• Registered: Wed, 03 Oct 2007
  • Posts: 3

Topic: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Thank you for your reply Lisa Ann - I didn't know how to get on the introduction board to introduce myself to you all when I wrote our situation on your thread - it was stress I think and now the stress is over and the stunned feeling starts -

I've never seen a disease like this and my brother and my uncle died of AIDS, except fo getting thin and looking ghostlike their physical apprearance was recognizable, but this horrible disease robs one of their own appearance (in a way that was good since it didn't look like my Aunt lying there but some stranger -  swollen with the hospitals attempts at keeping her alive etc. - black and blue arms etc.)

The only place I recognized on her was her eyebrows (beautifule, like the wings of a bird and her toenails - painted beautifully in Red - her favorite color LOL)

She was diagnosed at the first of September - we live near Shands hospitals in Florida - there was a physician who is famous for his surgery of bile duct cancer there - his name is Allan Hemming for your information and use if you need him....he started on the liver transplant team, but ran into this cancer in his transplant work and now is one of the only surgeons in the South that has  a lot of success - we were willing to take her anywhere in the world should we have found somewhere else but all roads led back to thim...however as a friend of mine doctor said - "He sees things from a surgeons perspective, so never forget that - that sometimes stimies other ideas at treatments"   However, we had no time to do anything or find other treatments since it happened so fast.

Her name is Babs Montpetit, she was the Supervisor of Elections here in our little county and is/was 74 - here is her obituary -

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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Barbara "Babs" Montpetit   
MONTPETIT, BARBARA "BABS" ROBERTS



Lake Butler - Babs Roberts Montpetit of Lake Butler, Florida passed away Friday, October 5th from complications related to her fight with cancer.



She was born in Lake Butler, Florida June 19ih, 1933 to Gertrude and Clarence Roberts. She was a graduate of Union County High School and attended the University of Florida. Babs held several positions over a twenty year period with the Union County School System before being elected in 1984 as Union County's Supervisor of Elections. She proudly served over the past 22 years as the County Supervisor of Elections. Babs was a member of the Florida State Associations Supervisors of Elections and former Secretary of the Association. She was also a former member of the Lake Butler Women's Club. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Lake Butler. Her love and devotion for her community was ever present and evident in her care and concern which she gave to others.



She was a devoted wife, wonderful mother, and beloved grandmother. She is survived by her husband, John R. "Jack" Montpetit; daughter, Robin Pritchett Wilson; son-in-law, Bill Wilson; grandchildren Erika Kemp and Preston Wilson, all of Lake Butler. Her son, Jon W. Pritchett; daughter-in-law, Kelly Streicher Pritchett; granddaughters Alexandra Rose and Christina Rose Pritchett of Gainesville. She is also survived by her sister Ann Roberts Fortner and her brother-in-law, Sidney Fortner of Lake Butler; brother, Avery C. Roberts and her sister-in-law, Twyla Roberts; nieces, Ginger Robertson and Amber Roberts Crawford; nephew, Austin Roberts all of Lake Butler; her nephew, Christopher Fortner of Gainesville. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William "Sonny" Roberts; nephew, Michael Sidney Fortner; great nephew, Chesley "Ley" Hines Robertson Ill.


I am the Ginger Robertson named as  one of the neices - I lost my son five years ago, he is her great nephew mentioned and my brother and uncle died before him of AIDS - so we have had our share of gried - especially me and my own mother (who lost her son and grandson)

I just wanted to share with you the news of an extraordinary woman - she was one of the most giving people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing - and always in my corner -

This is an awful disease and I thought I knew about cancer having lost my two best friends to breast cancer, but we had never heard of this silent and deadly cancer, never knew it existed and that there was anything worse than pancreatic cancer as far as it's swift onset and it's silent symtoms -

I pray for you all who have relatives that have this - and I pray for you who have been diagnosed - remember this in hope, my Aunt didn't die of this cancer because she didn't have time for any treatment - after an original pump being put in that became septic and then two pic lines she died of septic infections - so normally she would have had to have had surgery or been able to try chemo etc.

