Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Bile Duct Cancer

My mother was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in June of 06. She had a resection of her liver, which was sucessful but the cancer came back in Feb 07 at which point they gave her 6-12 months as it mestasized to her liver and lungs. She is a very stubborn woman who doesn't want her kids to worry, and won't allow us to talk to the Dr for answers.She was on light chemo for a while until the cancer grew slightly. The Drs gave her a stronger and different type which she took herself off of, because of how she was feeling. We are now at the 12 month point that was given to her, and with my experience with cancer I thought we would see some significant downgrade in her health. There has been a downgrade but is still able to drive and take care of herself but is always very tired. My question is what do we look for as far as outward signs that she is nearing the end? Is this a type of cancer that all of a sudden sneaks up on a person and they pass soon, or will us kids see a slow downgrade in her health. I realize that everyone is different, but as her kids we need to know what to look for as we are all not sure of how this will progress. Thank you for your help.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
82861 tn?1333453911
Yes, that's exactly it.  The cancer is still growing, but apparently hasn't yet done enough damage to slow her down, but it certainly will happen at some point since your mom has discontinued treatment.

I'm so sorry that HIPPA laws prevent your mom's doctors from speaking to you about her condition.  You might consider making an appointment with our own doctor and discuss the physiological response of cancer with him.  Our family doc was so good with us during my dad's illness in that regard - but that was pre-HIPPA.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
On the contrary, she actually PUT ON a little weight. She has no jaundice, but has uncomfortableness in her abdomen, sometimes painful, but not off the charts. So do I understand you correctly in that she could look and sound fine one day, then this creep up on her rather quickly?
Helpful - 0
82861 tn?1333453911
I had the same questions when my father died of gallbladder cancer years ago, and never did get a good answer from his doctors.  For that, I had to turn to our family doctor of 20 years.  

It all depends on what organ the cancer metastacizes to, and there's no way of predicting that.  It may wrap around and block a section of intestine causing a full obstruction with high fever and vomiting.  It could go further into the liver and pancreas and you'll see severe jaundice, diabetes, and of course - tremendous pain.  No doubt you've already noticed weight loss.  My dad didn't have too much pain until his last month when the cancer hit his liver, pancreas and probably his spleen.  As you already suspect, it will probably happen out of the blue, and very quickly.

It's horrible to have to watch a loved one slowly deteriorate from a terminal illness; and even worse to not get a straight answer from the doctors.  I think the docs shy away from death almost worse than the patients and family members - as if it's an insult to their practice.  My dad made the decision to stop the chemo as it wasn't making a darn bit of difference - didn't even slow the progression - so he opted for as much quality of life as he had left to him.  It wasn't easy for the rest of us to accept, but we had no other choice.

If you haven't already done so, consider posting this information on the Cancer forum.  God Bless.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem