joan

In August of this year, without any previous symptoms, and only 4 months away from a wonderful retirement was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma – stage iv.
We had a contract for the sale of our home when this monster disease struck.
So we, like so many of you were totally confused as to the path to take. We first went to Hackensack Hosp. where we were being treated like cattle; there were so many sick people in such a small space and a hospital staff overwhelmed. The oncologist there Dr. Jennings who we liked very much gave cholangiocarcinoma the official name of the disease. Since my husband ultimately has bile duct cancer with tumors in both of his liver lobes, basic chemo was recommended. We were not satisfied with that diagnosis.

Meanwhile, I had contacted Sloane Ketterning in NYC and saw an Indian Doctor – Dr. Jhawer. By reputation, I thought Sloane was the place to go Dr. Jhawer offered us the same type of treatment as Hackensack Hosp. and told us their were no trials my husband could join, as there were not enought people alive to test. Upsetting to say the least.

Next, we contacted The Cancer Treatment Center of America in Phila. We were impressed with their heart and made an apointment to see them mid-Sept. Their approach is to treat the whole person – not just the cancer. My husband had a direct infusion of chemo into his liver for 5 complete days. He was bedridden and unable to move the whole time (the catheter was stitched in place). Then he was sent home for three weeks to recooperate and we again go back next week (Oct. 24th) to see if the tumors have shrunk. We have been extremely happy with this facility and the personnel there. Everyone truly cares. Plus, massages, raki, pain management, nutritional management, psychology, naturalpathy, and pastoral are all included in the treatment.

Has anyone else had direct infusion?? Results?? We are hopeful; but the person upstairs makes the final decisions.