Can't believe that I'm a professor of design and literature as I look back at this writing which is not in the least creative or eloquent, but I know you can sympathize on my spelling and my syntax as my brain is in overload shock -

It was a month of hell I can tell you and the only relief we had when the doctor said there was nothing else he could do becuase her liver 'shut down' last Saturday a week ago - seems paradoxical to even write that but as soon as he gave us his condolances we moved her to a wonderful Hospice house and had 4 days of special time with her when the took away all the tubes and were able to handle her pain - she never spoke after last Saurday but she could hear use and we got to tell her how much we loved her and will miss her =

Thank you all for letting me read of our triumphs and griefs about this disease on this wonderful forum - God bless you all and I shall keep up with your family members and all of you on this board periodically -

Ginger

  • Registered: Fri, 06 Apr 2007
  • Posts: 79

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Hi Ginger- I am so sorry for the loss of your dear aunt. I lost my precious Dad on January 13th of this year. He was only 69 and had been healthy his entire life. My Dad had 10 weeks from diagnosis to death and when they discovered his primary, there was nothing they could do but keep him pain-free. 

Ginger, it was a heartbreaking time for my mother and I, watching my Dad's life slip away day by day.  You're right... at the end, the appearance is altered, an insidious characteristic of this thief of an illness. 

My only comfort is that my Dad didn't have to suffer years of pain and discomfort.  My most significant comfort is that I had the honour of being with him until the end of his days here... both my mother and I had this honour.He knew how much he was loved and that is all we can do sometimes.

Your aunt sounds like a wonderful woman... it's ironic, isn't it that these illnesses seem to want to lay claim to the best among us?  I am certain that she touched many along her way and that will be her legacy.

Mydeepest condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

Brightest Blessings,

Missing U

  • Registered: Sat, 09 Dec 2006
  • Posts: 514

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Dear Ginger,
My sincere condolences to you for your loss - for all your losses - you've had to bear the burden of so much grief. Your aunt sounds like such a wonderful woman - thank you for sharing her story with us so we could feel like we know her too.

Much love and peace is being sent your way,
Joyce

  • From: uk
  • Registered: Sun, 08 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 200

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Dear Ginger,

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Aunt.  I empathise with you when you describe how this disease makes our loved ones almost unrecognisable.  I know only too well just how much it hurts to watch somebody that you love so dearly wither away.  Our losses feel raw right now, hopefully in time we can remember our loved ones as they were when they were well, when they were whole. 

with love, Jules

  • From: Bath, Pennsylvania
  • Registered: Sun, 02 Sep 2007
  • Posts: 113

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Hi Ginger,

I am very saddened to hear that your Aunt Babs has passed, especially in such a short time. She never had the chance to put up a fight, or say her goodbye's. That alone must be very difficult for you to cope with. Sometimes we think that in the end, it is better not knowing our fate, but I think your Aunt Babs would have wanted to tell you how much she loved you and she was robbed of that right. You have certainly dealt with enough grief and losses of your own, to include a precious son and brother. Obvioulsy you are a strong woman, and will get through this also.

Alway keep your Aunt in your heart and memories, for this is what I believe keeps them alive and lets them go on. I do beleive that we never truly let them go and will always grieve thier loss, it may just get easier as times goes on.
I am thinking of you today and in the days, weeks, and months ahead. I hope that you have the support of your many loved ones, to help you heal. We are all here for you when you feel the need to talk or vent.

Much Love and Sympathy,
Lisa

Lisa Ann's Website

  • Registered: Sun, 30 Sep 2007
  • Posts: 17

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Dear Ginger,

  Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your Aunt.  This is a HORRIBLE disease, but it is a little known one, because it is so rare. I wish we could make people more aware of cc, but since it  only makes up 1% of all cancers, no one is interested in donating or funding for research.  I'm from Delaware, but I consulted with John Hopkins when my husband was diagnosed, and they told  me the same things the Dr.s here in DE had told me. Usually, once you have symptoms,  it's too late for a cure.
  I wish we could make our voices heard!

Sincerely,
Sandy

7 Reply by marions (edited by marions Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:46:16)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,312

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Dear Sandy,

There is no known cure other then the potential of curative treatment through surgical resection.  We, the ones having been touched by CC, are not going away until this cancer is brought to the forefront of modern medicine and, as you said, our voices are heard. 

Hoping and wishing the very best for all.
Marions

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  • Sara
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  • From: Houston, Texas, USA
  • Registered: Thu, 12 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 285

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Dear Ginger - i'm very sad to hear for your loss.  I can only hope that your aunt has peace, and your family is able to heal.

Putting the incidence into perspective, in 2006, approximately 16% of all new cancer cases were from breast cancer.  (source: http://www.cancer.org/downloads/stt/CAFF06EsCsMc.pdf) Breast cancer is one of the larger cancer types, however it made up 16% of all new cases in 2006.  Compare that to biliary, liver, and gall bladder cancers, which accounted for approximately 2% of all new cancer cases in 2006.  (Breaking cholagiocarcinoma out from the liver and gall bladder cancers is difficult to do because intrahepatic is often lumped in with liver cancer, and extrahepatic is often lumped in with gall bladder cancer.)  Yes, we are smaller than the largest cancer types.  However, 2% is not necessarily rare - at least not in my book. 

