get information. This site has an abundance of information from people with large hearts who are willing to share.

Good luck and God Bless

My husband does not have cancer in his liver but we are plagued with the bile ducts. After a Whipple surgery 3 years ago the monster returned in April. We have been told by 4 doctors, yes 4, that chemo will not work on this type of cancer. We have opted to never do chemo. A liver tranplant surgeon here told us that radiation is the best way to go as did our Oncologist and the doctor who did the Whipple and our main Oncologist. Teddy is having IMRT radiation now as the Insurance Company would not OK the cyberknife until he has been “radiated”. All I can say is we have opted for quality life over length. Teddy is 76 and has done quite well except for tiredness. Good luck as there are big decisions to be made. You have come to the right place and I know you will get some good advise here, you are not alone!