My sister has bile duct cancer. I've never even heard of it. Google informs me it is a rare form of liver cancer that usually strikes people over 65 who have risk factors such as ulcerative bowel disease, heavy drinking, or intestinal parasites. It is slow-growing and does not spread easily.
Well, great. My sister is 48, has no risk factors, and in her case it has spread absolutely everywhere. The doctors say there is no treatment. They will not continue her stroke rehab and will likely transfer her to hospice. They say she may have a few weeks. She has been doing so well with her stroke rehab. On Friday, we thought she might not survive the night. Saturday, she began improving dramatically. By Monday, she was laughing out loud, eating soft foods, and using her vast non-verbal communication skills to converse with all of us. She was getting speech, physical, and occupational therapy every day. I was so hoping I would get to hear her voice again.
I am so angry right now I can't see straight. I am angry at this stupid cancer I've never heard of. I am angry at the doctors who don't want to give her every possible care. I am angry at life for taking someone who has done so much good in the world and who has so many people--including her 11 year old son--who love and need her.
Shit fuck.
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16 comments:
I am so, so sorry.
Is there any way to appeal about the discontinuation of her stroke rehab?
Praying for you and your family.
I think this calls for a second opinion --- from another facility. Especially since your sister showed great improvement over 48 hours. Wow. This is just too unbelieveable. My phone would be burning up with calls being made to every cancer (Mayo, for one)expert facility I could find. Praying for you all. I sure hope you can get further information and help. God bless.
I would definitely seek a 2nd opinion and quick. I always see commercials for Cancer Treatment Centers of America. You have all my thoughts and prayers!
Dear Suzanne,
I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I, too, googled bile duct cancer, and went to the Mayo Clinic site. I read about treatment options: http://www.mayoclinic.org/bile-duct-cancer/treatment.html They talk of surgery if the cancer is limited to the bile duct. They talk of liver transplant if the cancer is limited to the liver. They say chemo won't cure this cancer. I can see why the doctors made the decision they did since the cancer is everywhere through your sister's body. About the only thing that would help her now would, literally, be a miracle, and, if that's meant to happen, Hospice is the best place for her to be. She'll be cared for, and be kept in comfort. I totally understand your anger, especially since you're helpless to change this situation. I imagine that someday you'll see the stroke as a blessing because it brought your family together to be with your sister at this time. God's blessings be with you.
I am so sorry.
I am so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine what you must be feeling.
Most of the time, I think life is pretty good. But sometimes it sucks. Vastly. Incomprehensibly. Unjustly.
Investigate the second opinion options. If the stroke rehab is improving your sister's quality of life, then insist on it. She deserves it, no matter the duration.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Miracles have been know to happen.
I am so sorry and my thoughts are with you and your family.
How heartbreaking, I'm so sorry for your and your family. I'm with the others for that second opinion. So sad.
I am so sorry. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Wow. I don't even know what to say. I am so, so sorry. This is truly heartbreaking. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So many, many hugs to you and your sister, and the whole family. Know you have a ton of support anytime you need it!
I'm so so sorry...
Suzanne, You and your family are in my thoughts as well, I don't comment much, but lurk.. Hugs to you and yours.
Wish I could fix this. Praying for you all.
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