The only known cure, at least at this time, is resection or transplant.  Since very few of cholangio patients are candiates for these options, early detection becomes key.  The only way we'll ever arrive at early detection is through education and research, and we'll need to leverage that 2% value as much as possible to assist the researchers and clinicians towards finding better solutions.

30-something caregiver
  • Registered: Tue, 23 Oct 2007
  • Posts: 10

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

I'm new to this site.  I am looking for support and answers.  My mom, 77, was diagnosed with CC in Dec. of 2007.  She was told, despite that she was symptomatic that she was a candidate for resection.  Surgery was scheduled for Feb. 2007, they opened her and closed, finding more cancer in the abdomen and nodes, not visible on the CT scan.  Because of complications of surgery, (infections, stendt(sp?) replacements, she was unable to start a treatment plan until May of this year.  She began chemo (Gemzar) and actually did quite well until about two weeks ago.  Her weight has dropped significantly and has a great amount of stomach upset, nausea and some vomiting.  A recent hospital stay turned up no blockages, but symptoms continue.  No new cancer has shown up on any scan or Xray, but there is quate a bit of fluid in her abodmen.  The doctors seem to be guessing regarding where she is at with this disease.  One doctor told me that she was probably dying, the next day mom perked up a bit.   We are connected with a teaching hospital (University of Chicago) and Northwestern Memorial, but the information seems so scarce.  I'm the only caregiver for my mom.  My dad, a close aunt, 2 uncles and 2 close neighbors died within the same timeframe all of cancer (one year ago) that were my mom's support group.  I guess from reading messages that wasting and fatigue are the symptoms that are the most prevalent.  We are faithful people and God is giving us the strength to get through this.  It's just so hard, seems no relief.  Any information on non-traditional therapies that had eased the symptoms in this cancer?  Thanks for posting your stories.  It makes us feel that we are not alone in dealing with this diesase.   

Karen

  • JeffG
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  • From: Kansas
  • Registered: Mon, 16 Oct 2006
  • Posts: 1,242

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Dear Karen .......  Sorry about your Mom. I wish you both the best.  I would recommend scrolling down and clicking on the Alternative Treatments or further down is Supportive, Palliative and Hospice Care.  Also Pain Management.  You should find plenty of links and information.  It sounds like she needs to have the fluid drained for starters.  Also if she is contunuing to have fluid build up talk to your doctor about diuretic usage.  It sounds like your Mom has been through quite the ordeal.  Karen, wasting and fatigue are prevalent with the disease but also with Chemotherapy treatments as well.  Chemo treatments are cumulative with side effects and could be wearing out your Mom's body more so than the disease at this point.  Maybe discontinue chemo for a while, it is her choice. Again I'm really sorry your Mom has to be going through this and you as a caregiver as well.  Determine what your Mom wants to do and advocate strongly with her doctors what she feels she needs more help with.  And don't hesitate to use the emergency room to get attentention.
God Bless you Both!!
Jeff G.

Take it to the Limit,One More Time! (Eagles)
  • From: uk
  • Registered: Sun, 08 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 200

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Dear Karen

I am so sorry that you are having to go through this with your mum especially having lost your Dad and other close family members so recently.  I just wanted to give you some information that might help:

- your mum's fluid can be drained (a simple and painless procedure that needs to be done in hospital usually over a 24 hr period as the fluid should not be taken off too quickly to avoid drop in blood pressure) - this could be combined with the use of diuretics - spironolactane and frusemide in combination usually works for about 50% of patients.  Usually with drainage of fluid it will accumulate quite quickly afterwards although I found that the diuretics worked quite well with my Dad.  Also if your mum's ankles/legs are swollen she should sit with her feet raised above hip level and when she is in bed you might want to try placing a pillow under her calves.

- as regards stents you might want to ask your mum's Drs if they would consider a metal stent as these tend to be less prone to infection and blockage, generally plastic stents are used as they are less expensive and I found that I had to push hard for a metal stent to be used.  If the stent works well and the bile can be drained then your mum's comfort should be eased considerably.

I am afraid that muscle wastage, lack of appetite, nausea and extreme lethargy are all too common symptoms with this disease.  The best that we can do as caregivers is to ensure that our loved ones are as comfortable as possible, I know this is an utterly exhausting time however if you are able to fight your mums corner with the Drs and ensure that she is provided with procedures that can ease some of the symptoms then you will be comforted by knowing that you have done your very best for her as it is clear that you  are already doing this by finding this site and researching this disease.

