marylloyd

Have a great break Jeff. You and your wife need it and deserve it. I really believe you will come back in Oct feeling stronger and healthier( if you eat your spinach!!) and able to handle any thing you decide at that time. I completely understand your wife’s behavior. I’ve only been dealing with this for a year and she has been worrying about you for years, but don’t ever think it would be better if you weren’t around. They want you to hang in here as long as you possibly can- like I tell my husband at least ’til you’re 80 or so! You can do it if anyone can and we all admire your strength and courage. God bless you and your family. Have some fun!! Mary

Dear Suzanne,
My husband had a klatskin tumor(at the bifurtcation of the ducts inside the liver) with no spread in the liver or elsewhere. He had 5 weeks of IMRT radiation along with Xeloda , followed by brachytherapy. His tumor can no longer be seen by scans or MRIs. The only difference with your Dad and him is that his was very visible before the treatments. He really didn’t have too many negative side effects from the radiation or Xeloda. His main problem was from infections invoving his stents and drains. I am a believer in radiation if done by very experienced professionals. I know he would not be doing as well if he was given chemo alone.Try to help your Dad keep up his strength and maintain his immune system. That is very important with the cancer and his heart disease. Best wishes and God Bless. Mary

Dear Wayne,
My husband was diagnosed with a klatskin tumor in June 06. He underwent an attempted resction but it was not possible because too much bile duct would have had to be removed. They checked him all out ,removed his gall bladder and closed him up.They thought his lymph nodes were involved but the biopsies all came back negative so he had no mets. After recovering from that he went through 5 weeks of IMRT radiation along with Xelada, followed by brachytherapy. In December they did his first followup scan and they said they couldn’t see the tumor any more. We then went to the Univ. of Pitts basically to get a second opinion.They didn’t trust the OSU scans, they figured they would see something on their own scans since they felt they had better”technique” and they came back to us with the same result. They said the tumor is gone. Since then he has had an MRI every three months and it continues to simply show an area of dead tissue and no active tumor. He does have a stent but I am even hoping that if the tumor does not start coming back that they will remove it since infection is always a problem with those.I really hope your wives procedure is effective. I have never read of anyone having the results my husband has had and I would really like to read about more people doing more than just chemo! Ecspecially with the klatskin. They really don’t even try to give you hope if a resection is not possible. Keep us informed of her progress. All information people have is greatly appreciated! You just never know what may help. Take care. Mary

Amilcar,
My husband had a very off again, on again regime when he was on Xeloda. He took it along with radiation and had to suspend both several times for more than a week due to problems. It still worked though so I think your Dad will be fine. I was just like you though questioning whether it would all still be effective and they all assured us it would be. Take care. Mary

Hi Amylea,
I’m glad you found us here and that your Mom is doing so well. She is very lucky. We were the same way as you regarding cancer for my husband. Heart disease, stroke whatever but not cancer. No one in his family has had it. I just assumed I would get it because it’s very prevalent in my family but I never imagined in a million years my husband would get so sick with something like this. It’s great to hear from someone who has had a positive outcome and who has a Dr. that is positive too. That seems to be rather rare. Best wishes for continued good health for your mother! Take care. Mary

Hey Jeff,
I really believe in the stuff so that’s very appropriate! My husband had his one year check-up and all is well. It must be the spinach and milkthistle, or maybe the carrot juice and beet pills or maybe the maitake mushrooms! Who knows ,but we’re pleased. I hope all is well with you. It sounds like you’re doing great. Keep it up and enjoy your summer! Take care. Mary

Jean,
I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Your story of the baby and teddy bear is wonderful. I am glad you had that moment to lift your heart at such a sorrowful time. I hate that we are having to write so many notes of condolence lately. I just keep hoping that this is all a nightmare and that people can actually be cured of this insidious disease. It is obvious that most are not and we weep for all of your losses but continue to pray for our loved ones that remain in the fight. I hope you may continue to be strong and pray for your peace and comfort. Mary