suzannegm
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi Frogspawn,
Interesting that you should bring this up. the gastrointerologist I saw at Emory Crawford Long is interested in the genectics side of things. He was interested that my father had been exposed to asbestos in the 1950’s while he was in the Navy. My father died in 2000 from mesothelioma. Dr. Martinez said it would not be improbable that there was a connection if my Dad’s DNA had been altered by his exposure to asbestos (I was born in 1965).
However, as a child I also played in creeks and streams that were more than likely contaminated with PCB’s. I have not pursued this though.
Is there any history of asbestos exposure in either of your parents?We saw the oncologist yesterday at Emory, Dr. Kauh. His recommendation is chemo, gemzar and cisplatin, 2 weeks on (once a week), 1 week off. Looking for tumor shrinkage. Because I have so many tumors on my left lobe and at least one on the right, he did not think radiation is the best option to start with. I really want the tumors to shrink before my bile ducts collapse. So far I have no jaundice issues. Dr. Kauh advises that I need to start some type of treatment in the next 2-3 weeks latest, as his observation is that there seems to be a growth cycle every couple of months.
I know this is my decision, and I need to start somewhere but does anyone have any thoughts?
SuzanneHi Jan – I’m in Atlanta area also. I was diagnosed in Mid July. I’ve been going to Emory and tomorrow I have my first oncologist visit at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory.
I’m starting my 4th week of recovery from unsuccessful liver resection (at Emory), surgery performed by Dr. Tom Heffron. I know that if there had been any way to resect, he would have found it.
Please keep the site updated as to your husband’s progress. I am anxious to find out tomorrow what options Dr. Kauh will suggest and also get some questions answered.
Good luck to you both,
SuzanneTo Sheryl, Jeff, Joyce and everyone,
Thank you for the encouraging words. My husband and I are trying to maintain hope, but it is hard. There has to be a way out of this.
SuzanneHi Patty,
Thanks for the info. I’m in the Atlanta Georgia area. I had unsuccessful liver resection surgery at Emory University Hospital on August 11. Tomorrow I’m going to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory, seeing Dr. Kauh. It is my understanding he is the expert in the Southeast for liver cancers. So far I have no jaundice, and my appetite is so-so. Still getting over the surgery and general anxiety over this thing have really wrecked my appetite.
With all the information I am finding how do I know which treatment is best for me?
Thanks for your help.
Suzanne
