jathy1125

daddylove, I was diagnosed with an ERCP. My main sympton was being itchy. My tan that summer was very golden, and they think it was probably due to being jaundice, but you couldn’t really tell. I was very lucky (one of my many miracles during this disease) was that the doctor (Dr. Aliperty) knew what he was looking at and knew all brushings would be negative. Brushings were done twice and pathology report came from Mayo, confirming cc. Good luck and lots of prayers Cathy

Ziggydog- I have posted on here many times that I am a cc survivor because of a transplant (I really had 2). My miracle was at Barnes-Jewish St. Louis, MO. rated nine in the nation. My doctor was Dr. William Chapman who is in the top 5 doctors in the nation. I was diagnosed at age 53 with no symptons except itchy on July 31, 2008. I was in Dr. Chapmans care within 24 hours and my miracles never quit happening. There is a criteria to be met to qualify for transplant, but until you are told by the most expierenced centers (Barnes or Mayo) no, don’t give up. If you would like more of my story and expierence feel free to call (618-567-3247). My story is so full of hope and care. Keeping the prayers your way, Cathy

Hi Ziggy, Welcome, sorry you had to find this site though. I am a cc survivor. I am alive today because of a liver transplant (actually two). I know that transplant is not an option for most, but it is an option and a cure. What bothers me about your post is you said your doctor didn’t think it was an option, he should know wether it is or isn’t. I was very lucky because I was diagnosed at one of the best cc cancer centers, Barnes-Jewish in St. Louis MO. I did not need to get a second opinion, but in your guys case it cannot hurt. Two of the best cc cancer centers are Barnes or Mayo-Clinic. Don’t just accept your doctors word till you honestly believe he is God!! Good luck and lots of prayers- Cathy

Stacey- I agree, they become friend and family. It was hard to get use to waking up and Dr. Earl not being in my room every morning. Last time I went to 11th floor at CAM building they just heard my voice and all came out of rooms to see me and kept taking me to rooms to meet more doctors!! I am so glad that your dad is so loved and taken care of, we really need that care with this disease. Lots of prayers- Cathy

Stacey- It is amazing that all the people that go through Barnes that someone like the valet remembers you!! My 2 years at Barnes is like that. Every tech remembers you and your story, and our stories aren’t out of the ordinary there, they just honestly care! My oncologist sends me a handwritten christmas card using her first name only. God didn’t abandon us when he sent us this disease, he at least gave us great care. Good luck and lots of prayers for you and your dad, email if you ever want company while you are there. Cathy (P.S. Dr. Logan and team always called Dr. Earl “ken doll”)

Stacey, so interesting reading your post. I was diagnosed by Dr. Aliperty on July31,2008 at 3:30 in the afternoon, life stopped. Dr. Aliperty told me right away I needed to be transferred downtown (I was at West County) in Dr. Chapman care right away. My first meeting with him was Sunday morning (nurses said he never comes in on Sunday unless its his call). We started transplant protocol right away. It took 6 months to be listed on transplant list and another 3 to get call. It only took 24 hours to get second liver.
My road was always headed in the right direction and always full of hope. Dr. Crippin is my liver doctor, it has been 2 months without seeing any of them, so strange. I also had Dr. Anderson, Dr. Doyle Dr. Lowel (told me I had one foot on a bananna peel and the other in the grave!!), and Dr. Earl, my coordinator was Pam Thurston. They are true miracle workers!! We joke that I have bought at least a door for the new transplant floor. Always want people to know how lucky I was. Cathy

Since I was the patient and not the caretaker I have a different view point. My doctors automically put me on low dose of lexipro. Apparently I was not a pleasant person, my daughter who has the patience of job threatenned to put me in nursing home, which I was ok with!! I remeber hating bathes, physical therapy, occupational therapy and anythging that involed being among the living!! I now love my showers and being alive again, but only because I put my caretakers (sisters, daughter, and husband) through hell and they didn’t put up with it. I am living proof that things do get better. Hang in there and don’t worry about being bitchy, we do come to appreciate it. Cathy

Ladybug and Highsmith- I cannot write enough how lucky and blessed you are to be at Barnes. i have been all over that hospital for 2 years. I was on the 6 floor last time for 3 months. I had 6 drains, a feeding tube and a massive open wound which a vacuum pump wouldn’t work with. My wound was changed every 12 hours. I am sure if you mention my name (Cathy Dunnagan or Mrs. D) to Kim (physician asstitant) or Tracy, Kelley or any of the nurses they will know me. I went back for a visit last month and shared so many tears and hugs. I spent a month on 8th floor ICU, receptionist in waiting room remebers my family. Tanisha was my ICU nurse for both transplants, she is one of the main reasons I am still here. She later told me how nobody would make eye contact or look at the clock, because they all knew they should call it!! I even have a picture up on there board. I woke up from a 3 week coma with a manicure and a pedicure!! Tanisha and gang were unbeliavable.
I just want you to know what unbeleivable care you are in. I could go on and on with all my stays at Barnes (probably 15-20, was just there for most of May and June) and couldn’t give one negative comment. I would love to help you both, so if you need company, a break, a shoulder to cry on or just food call (618-254-1642), we are 20 minutes away. My doctors and I both believe God saved me to tell my story and give this cancer a face and hope. Tell Dr. Crippin hi!! Lots of prayers for both. Cathy