type III cholangiocarcinoma unresectible

Hi Jenny,

Welcome to the site, although I am sorry that you have to be here. As Marion says, you are doing everything right in looking to get more opinions for your dad and I hope you manage to get somewhere with these and can get app’s set upfor your dad.

I was also my dads carer during his fight with CC. I am glad to hear that you have been reading here and I am glad that the posts here have helped you. I know everyone here helped me so much and I am certain that you will get the same from us all. So please keep coming back as you will get a load of support and help from us all.

My best wishes to you and your dad,

Gavin

Not yet. My mother will talk to Dr. Gemblin today (http://www.upmc.com/Services/liver-cancer-center/ourphysicians/Pages/t-clark-gamblin.aspx) He is the doctor that ordered the second CT scan and biopsies. I think he is the one who said the cancer was unoperable. We have a few questions to ask him like stage of cancer, size of tumor, why is it unoperable, etc.

No matter what he says, I still think we should get in touch with Dr. Geller for a second opinion.

I will definitely post updates.

Thanks,
Jenny

Hi Ashley,

My dad is in Pennsylvania and I am in New York City. So far Dr. Geller (from UPMC liver cancer center) has been recommended to us by two friends of mine. From reading all of these posts, I am convinced that second and third opinions are necessary. It can make the difference between life and death. Any other suggestion are very much welcome.

~Jenny

Hi Sethwoman,

Welcome to our family. I’m glad you have been reading on the site but sorry that you have to be here. Keep coming back and let us know how things are progressing. This site and the people on it are amazing. You will get all the best information, support, strength and courage we can give and we are also good listeners if you just want to vent. Hopefully you will know more after your mom’s discussion with the doctors today.

Darla

Hi Kathy:
Welcome to the best CC site on the internet. So sorry that you now know what the word Cholangiocarcinoma means. Before May 2008 I had no idea, but now I even know how to spell it and what it means. My husband Tom has been fighting his battle with CC since that time. He was able to have a liver resection in June 2008 with clean margins. We had a great spring summer and fall of 2008 but in Nov 09 he started turning yellow. His original oncologist told him to go home and make his preparations.

We did not accept that and got 2nd and 3rd opinoins. His new tumor is unoperable. But with his bilirubin levels rising fast the docs were able to get an extenal drain placed and he started radiation and had 28 treatments and was finaly able to start Chemo two weeks ago. His bili is now down to 3.9 (down from 24.7) and his tumor markers are now below 100. He will be having surgery tomorrow to try to get the internal stent placed (this will be try number 5) and we’re hoping they are successful.

One thing that I have learned througout Tom’s journey is to ask a lot of questions. When someone says ‘no’ ask why! Write down your questions, cause else you will forget them. Seek more than one opinoin. Remember that there are many oncologists and doctors who have NEVER encountered cholangiocarcinoma and they don’t know anything about it. (like Tom’s first oncologist) He gave Tom 6 months and in 10 months when Tom is still here fighting, I’m going to make that oncologist eat those words!

Go with God and KEEP KICKIN’ THAT cancer.
Prayers are coming your way from Wisconsin.

Margaret (my husband and cholangiocarcinoma)

Bob & Rose,

Your story is so uplifting. Thanks for sharing it with all of us. Kathy, you are so right. All you can do is live every day to the fullest and appreciate every one of them. Hoping for the best for all of you.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Hello Rose and Bob… your story touched my heart. Thank you for joining our community. Your story is inspirational and encouraging to all. Thank you for bringing joy to our life