New member, new diagnosis, new to all of this.

Thanks so much for your very helpful responses to my questions of yesterday evening – As I indicated in my prior posts, I knew nothing about cancer until being diagnosed in September and will undoubtedly be seeking lots of help from this very knowledgeable community in the future –
I have one other process question – I (along with my daughter) have now outlined my history on the Introductions Board – Neither of us knew anything about cancer before my diagnosis in September and we’re now in the process of trying to educate ourselves with the wonderful assistance of those participating on these boards which means we’ll be asking lots of questions in the future – Should we put future posts on the Introductions Board or should we now move to the Discussion Board?
Again, thanks so much for your kind responses and for allowing us to participate in your cancer community –
Regards, Don

Hi,
If you are sure you only have “intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)”; and I f I understand correctly you have the tumors in the size of mm rather than cm; and depending on how large the lymph nodes you have.
In my opinion, you should consult an interventional radiologist to see whether chemoembolization and RFA or microwave ablation may be of benefit to BURN off the tumors in the liver and IRE or cryoablation may be used to eliminate the lymph nodes met if not contraindicated ,then after the ablations,use the current chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence.
Another suggestion is to consult a radiation oncologist to see whether IMRT,SBRT is of benefit to you.
your situation in a way is similar to mine ; and please remember, I am only a patient and not a doctor.

God bless.

I’m newly diagnosed and my daughter and I posted some information on your “Introductions” board today – I’m writing thi post to provide some additional information to ask a couple of questions – I’m not quite sure whether this should be posted on your “Introductions” board or on some other board so I’d appreciate it if someone could advise me as to where future messages should be located –
My original Tumor Marker 19-9 showed a 357 count – The second Tumor Marker which was done after two Chemotherapy cycles (one a week for two weeks and then skip a week to complete a cycle) showed a 333 count –
The CT scan (done November 4,2013) also done after two Chemotherapy cycles read, in part, as follows:
Subpleural nodule located posteriorly within the left lower lobe is 8 x 14 mm, previously {on first CT scan done August 30 2013) approximately 6 x 10 mm – Nodule located posteriorly in the right base is 4 x 10 mm, previously 6 mm –

Confluent hypoattenuating nodules or masses are demonstrated within the liver. This is most prominent throughout the left lobe and within the anterior right lobe as evident previously – 12 mL low attenuation lesion within the posterior right lobe is new – Enlarged gastrohepatic nodes are present – 13 x 14 mm node as previously approxinmately 9 x 12 mm – Mildly enlarged periportal nodes are present – 12 mL low-attenuation lesion within the posterior right lobe is new –

Spleen, adnenal glands pancreas are stable in appearance . No hydrohephrosis is present – Low-attenuation left renal lesion laterally is 14 x 21 mm, unchanged –

IMPRESSION
Extensive confluent low-attenuation masses throughout the liver most prominent anteriorly, overall slightly increased from prior study –
Gastrohepatic and periportal mild adenopathy, slightly increased –
Small lower lobe pulmonary nodules, slightly increased –

I obviously don’t understand this report and I hope I’m not violating any rules by posing this information on the board – If so, please tell me and I promise not to do this again –
I’d appreciate it if someone would be kind enough to answer a couple of questions for me – First, what do the Tumor Marker numbers mean? What is being counted?
Secondly, although the report seems to me to indicate the nodules have grown, my Oncologist indicated the nodules were stable and he was not concerned about the minimal growth indicated on the report –

As I mentioned in my earlier Introduction post today I am totally new and know nothing except what my daughter has dug up on the internet so if anyone could provide me with some clarification I would be most grateful –
Regards to all, Don

Welcome Kerry and Don, to our little family. I’m sorry you both had to find us, but so happy you have, as the support you will find here is amazing.
I think it’s wonderful that family members are both posting to here.
Don, keep up your positive attitude. And please use this site for information and support. And remember to post all of your good news in our good news section.

Hi Kerry,

Welcome to the site and thank you for sharing your experience with us. This site is incredible and there is always some one who can answer a query or offer support. I always think the support ‘buck’ stops somewhere and for you, I imagine your mum supports your Dad, you support your mum and you stay ‘strong’ for everyone above you. I couldn’t have got through the last year without this site taking some of the burden off me and listening when I didn’t know where else to turn for advice.