Wall Stent Question

Hi,
You can choose to have the plastic stents insert every 2-3months depends on whether the doctor wants to that. Did he give you a reason that plastic stent will not be an option if your dad does not mind ? Metal stent usually last longer between 6-18 months,again depends on each patient. In theory, mental stent is permanent  and cannot be removed. But I know some doctor views differently on that.
2nd opinion is  not a bad idea even your dad is in care of by OSU.
Chemotherapy can help,but is not proven its effectiveness for every patient. Therefore I do not disagree with your dad's decision. It is indeed a very tough decision to make to have or have no chemotherapy. However the decision must be his own and not from suggestions by other people who are just afraid of the word"cancer"  and without careful research on the subject of bile duct cancer.
Try to have the best thanksgiving with you dad today and may God really bless you and your family .

God bless

Hi Rena,

Just thought I would chime in here with my thoughts on the metal stent as my dad had one inserted after his diagnosis. Like Marion says, I too find it strange to hear that your dads doctors say that he would not be able to have chemo if they put the metal stent in. As I said, my dad had a metal stent. He had it for about a year and then his specialist refered him to the onc to see about chemo. As it turned out, my dad could not have the chemo as the jaundice had come back and his stent was blocked, but it wasn't the case that he couldn't have chemo due to him having a metal stent instead of a plastic one. If they couldn't do chemo due to the fact alone that my dad had a metal stent then his specialist wouldn't have advise him to look into the option of chemo and would not have refered him to the onc to look into it. Perhaps you could look for other opinions or at least try and speak with your dads onc about what he said about the metal stent and no chemo.

As to what the Dr said to your dad about that they only use a metal stent when the patient has given up fighting, I have to disagree with that. I find it strange that a Dr would say that to a patient of their family.

I can sure understand why you are all feeling very overwhelmed right now having heard what you have. But please do not give up hope. Try and stay strong and know that we are all here for you.

Hugs,

Gavin

Thanks so much for all of your thoughts, suggestions and advice on this!  On some of it, I just need a confirmation.  My parents do plan to consult with dad's onc dr tomorrow.  The radiology Dr. was the one who gave them the information about the metal wall stent.  I hope he can clear up the confusion for us.  Based on some your input and other we have made a list of questions to ask. 

Lainy, the Dr mentioned holistic care as an example....she was not advising to go that route.  Mom said that she was trying to explain to them that they only insert the wall stents when all other options have failed, the patient chooses not to do or try or the patient is not able to endure for whatever reason.

Dad has not had much of an appetite for the past week, which I am quickly learning can be par for course with this horrible disease.  He only ate a couple bites of turkey today and pushed his plate away.  It is mind boggling how this disease can change a life so quickly!  I feel like the life has been sucked right out of my dad...and mom too as far as that goes!

One day at a time...right?  Thanks again!  It is great to have all of you support!  You have already helped more than you know!

Rena

Rena,

My Dad had 3 metal stents with the hope of chemo, so I would definately check this fact with the Doctor.  They can clean metal stents out if they get blocked with sludge etc, and can also either add another metal stent or put a plastic one inside the metal, depending on where the tumour is.  My Dads was right in the middle of the Y section of the bile duct, hence why he ended up with 3 metal stents. 

When my Dad didn't have much appetite the Doctor prescribed a fruit drink with all the vitamins and mineral he needed, they are called Ensure in the UK.  My dad enjoyed little and often rather than big meals, soups, jacket potatoes, and rice puddings.

Thinking of you

Andie

Andie....same here.  I am thrilled to see your posting.  How is life moving along?  How is your little guy?  And, how is your Mum?
Hugs,
Marion

Good news, Rena. It just didn't sound right. You can now put that one behind you. Good for Mom for being pro active!

That's great news Rena! I hope the Doctor will be putting the Nurse in Radiology right!! Keep positive :-)

Hi Lainy & Marion, I have posted in members section as I don't want to take over Renas post lol xx