← Return to Cholangiocarcinoma - Bile Duct Cancer - anyone else dealing with this?

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@colleenyoung

It can be so hard to help from a distance. Perhaps you can help your mom create a list of questions to ask her oncologist on Monday.

Here are some questions from Mayo Clinic that you might consider (scroll to the bottom of the link) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallbladder-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353374

What is my stage of gallbladder cancer?
Can you explain the pathology report to me? Can I have a copy of my pathology report?
Will I need more tests?
What are the treatment options for my gallbladder cancer?
What are the benefits and risks of each option?
Is there one treatment option you recommend over the others?
What would you recommend to a loved one in my same situation?
Should I get a second opinion from a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?

Most doctors will allow family members to take part in the appointment by phone if you ask. I suggest your mom call in advance to ask if she can have you on speaker phone during the consult if she would like to have you with her. Might that work?

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Replies to "It can be so hard to help from a distance. Perhaps you can help your mom..."

It started as bile duct cancer but the tumer is pretty big and they said it was hard as a brick I believe it spread to her liver and it seems now her gallbladder aswell .she has been in and out of the hospital since November ,very sick ,real weak and they initially said after they told her she had cancer that it was cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer )that she also had hep c and they had to get that under control before they could move further they took 3 biopsy different days and she has tubes in her side that drains the bile her back always hurts her and she is always very tired . They just recently said it was stage 4 but that they needed to remove her gallbladder before she can start chemo.when she goes Monday what all questions should she ask pertaining to everything I just mentioned. Her insurance is covered with her medical so I don't believe that's the issue . Also do u think chemo would even help or should she just live what life she has left and not be sick or either way will she continue to stay sick and not feel better