no symptoms but still cancer?
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I exhibited no symptoms until shortly before surgery. Then I had itching everywhere and fluorescent yellow skin color just a few weeks prior. Both of those symptoms disappeared after stents were placed before surgery.
I was very lucky to have a doctor see high liver enzyme level months earlier as part of a routine liver function test AND initiate action to determine the cause. One of the insidious things about cc is that it typically doesn’t display symptoms until it’s too late.
The CA 19-9 level is indeed very high, but the test itself has a fairly high degree of random variability. I wish you well and suggest you seek someone who can treat your uncle, rather than giving up before starting.
Good luck!
Bushra,
I was diagnosed of CC three weeks ago. I had been feeling very itchy and had mild jaundice like symptoms. A blood test showed high liver enzymes and bilirubin. A followup CT scan revealed constriction of the bile duct. A plastic stent was placed to drain the bile and that provided relief from itching and jaundice-like symptoms. Biopsy showed malignancy. In my case the tumor is located on the distal bile duct close to the pancreas which describes about 25% of CC cases. I have no symptoms (weight loss, fever, appetite loss, pain) though lately I feel like I get tired more easily.
I feel someone should be asking your uncle’s doctor more questions to learn about the location and staging of the cancer. What tools did the doctors use to detect the tumor – CT, PET, MRI? I agree with others that your uncle should consult another physician. If your uncle has a doctor in his friend/family circle in India, he may want to ask help from her/him to discuss your his situation with the physician who is taking care of the CC.
Wish you and your uncle the best.
Rudy
Hi Bushra,
The only symptom I had was weight lose and feeling a little more tired than usual. I didn’t think too much about it because my mom had just died. Just to be sure, I went in for a physical. Labs revealed abnormally high liver enzymes. From there it took a several tests to confirm cc. I still can’t believe it. I had no idea anything was wrong.
Betsy
Bushra:
Please, if at all possible, tell your uncle to get another opinoin. My husband Tom was told he had 6 months to live and that chemo and/or radiation would not work. Thank heavens we did not listen to that. Tom will be entering the 16th month of life next month. That is 12 months LONGER than what his then oncologist told him! We went to other doctors and found a doctor who said she could and would help him.
Tom did receive radiation and chemo and he is still here CELEBRATING life! He is much thinner and has had a lot of wonderful days during the past 16 months. Yes, he has also had days when even I was concerned that he would not make it. But each time he has been given new hope. Will he pass on some day? Most certainly he will…we just don’t know when that will be. But I do know that he does NOT have an expiration date stamped on his butt!
He has had a lot of firsts! His first birthday after his diagnosis. (and a 2nd and just recently a 3rd!) His first little grandson born after his diagnosis and who was named after him! (our little Tommy) His first fishing trip back to Canada after his diagnosis. His first Holidays after his diagnosis and all those same holidays a 2nd and a 3rd time! Finding and reuniting with his first born daughter after his diagnosis and building a wonderful bond with her and her husband and their children (and gaining two more grandchildren in the process).
I could go on with more examples, but I think you can see where this is going….
Never give up! Look for a doctor that feels that they CAN do something! And keep a positive attitude.
Go in peace and KEEP KICKIN’ THAT cancer.
Margaret
Hi Bushra, welcome! My mother in law sounds just like your uncle. She was diagnosed in August 2010..absolutely no symptoms except the jaundice. She was pretty much symptom free until around Jan 1st. The doctors must tell everyone the same thing 3-6 months as a precaution since there is no two cases of this dreadful disease the same. My mother in law now 6 months later does have discomfort and pain which is being managed by medication. She’s very tired and rarely gets out of the bed for more than a few hours a day, she’s doesnt have alot of energy–otherwise she feels fine, not a very good appetite but still eating and drinking alot BUT, she’s really doing great given her prognosis, so I can only hope that your uncle continues to do well and have great days and that you all enjoy him while he is still feeling good. This board has been a great reference for us and you can learn so much from everyone–it’s about the only place you can search for any of the questions you will have. Keep us all posted and I hope your uncle continues to do well.
Dear Bushra – I agree totally with Lainy. One thing we’ve seen over and over on this site is that second opinions or third or fourth can make all the difference in the world. Please seek out another opinion. There are also clinical trials available. My prayers are with you and your family. Blessings, Susan
Dear Bushra, welcome to our wonderful family…and all the way from India. The best advise I can give you is that perhaps your Uncle needs a second opinion. Blocked bile ducts and high cancer markers usually go hand in hand to let you know it is cancer. However, did he have an MRI or PET Scan? Did they offer Chemo? You jsut might want to suggest a second opinions. Best wishes and sending good luck to your Uncle.
Dear all,
My Uncle Kajol was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in November 2010, and doctors say he has 3-6 months to live. Uncle Kajol is 46 years old and resides in India with his wife and 3 children aged 7, 10 and 19.
The cancer was first diagnosed when he suddenly suffered from obstructive jaundice in November 2010. He had a metal stent inserted and has been fine ever since. He’s had no chemotherapy or radiotherapy because doctors say it won’t be responsive as its late stage.
His Ca.19-9 tumour marker level is the highest i’ve heard of: 3300!!
But he is living life normally with no complications, and no symptoms other than he’s lost some weight. To the family he doesn’t seem like a cancer patient but doctors keep saying he doesn’t have much time left.
Has anyone else experienced this situation? is it possible to have no symptoms and still have cancer?
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