Cholangiocarcinoma - Bile Duct Cancer - anyone else dealing with this?

Posted by krishh @krishh, Jul 15, 2017

I'm on my fourth line of treatment. What treatments are others receiving for this? Thanks ~

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@lberg

I have no idea what to expect in the near future, all we know is it is BAD! stage 3.

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Hello Kris
I was diagnosed with cholangiocarsanoma in Feb of 17. I am being treated at CTRC I. San Antonio tx. They have sent me to Mayo clinic in Rochester Minnesota

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Thank you Kanaaz - to be clear, the metastasis is not IN the brain, but ON a bone. Some spreading into the brain can be seen on the MRI, but they are not calling it brain cancer. I've read the article you referenced above. Very technical but I did understand some of it. Prognosis does not sound too good, but then again that can be said for cholangiocarcinoma in general. My oncologist suggested we are probably seeing this rare metastasis because I am living longer than initially expected. At my diagnosis almost 3 years ago, they said I had maybe 2 years, so I'm beating the odds! Thanks again for the information. If you find anything else, please share. ~Kris

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Hi @krishh,

I'm so sorry to learn about his development. You're correct in noting that this kind of brain metastasis is extremely rare with cholangiocarcinoma. In fact, I found an interesting article about this rare occurrence which you might wish to read: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crigm/2017/7156838/

I may be wrong, but after reading through your previous posts, I truly feel your strength lies in the fact that it's not about fight, or chances, or resilience; it's about acceptance. I cannot help, but have deep admiration for your attitude, @krishh, so please continue talking and sharing updates with this community – we're here, listening.

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I just learned Thursday that my cancer has matestacized to my head. I have a tumor on the bone in the left, frontal lobe. This is highly unusual with this type of cancer I am told. A little scary, for sure. I feel grateful I have no symptoms yet - no headaches or vision changes or mood swings. No new treatment will happen, as I am high risk for surgery and am not crazy about the odds of radiation at this point either. So will continue with chemotherapy at this time, and repeat the MRI and CT scans at the end of April to determine any progression of disease. God bless all ~

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Hi Kris - This is an addendum to my previous post. Please send me a private message.

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Hello. Great to hear. I would like to ask you questions. Can you call me or I can call you?

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Hi -I had my surgery at Mayo in Rochester, MN in May of 2015. I only live about 75 miles from Rochester. My diagnoses is stage 4 also, and I am currently doing quite well. Just saw my oncologist yesterday. Will have scans again in March to see if this chemo is still working. Feel free to reach out if you or your Mom have any questions and I will do my best to answer! Good luck ~

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@alcabrer

Hello. How is your chemo treatment going?

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Hi Kris. My mom was just diagnosed with CC stage 4. Where did you have your surgery?

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Hello. How is your chemo treatment going?

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@krishh

Hi Mary,
I had successful surgery in May of 2015, before starting chemo. Unfortunately in my case, the cancer had already spread to lymph nodes. I've been doing quite well and maintaining fairly good for 27 months. I recently have started experiencing more discomfort in my abdomen and chest. Scans were done earlier this week and I will get results this afternoon. I hope the chemo will shrink your husband's tumor and that he is able to have successful surgery. Keep us posted and best of luck - keep a positive attitude and pray if you are so inclined. I believe both of those things have helped me along my way. Good luck - Kris

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Thank you Kris. This helps. The cancer in not in the lymph nodes. I will also keep you in my prayers.
Mary

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