• Belle
  • Senior Member
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  • Registered: Mon, 28 Jan 2008
  • Posts: 77

Topic: unoperable klatskin tumor

It was a rough day. We had thought my sister's Klatskin tumor was a Stage I or II. The drs. basically opened her and closed her back up. It seems like it started in the gall bladder and both bile ducts are affected as well as much of her liver.

We were quite shocked, since the scans had looked so good and the surgical option so promising.

Anyone experience the same? What were the next options offered and what can we expect down the line?

Thanks for all your help and being listening shoulders, Belle.

2 Reply by marions (edited by marions Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:41:09)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,175

Re: unoperable klatskin tumor

Belle,

Images are usually 0.5-1cm thick, meaning nodules could easily be missed on past or future studies therefore; it is not uncommon for the true extent of disease progression to become apparent while undergoing exploratory surgery.  It happens quite frequently and is always disappointing however; others on the board have experienced similar circumstances and have chosen to undergo varied treatment protocols.   
Please, stay in touch as most likely treatment options will be presented to you by the oncologist, surgeon, or interventional radiologist of which many, if not all, have been discussed on this board.  Hopefully, more information and encouragement will be coming your way from other members of this site.
Wishing for the absolute best,
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: Fri, 29 Sep 2006
  • Posts: 466

Re: unoperable klatskin tumor

Belle,
   My husband had the same thing happen in June 06. They attempted surgery but discovered his klatskin tumor had involved too much of both bile ducts to be resected. They took out his gallbladder and biopsied some lymph nodes which were all negative and closed him up. He had no liver involvement. After recovery he had 5 weeks of IMRT radiation with Xeloda followed by brachytherapy. His tumor has gone away and they are actually telling him he is in remission-so there is hope. His only problem now is dealing with the stent. His bili had been climbing slightly and Fri he did not feel well and slept most of the day. Sat. he woke up itchy with yellowish eyeballs and dark urine. I made him drink lots of water and really watched his diet and by Monday he was much better but is going for stent replacement( or removal ) on Thurs. Does your sister have stents or drains in place?
   I would seriously check about radiation. There are others on this board that have had good success with klatskin tumor shrinkage with a radiation/chemo combo or other types of radiation therapy. They are slow growing tumors so I feel that if you are able to shrink them significantly it will probably take a long time for them to grow back.   Take care and try to stay positive!  Mary