Cholangiocarcinoma (stage 2) and Cirrhosis what should I expect?

Hi Pcw183,

Welcome to our community.  I wish your husband had not received the diagnosis that brought you to us.

Experience with our cancer varies a lot from patient to patient because of differences in how and where it turns up in your body, and differences in patient starting points, such as age and general health. Sometimes the cancer is aggressive, while in other patients it can move slowly.  There is no way to generalize because a very specific feature of a patient’s case may result in different treatment options and outcomes compared to other, seemingly similar patients.   Doctors are hesitant to offer specific timeframes about life expectancy for these reasons.

I am hoping your husband is being seen by doctors with experience with our rare cancer, and who are giving guidance about what to expect. If treatment is not possible due to liver damage from cirrhosis, their efforts will be oriented to preserving your husband’s liver function and avoiding infections.  Signs of liver failure and/or of sepsis resulting from blockages in the gastrointestinal tract are adverse developments to look out for.  Maintaining general good health, e.g., with a nutritious diet, having some exercise and staying engaged with daily activities, as possible, is important for our patients.

Please stay in touch with our community.  I hope you have had the opportunity to look at the resources for patients and caregivers available on the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation website.

Take care, regards, Mary