debnorcal

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Viewing 15 posts - 31 through 45 (of 324 total)
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  • in reply to: Cholangiocarcinoma. My Dad #92176
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Dear Pam,

    I don’t have much to add to the excellent, very detailed information provided above. I just want to welcome you to our group and let you know That you, your father, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. When a cancer such as this is diagnosed at such a late stage, and the patient’s declining health so rapid, it can be so difficult for loved ones to process what’s happening. You are doing all that you can to comfort and care for your dad, and I’m sure he appreciates your loving presence.

    Debbie

    in reply to: First time posting #94793
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    I am so sorry that your husband’s journey has taken this course. I’m sure your positive attitude, and being surrounded by his loved ones, is making these days easier for your dear husband.

    Hugs to you.

    Debbie

    in reply to: My Introduction #80510
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Matt,

    It is so nice to hear from you, and even better to hear your fantastic update! Mike and I are so very happy for you. We wish you much happiness and continued wonderful health!!

    Debbie

    in reply to: 36 year old with CC update #93616
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Billy,

    It’s tough enough dealing with CC, the complications you described make managing this disease so much harder. I’m glad to hear Kathy is feeling better.

    Debbie

    in reply to: Saturday #51025
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Dear Jonathan,

    I am also so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. You and you son will be in my thoughts and prayers. Considering how poorly your wife was feeling much of this last year since her diagnosis, I’m sure this has been a very long journey for you as well as her, and you are probably wiped out. I hope that with some rest, and the passage of time, you (and your son) will heal . Please consider staying connected to our special “family”, as there are many that have also lost loved ones and are good sources of support.

    Debbie

    in reply to: New Wrinkle #94240
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Kathy,

    Thank you for posting your update. You have obviously been thrown a huge curveball, but are handling it in a calm, objective manor, which allows you to make the best and most informed decisions regarding your treatment options. I am beyond impressed with your resiliency. Sending positive thoughts for the complete eradication of your brain mets.

    Debbie

    in reply to: TACE Procedure today #95524
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    I’m sure it was disappointing to turn around and head home. Probably better, though, to reschedule as you did. Hopefully, the effects of the storm will have subsided by then. Stay safe.

    Debbie

    in reply to: My 42 year-old husband #93323
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Victoria,

    I am happy to hear that your husband is doing so well.

    Debbie

    in reply to: Need advice #95503
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Kaia,

    In some patients, the Gem/Cis does shrink tumors enough for surgery to be possible. That was the case with my husband after five cycles.

    I am not familiar with the HAI pump, although I have read of success with that.

    In my opinion, it is critical to be treated by a specialty center with a lot of experience with CC. I think the Moffit center is the most renowned for CC of the two centers you referenced. Perhaps you could ask the Moffitt team about the option of HAI, and their recommendation for the best of the two treatment modalities.

    Debbie

    in reply to: Diagnosed with IHCC at 29-years-old #93678
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Wow, April, good for you! . Thank you for sharing your wonderful update with us. I’m sure your continued good health is an inspiration to many on this board!

    Debbie

    in reply to: New Discussion Board is Coming! #95465
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Wow, exciting!

    debnorcal
    Moderator

    I’m sorry that cancer has touched both you and your sister. I’m sure you were a wonderful caregiver to your sister and she surely your loving presence was a huge comfort for her.

    I agree that we unfortunately come to understand so much when we experience cancer.

    Thanks for sharing your lovely thoughts and photo of your sister.

    Debbie

    in reply to: Needing advice and tips #95461
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Dear Hopeseeker,

    We were in a similar situation a few years ago. My husband had been deemed inoperable and was undergoing gem/Cis. He was very weak and would frequently get infections, sometimes requiring hospitalization. He insisted on taking the family on vacation. I was reluctant because I worried that he would become ill in an area where community hospitals knew nothing about Cholangiocarcinoma. We did take the trip and it was a very special time for our family. We all thought it would be our last family vacation together.

    I packed a medical bag filled with thermometer, Tylenol, Citpro- his go-to antibiotic for infection,, plus the Cholangiocarcinoma information card for wallets, and his medical history records. I also located the nearest hospital, which was actually on a nearby island, accessible via helicopter. We were prepared for a bad infection. Turned out he only had one down day, which I aggressively managed with Tylenol. I’m glad be made the trip. Perhaps you could make similar preparations for your MIL and plan on low key vacation with lots of quality time together.

    Debbie

    in reply to: Survival…Please tell us your latest milestone #64803
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Genevieve,

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful news. Your husband has been through a lot – he sounds like a “real trooper”. I hope that he enjoys continued good health!!

    Debbie

    in reply to: Hi! #95435
    debnorcal
    Moderator

    Dear Silentk,

    I am so sorry that you and your husband (and family) are dealing with this, and I agree with the advice given by Catherine and Marion. I also agree that you are in an impossible situation. This diagnosis/prognosis is a massive blow to all of you. I’m so sorry that your husband isn’t able to cope and has shut down. Accepting your comfort would likely ease his pain and fear somewhat, but at least for now he won’t allow that. Perhaps he will be more open to love and support in the near future. For now, I would just be there for him but expect nothing from him. Unfortunately, this is his diagnosis and he gets to choose how he handles it. Try to keep in mind that these are extraordinary times and this is not the husband/father you/your family know and love. I would just be there for him (taking some sanity breaks) and know that soon you will have time to grieve and then start healing.

    I hope this advise doesn’t come across as harsh. I know this is probably tearing you apart, and you and your husband should be able to comfort each other at this time. Please lean on us on this board, or vent to us, or whatever you need to do to get through this. We care and are there for you. Your family will be in my thoughts!

    Debbie

Viewing 15 posts - 31 through 45 (of 324 total)