Advice about alternative Bile Duct/lung Cancer treatment options

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Hello,

 I am hoping someone can help if they have had a similar experience.

A good friend had an operation to remove cancer from her bileduct. After undergoing chemotherapy, they have discovered it has spread to the lungs and they said the chemo is no longer working so they have stopped treatment.

I offered to reach out to this community to see if you knew of any doctors or specialists who could help with advice around specialists / other treatment options or natural remedies.

They are in discussions with health professionals but we wondered if there was anything you could suggest we look at that I can pass on that they may not have thought of or been aware of or any forums we should explore overseas.

We are willing to explore all options. 

Thanks all.

  • Hello Charlotte NZ

     

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Karen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

     

    I’m sorry to hear of your close friend’s bile duct cancer diagnosis and that it has spread to their lungs. You say that their chemotherapy is no longer working so treatment has been stopped. This must be a very difficult time for you and your friend, and you must be feeling a range of emotions.

     

    The first thing that we would suggest, if you haven’t already, is to speak with their current medical team. They will be able to discuss any other possible treatments for them and also look at possible clinical trials. However, it’s important to know that there are specific entry criteria that needs to be met for people to access any clinical trial and therefore may not be appropriate for everyone. Your friend can also seek a second opinion from a different consultant. As we don’t have access to your friend’s medical records we can provide general information only.

     

    We have some general information on alternative therapies, however it’s important to recognise that no alternative therapies have ever been proven to cure cancer or slow its growth. Using some alternative therapies may not do any harm, but others could be harmful. This cancer hospital in the US has a search function for herbs, botanicals and other products. It is research evidence based and gives indications of helpful or harmful effects. If considering alternative therapies, we strongly advise speaking to an oncologist for support and advice before going ahead.

     

    As a UK cancer charity, we are unable to advise on healthcare abroad. However this general information on access to treatment and having cancer treatment abroad may be helpful.

     

    Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to others in a similar situation. We have a Macmillan online community, and you may find the bile duct cancer forum and the cancer treatment forum supportive in sharing information and experiences.  

     

    Sometimes, we may be able to explain more and support you better over the telephone, please don’t hesitate to give one of our nurses a call on the support line.

     

    If you have any information or support needs, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

     

    Best wishes

     

    Karen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email

    Ref/KHe/ER