Diagnosed with IHCC at 29-years-old
Discussion Board › Forums › Introductions! › Diagnosed with IHCC at 29-years-old
- This topic has 28 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 2 months ago by mbachini.
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August 21, 2017 at 3:14 am #93683mbachiniModerator
April,
I loved reading your update! Such wonderful news and hope for others. I am so happy for you and your children. Please keep us updated on next scans and I will keep you in my prayers for continued healing!
All my best to you, hugs and prayers!
MelindaAugust 20, 2017 at 11:25 pm #93682positivitySpectatorWow! That’s great news April. Most have trouble gaining weight or even their appetite. How were you able to gain a normal appetite? This is the case with or without chemo treatment. Of course it can be due to age also, since you are so young so maybe it’s easier to back to your regular eating. What did you do for stomach pain?
August 20, 2017 at 12:06 pm #93681nykasonSpectatorThanks for the support, everyone! You all are the best.
August 19, 2017 at 11:24 am #93680herculesModeratorApril, thank you for sharing your fantastic story, this is what newly diagnosed people need to read. Your results are amazing and continue to be so. Your angels are working miracles for you…may god continue to bless you, Pat p.s. You have done all the right things….
August 19, 2017 at 10:19 am #93679middlesister1ModeratorApril-
I guess Lainy has rubbed off on me, because what came to mind reading your post this morning is that I’m over the moon for you!!!!
Best wishes for continued success-
Catherine
August 19, 2017 at 6:20 am #93678debnorcalModeratorWow, April, good for you! . Thank you for sharing your wonderful update with us. I’m sure your continued good health is an inspiration to many on this board!
Debbie
August 18, 2017 at 5:34 pm #93677spokanemomSpectatorSuch great news!! Congratulations!
August 18, 2017 at 4:06 pm #93676nykasonSpectatorHi everyone, I just wanted to give you all a brief update, since I’ve had 2 scans since my last post. August 13 marked my 1 year anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer. I was diagnosed with bile duct cancer on 8/23/16 when I had my first appt at MD. My MD onc told me that the average prognosis was 3-4 months without treatment and up to a year with treatment. All I heard was that I wouldn’t be here next year to see my 2nd child start kindergarten or possibly see my youngest turn 2 in April. Well, my son starts kindergarten in less than 2 weeks and I’m still here doing well. I’m so thankful to God. My oldest is going to the 2nd grade.
I had a scan on May 8 here at home and my most recent scan was on Aug 7 at MD. They both showed that the tumors are continuing to shrink. My largest tumor measured 4.4 cm in May and last week it measured at 3.9. My AFP was 6.7 and my CA 19-9 has remained around 0.1. I had an appt on Wed with my local onc and he said that I’m their star patient. He said that they don’t see many cholangio patients who continue to show improvement. I give all thanks to God. Sept 6 marks a year since I stated chemo. I was taken off cisplatin in June and started carboplatin a couple of treatments later due to the neuropathy. So now I’m receiving gemzar and carboplatin.
My next scan is in Nov and I’m remaining optimistic. I’m going to continue to eat organically, stay away from sugar for the most part, take my supplements, exercise, meditate, and most importantly PRAY! I have maintained my weight which I’m extremely happy about. A year ago I weighed around 114-116 lbs at 5’8. I now weigh 140 lbs. Other than the neuropathy and ringing in my ears every now and then, I haven’t had any issues with chemo. After a year, I’m just tired of receiving it, but I’m just happy to be alive.
Also, I had another ultrasound in June on my thyroid nodule and it actually shrunk quite a bit on its own. The first ultrasound was in Dec. The doc said that I don’t have to come back until next year to check the progress.
February 19, 2017 at 12:08 am #93675positivitySpectatorGreat April! I made sure my mom didn’t eat red meat or fried food, and reduce sugar intake. I also included supplements and daily lemon water and ginger. Hopefully, you will come across some successful clinical trials.
February 18, 2017 at 2:44 pm #93674nykasonSpectatorThank you, Lainy and Mich!
Positivity – Yes, I’m trying to hit this cancer from all directions (i.e. prayer, diet, exercise, and treatment). I am eating some meats like organic chicken, turkey, and some fish. I’ve stopped eating red meat, pork, and fried foods. Basically, most of the foods that I used to love before, lol. My docs haven’t mentioned immunotherapy, but I’m willing to look into it to see what it’s about. And, thank you!
February 11, 2017 at 1:53 pm #93673mich_claytonSpectatorGreat news, April! Keep plugging along!
February 10, 2017 at 9:02 pm #93672positivitySpectatorHello April,
I noticed you mention lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition which is no processed foods, no meats, and reducing sugar. Of course including exercise! That’s great that chemo is working for you. Are you going to look into immune therapy treatments? I would love to see changes in treatments for CC, giving more options. It would be great if it is a condition that can be controlled rather than a cancer.Keep up the good work in healing! You are doing the right thing by participating in your health rather than only relying on the chemo.
February 10, 2017 at 4:20 pm #93671lainySpectatorOh, April, what a fabulous report. LOVE the GREAT news! Spring is around the corner and so glad to hear your are springing forward in the right direction. If I could, I would turn cartwheels for you! Keep that great news coming and it was good to hear from you and I can see your smiling face!
February 10, 2017 at 4:12 pm #93670nykasonSpectatorThank you, Joe! I am praying for your mother as well.
My husband and I traveled to MD in Houston this week for my second CT scan. My scan was on Feb. 6 and I received the results on the 7th, which was also my 30th b-day. The great news is that the tumors have continued to shrink. The biggest mass has decreased in size by 25-50% and most of the smaller tumors have decreased by 50%. That was the best b-day gift that I could have possibly received. My bloodwork also looks good. My AFP has gone down from 9 to 6.7. The CA-A 19 is 1.1 and the CA-A 125 is 138 which is also in the normal range. I’m so thankful to God that everything is going well despite by diagnosis. I’m continuing to do well with chemo with no side effects other than my hair thinning and occasional ringing in my ears. I’m praying that my next scan will show that the tumors are all gone.
My oncologist also told me that I could be eligible for some clinical trials in the future due to the two mutations found in my tumors. There is a trial opening in a week; however, it is for progressive disease, so I’m not eligible.
I pray that everyone here (and your loved ones) is doing well!
January 2, 2017 at 4:30 pm #93669prayformymamaMemberApril, we are all here for you and praying for continued success. I too am new to all of this as my 61 year old mother was diagnosed with IHCC just 2 months ago and has flipped our lives upside down. Keep the positive energy going as that is most important! Let us know if you need anything. Regardless we are here with you and sending our prayers.
Joe -
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