• From: Lowell, AR
  • Registered: Fri, 11 Jan 2013
  • Posts: 9

Topic: Jaundice and Complications

Hello, I am new to the site but the daughter of a CC patient. First diagnosis was 2004, with liver resection and chemo. 2010 reoccurance, inoperable with cyber knife radiation and chemo of Gym/Cis, non active MRI to current. After my mom and I visited the other day I noticed yellowing of the skin and eyes, not alot but enough that I would notice. I've been reading alot of the post and I understand that everyone is different. I am nervous and have no idea what to expect now. I think I assumed that this would be a process of the cancer spreading etc, not liver function problems. Any words of advice would be much appreciated.

  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,218

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Dear Mowissa, welcome to our extraordinary family but sorry you had to find us. Wow! Your Mother is truly a Survivor as 9 years is something to be heralded. I know the yellowing can be very upsetting but sometimes it can mean a blockage or infection. I would get her in to see her ONC right away and go from there. Try not to jump to conclusions. I know, easier said than done but only the ONC can tell you what is going on after LABS and perhaps a CT Scan. Try to be very strong and please keep us advised as we truly care.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.

3 Reply by marions (edited by marions Sat, 12 Jan 2013 13:15:38)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,173

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Mowissa...welcome to our site. I assume that your Mom has made the call to the physician.  You would want this done asap.  Jaundice is caused by the back-up of bile in the liver and it is unlikely for it to diminish without necessary intervention.  Although fear of recurrence never leaves our mind, one has to remember that radiation has side effects also.  So, here is to hope that this new development is related to passed treatment rather than the recurring cancer.   
Tons of good wishes are heading your way - please keep us posted.
Hugs,
Marion

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
  • From: Lowell, AR
  • Registered: Fri, 11 Jan 2013
  • Posts: 9

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Lainy & Marion, our appointment with the OC is set for Tuesday. Thank you both so much for your post. Your comments have helped to bring me out of the clouds. I don't usually panic, I am calm and rational but this symptom sent me into full panic mode. I didn't realize that the jaundice could be a result of something other than my worst fear. I thank you both for offering your support and words to help fear remain harnessed for the time being. I will keep you posted on the out come of our appointment.

Some back history, she was very very healthy before diagnosis in 2004 and in 2010 was walking between 5-7 miles a day and taking no medication for any other health issues. The worst issue she has had before the jaundice is the neuropathy in her legs from the chemo.

In the event of blockage or infection, can this be treated or relieved with medicine or will this be a hospital stay etc? (I am not asking you to diagnose or anything like that, just from you past experience, in what manner is it generally treated) Again, your words and support are so very helpful.

Melissa

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,173

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Melissa.....many have to be treated with stenting for biliary drainage. This would not entail a hospital stay (generally.)  If possible, try to relax until your meeting with the oncologist.  Most likely blood test will be taken at the upcoming visit which in turn will reveal a clearer picture as to what is going on.
Hang in there.  Tons of good wishes are heading your way.
Hugs,
Marion

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
  • From: Lowell, AR
  • Registered: Fri, 11 Jan 2013
  • Posts: 9

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Marion,

Thank you so much. I will keep you posted on what happens. It is such a comfort to talk with others who understand.

Hugs to you as well,
Melissa

  • From: Akron, Ohio
  • Registered: Mon, 11 Apr 2011
  • Posts: 407

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Praying for good news on Tuesday
Hugs,
Lisa

Everyday is a gift

lisacraine's Website

  • From: Lowell, AR
  • Registered: Fri, 11 Jan 2013
  • Posts: 9

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Update: Blood work came back showing elevated GGT, AST, ALT, direct bilirubin of 5.5. We sent the results immediately to her specialist in Dallas, who in turn told us to leave first thing Weds and drive to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. We arrived yesterday around 1 and she was admitted. Ct scan with contrast this morning and now waiting for the treatment plan. They believe it is an obstructed bile duct. Her surgeon said, "we'll locate it, fix it and send you back home". Her blood work is perfect otherwise, heart rate and oxygen are all perfect. She feels good and is laughing and talking with all the hospital staff. Tumor marker shows no change. I'll let you guys know when the treatment plan is set up. And I thank each of you for your support and encouragement and helping me to stop freaking out.

