Ayhan

Hello Kristen,

Thank you very much for your support. The last blood test showed that her CRP level and white blood cell count are high. They did additional blood tests and said that this is probably due to urinary tract infection. She is now on antibiotics and they will check the blood tests again for inflammation on Monday. If all goes well, they will start chemotherapy.

Our visits did not take very long unfortunately. It is a university hospital and they are trying to serve many patients. We asked around for alternatives and despite the time issue, this hospital still seems like the best option.

We asked what the treatment plan was. The doctor said they will start chemotherapy after solving the inflammation problem. Then, if the chemotherapy can shrink the tumors they will try surgery. I don’t know how optimistic that is. The largest tumor is about 8 centimeters and there are many small ones scattered on the liver (according to the PET scan report). There is also one small area under her right scapula which suggests bone metastasis.

I didn’t want to ask how probable that scenario is (being able to get a surgery after chemotherapy) because my mom seemed really hopeful there so I decided to focus on that and hope that it happens even if it is not very likely.

Our next visit is on Monday and I will ask what drugs they are planning on using (if it is Gem/Cis or something else) and if that is the best option.

Currently I am trying to get more information on nutrition, psychological support, possible disease progressions. I read and get lot of helpful information on the forum as well as on Cholangiocarcinoma Foundations’ website. Thanks again to all of you for this.