My introduction

Hello all, my name is Carolyn and I’m 56 years old, a seven year breast cancer survivor and I was diagnosed August 2013 with gallbladder CA, unresectable, a few liver mets, Stage 4. Prior to diagnosis, I had what I thought were minor, common GI symptoms like GERD, heartburn. Early May, 2013 I had what seemed like a classic gallbladder attack, (a first) and an ER work up was unremarkable. Followed up with my internist, started over-the-counter meds as needed. Had a colonoscopy which was fine in early June. By late June I was feeling worse, had upper abdominal pain, poor appetite and fullness after meals. My internist did more bloodwork, found H. pilori and I took two weeks of antibiotics which made me feel worse. Still feeling bad, I saw her again and she ordered Ultrasound which told us what was going on with my gallbladder. My breast oncologist, affiliated with Sloan Kettering helped us find the group at Sloan and Dr. Abou-Alfa is now my doctor. I started chemo (Gemcitabine and Cisplatin) on September 9, 2013, along with starting a clinical trial of MEK 162. Six months into treatment, I’m doing well. The tumor has shrunk, mets have also shrunk and in general I feel well. My husband has been a wonderful support, as has our only son who is in college. I am so fortunate to have wonderful friends through community involvement and church and I’m getting through the challenges with my faith, family and friends lifting me up as I go. I am finding now that my emotions are more up and down, as the routine continues and I tire more easily. I was very happy to learn about this group because I am ready to get to know others who are in a similar situation. Thanks for listening to my story, and for sharing yours with me. I’m new to discussion boards, have never posted on one, but here I go!

Carolyn