Melissa

  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,218

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Dear Melissa, Mom should feel much better after the stenting, if that is what they decide to do. How far do you live from Dallas? Sending best wishes that they correct the problem and send her on her way! Good luck.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Mon, 27 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 435

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Melissa,

I hope you mom gets better soon..  Please keep us posted on her recovery.  She sounds like a trooper!

Take care!

Susie

  • From: Georgia
  • Registered: Fri, 03 Aug 2012
  • Posts: 48

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Praying for a speedy recovery.
Susan

  • From: Uniontown, Ohio
  • Registered: Fri, 23 Sep 2011
  • Posts: 1,488

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Best wishes for you and your Mom. I hope she feels better soon.

-Pam

Hoping for a miracle for my daughter, Lauren.

My comments, suggestions, and opinions are based on my experience as a caretaker for my daughter, Lauren and from reading anything I can get my hands on about Cholangiocarcinoma. Please consult a physician for professional guidance.

Pamela's Website

  • From: Lowell, AR
  • Registered: Fri, 11 Jan 2013
  • Posts: 9

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Thanks everyone fpr your thoughts and prayers! M- we live about 5hrs from Dallas, so not bad but far enough to make you tired.

Susie, She's a super trooper!


Her doctor is the best! Dr. Robert Goldstein, MD, F.A.C.S, Baylor University Medical Center, Surgical Director, Pancreas Transplantation
Surgical Director, Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Hepatobiliary Surgery

Following is a plug for the DR - smile

Dr. Goldstein is a hepatobiliary surgeon and the surgical Director of Pancreas Transplantation and Living Donor Liver Transplantation at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. He is board certified in general surgery and critical care medicine.

He currently oversees the Baylor Liver and Pancreas Disease Center offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment for liver tumors, pancreatic tumors and chronic pancreatitis. He has a special interest in bile duct tumors and injuries.

The following treatment options are available to liver and pancreas patients at Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor All Saints Meidcal Center in Fort Worth:

Chemoembolization
NanoKnife (irreversible Electroporation)
Cyberknife®
Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation
Advanced Laprascopic Resection
TheraSpheres®
Transplantation
Total Pancreatectomy

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,173

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Melissa....fingers are crossed for good news coming your Mom's way. Melissa would you like to add Dr. Goldstein's information on a thread established by our members for our members?
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb … 216#p69216
Hugs,
Marion

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
  • From: Lowell, AR
  • Registered: Fri, 11 Jan 2013
  • Posts: 9

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Update -

Marion - I posted the Dr info to the link you attached.

Mom had surgery this morning and had the blockage removed and stint put in. They have noticed a small spot on her lung. We are waiting on the Dr to come update us further. They did not seem concerned and neither does she. Her response was, "if I can live 9 years with the fastest most fatal cancer I have ever heard of, rest assured that treatment for the lung doesn't have me scared." With an attitude like that, its hard not to be optimistic.

I'll keep you guys posted, and thanks a million for the support.

Melissa

  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,218

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Dear Melissa, thanks for posting about Mom's Doctor, it could help others. Glad the stenting went well and the lung spot may be just that, like a nodule or like Moms says she can get it taken care of. I LOVE her attitude! She will begin to feel good now and her yellow will slowly dissipate. My Teddy was so Jaundice when he was DX and I looked at him and said, "You know I don't like you in yellow!". Good luck on everything and I know you will both feel better when you are once again at home.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,173

Re: Jaundice and Complications

Thanks much, Melissa.
Hugs
Marion

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