Good News – CT Scan of 1/7/14

Hi Everyone,

I am happy to report that my CT scan showed a 10% decrease in all my tumors!!! This is after six Gem/Cis treatments. So based on the good news, we’ve decided to stick with this treatment. I am taking a three week break from chemo and going to Florida to visit family and then do a five day trip to Key West!!! I leave on Wednesday, 1/15 and will be happy to get out of NJ and the cold, cold weather and snow we’ve been having. I will start back up on Gem/Cis on 1/29.

I did have two major issues with this treatment. One is my stomach was distended so much that it made me uncomfortable and almost impossible to fit into normal clothes or move around normally. Because of that, the doctor sent me over to the hospital today and they drained five liters of fluid from my abdomen. It was amazing the instant relief I felt. They will have the fluid checked but the doctor is not too concerned about it. She said there may be cancer cells in the fluid but suspects the fluid build up is more from the portal vein blood clot I have. These types of clots do not travel to the lungs or heart so there is no danger in that or a need for blood thinner. I am going to start taking water pills tomorrow (Saturday) and will be re-assessed for that when I return from vacation and start treatment on 1/29.

The second major issues with the Gem/Cis was extreme feet and leg swelling. I am seeing a lymphedema physical therapist and will have leg wrapping done for that when I return from vacation. I will see her before I leave and she will show me techniques that I can use to make me more comfortable while I’m away.

Thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts. Everyday I pray for the cholangiocarcinoma family, and our caregivers, and ask for new treatments to help us fight this terrible disease.

Peace to all,
Mary