New term for me, EUS

Ritchie,

I really understand how you are feeling, but please insist on a blood test NOW to show your bilirubin count. Whatever you decide, you need to be comfortable.

If your doctors are slow to order blood tests, an ER should be able to do it and give you the results within an hour or so. (At least around here). Wherever/whenever you get lab work, always ask for a copy for your own records.

It’s really hard to ignore those <1% predictions, especially when new to this diagnosis; but best as you can, remember that statistics are for the masses, not the individual. I was hospitalized 3 weeks after my initial diagnosis with a bacterial blood infection and told my family I was done fighting and ready to die. Treatment had not even started at that time, except for stent placements. I was not able to hold on to a positive attitude when I felt so bad. Things can change, though. The roughest times have taught me that there is hope of feeling good again. I did not realize that until I went all the way through the valley.

I’m in that <1% category, and it will be 2 years in July. My doctors cannot understand why I'm still doing great. We just don't know what the future will bring. I personally could not do this as well as I do without God's help.

Praying for you Ritchie.

Kathy

I had the severe itching all over prior to an ERCP, where the doctor doing the procedure placed three stents. Within a week, the itching was gone, along with the yellow man appearance. In my case, both symptoms were associated with bile duct blockage, which the stents relieved., but I don’t presume to know your case. I had a left hepatic lobe resection, and never saw those symptoms again. In my case, the ERCP made clear the CC diagnosis, and a CT scan confirmed the general extent of the CC. A liver function test, CA 19-9 blood tests and perhaps some others need to be ordered pronto, if not already done. BTW, nothing relieved the itching in my case until the stents were placed.

It sounds like you don’t yet have a complete diagnosis/treatment plan. I would head for a big city major cancer center where the bulk of cc cases are handled and where you would have the best chance for successful treatment. I had surgery almost two years ago and doing fine, with a decent quality of life, so this can be treated if gotten to soon enough and the correct things are done.

Best to you and hope all turns out well for you.

Ritchie….I would insist on a blood test. There is no reason to have to wait any longer. Either the GP or the oncologist are able to order this test. You are suffering and something needs to be done. Time for the boxing gloves to come on.
Thinking of you and wishing for better things to be around the corner.
Marion