How long do we have

[3296dawn]

My mom was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in November, when she had it removed, it was attached like a barnicle on her liver so they thought her liver had cancer too so they removed as much as they could.she has a bile bag coming out of her stomach, they said when the bag stops draining they would take it out, it stoped about 5 weeks ago, and they were going to remove the tube but something wasnt right and they were not sure so they said just wait,next week, next week,  now they found out the bag is clogged and all the bile is going into her system. well now she has jaundice and is at level 6 as of last wednesday.her eyes are yellow, her one doctor said do not come back there is nothing they can do for her. and told my dad to make her as comfortable as possible, ??  what does that mean?    she still sees the chemo doctor but last week they would only give her half the dossage due to her jaundice.  her eyes are yellow and her skin is turning yellow and now looks like brown. like she is tan..she has not been in the sun enough to have a tan,..... how much longer do you think we have. the doctor never said anything about contacting hospice or anything.. Have you ever heard of this?? do people survie this??  sorry for the messy spelling...  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I cannot answer questions relating to prognosis without further evaluation.

Generally when phrases like "as comfortable as possible" and "nothing they can do for her", it implies that she is terminal and no further treatment can be done to improve the condition.

Hospice care can be discussed with your personal physician, or you can obtain another opinion.  

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com