Jules

  • Registered: Tue, 23 Oct 2007
  • Posts: 10

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Jules--thanks for the information.  My mom has areadly had two stent replacements, both titanium.  Seems that the stents are clear at this time.  My mom was in the hospital for 5 days about 2 weeks ago as they thought she might have an obstruction.  Tests, CT, scope, and multiple X rays turned up nothing.  They released her saying that she had a paralytic ileus.  Although upon release she had kept food down for a few days, the night she came home from the hospital she was back vomiting again.  We ended up back at the oncologists office for daily hydration for 3 days and again did not vomit again until this morning.  My mom continually complains of stomach pain, and acid reflux, causing nausea.  She has been on a few anti-nausea drugs w/ her IV fluids, and had tried several OTC drugs for acid stomach.  It seems like her stomach just isn't empting well.  She hasn't had a normal bowel movenment for a few days.  Any information on the use of mild laxitives to keep things going, especially since she has been told there is no blockages?  Uses of antibiotics for possible infection and pain killers reak havoc with the digestive system apart from the chemo and the disease itself.  If you have any suggestions, even herbal, we're open to hear about it.

Thanks
Karenp

  • JeffG
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  • Registered: Mon, 16 Oct 2006
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Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Karen--- Ducolax (stool softener) not laxative has worked very well with me.  Especially being on pain medications where your bowel becomes so sluggish.  As for myself I took 2 gel tablets for a couple days and then cut back to one daily then one every other day.  Very gental and easy.  Not as harsh as laxatives.  You can get at any WalMart Store.  Hope she feels better soon.
God Bless,
Jeff G.

Take it to the Limit,One More Time! (Eagles)

14 Reply by marions (edited by marions Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:12:36)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,312

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Karen,
I am seeing some similarities of symptoms.
In my husband

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  • Registered: Tue, 23 Oct 2007
  • Posts: 10

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Marion--Thanks so much for the information.  Actually mom's back in the hospital after a full day or vomiting.  Again abdom. Xrays showed only a ileus.  Her potassium was down, could have contributed to the slow bowel.  I'll talk w/ the GI guys and her oncologist regarding meds as suppositories.  It's just such a crazy cycle, a week of eating OK, then vomiting a day or 2 and enough dehydration to land her back in the hospital.  I'm just so thankful we're close to the hospital this time, less running, less stress.  We're thankful for good days, or hours.

Karen P

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,312

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Karen - Sorry to hear about your Mom being back at the hospital.  I suppose she now is on IV for hydration and the administration of medication. This will eliminate the use of suppositories during her stay.   
Thinking of you, sending good wishes and hoping for the symptoms to diminish.
Marions

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Registered: Tue, 23 Oct 2007
  • Posts: 10

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Marion--Although my mom is home from the hospital, (she came home on Friday am), she's back nauseaous and vomoting again as of last evening.  The doctor drained 1 liter of fluid out on Thursday, seemed not to lessen her symptoms.  She has a day or two that are tolerable and then right back in the cycle.  You had mentioned that your husband switched to suppositories on his meds.  Would you possibly share with me what your husband is taking to battle his symptoms?  My mom has been on regulan--which recently they upped the dose and she's got some really wierd side effects (stone like face and drooling) --so we are taking her off of that as of last night.  She's also on zofran for nausea and vicodan for pain management.  Mom is not a pill taker (she's always and up to just recently only taken 1 tylenol for anything).  Does your husband have fluid retention problems, and is he taking anything for that?  I just need to find some other options other than what we have to ask her oncologist about.  She has an appt for Wed.  Your reply is greatly appreciated or anyone else out there who has any suggestions, please let me know.  Life is a roller coaster these days.  I.m so thankful to have my faith at this time and this website.

Karenp

18 Reply by marions (edited by marions Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:38:19)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,312

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Karenp,
So sorry to hear about your Mom.  It is a vicious cycle

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  • Registered: Tue, 23 Oct 2007
  • Posts: 10

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Marion--Thanks for the information again.  I forgot to ask you or others on line about acid reflux.  Does your husband have problem with this?  It seems to be worsening, especially at night.  This is mom's current complaint and keeps her from sleeping well.  We want to have some suggestions for the doctor on Wednesday.  If you have any input, I would greatly appreciate it! 

KarenP

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,312

Re: My Aunt Babs just died Friday night of this horrible disease

Karen,
we tried many different ones.  I remember Kytril and Prilosec.  Others on the board may be able to advise other products.   Hoping for mom to get some rest.
Marions.

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER