Gallbladder cancer

Hi Dunmow I'm sorry to hear you've joined the group it's quite a small one as I'm sure you can see. 

I don't have the same story as yourself with the heart problem which I hope is under control now? But I did have the same T2 gallbladder cancer as you. 

I'm not sure of your age or where in the UK you are based but I was diagnosed in 2016 at 46yrs old. I was offered the liver resection and I just trusted the surgeon (Aintree Hospital) knew what he was doing. It was major surgery to recover from but on reflection it was absolutely the right decision for my case. They found a second tumour growing in the gallbladder bed which had not shown on any CT scans, MRI scans etc. If I hadn't have had the surgery then I'd most likely be dead. 

The process tends to be: have the liver resection then chemotherapy as a belt and braces approach. There actually aren't any chemotherapy treatments specifically designed for gallbladder cancer I believe, but evidence has shown GemCis combination of drugs shrink tumours therefore the logic is that it can kill leftover cells. 

I am currently what is referred to as incurable, my gallbladder cancer has metastasised 2 times and I'm still alive due to more surgeries to remove new tumour growths in my abdomen, so in answer to your questions no one can predict your outlook or chances of beating this disease and it's a personal choice of surgery or going down the watch and wait route. My honest and personal view is if a surgeon is prepared to operate then they are pretty optimistic in success so go for it. 

Hope that helps? 

Colette 

Hi Smiffy, I have been advised I am high risk for liver resection and lymph node removal because of my heart and given the option of just observation and hope for the best.This was by telephone, and it seemed a little offhand to discuss a potential life or death issue in this manner. Especially as an hour later I had a second call from another consultant from the same hospital to have the same conversation. I chose to have further surgical treatment until I can discuss it personally with the actual operating Senior Surgeon.Having a pre op Anaesthetist meeting this Wednesday for assessment then a face to face meeting with the Surgeon to properly discuss the risk and life expectancy of having the operation or the alternative six monthly ct scan observations.I am hoping to discuss my life expectancy issues with a Cardiologist for my high Treponin heart attack ( 50% diseased artery ). Poor prognosis apparently for long term survival but I am 77 now anyway. I still trained in the martial arts until 6 months ago so am reasonably physically fit. I don’t really want to waste three to six months recovering from the high risk operation if I am on limited lifespan.Hope you are well?