My mother has bile duct cancer distal . She is 79 and weak. She is 51 and 125 lbs. Blood thinner has left her weak. H and h ? Is low but no blood transfusion needed. Chemotherapy starts Wednesday but I want the doctor to let us know if its just not worth going through the process if she simply will get sick then pass eventually. What do you think?
Hi, Thanks for writing in. It is important to know the complete details of your mother and the staging of disease. Unfortunately a cancer of distal bile duct usually progresses and very rarely can a patient make a recovery. In most cases the survival can be extended for 2 years, and it is really difficult to predict complete response to treatment. Cancer is a challenging condition, and we must fight the battle against cancer till the end. In other words it is difficult to allow a patient to suffer without treatment. Pain relief is also important in every patient having cancer. It is a difficult phase for the patient and loved ones, but treatment must go on. Please provide her maximum pain relief and supportive care. Provide her with nutritious food and a lot of water and fresh juices to keep her HY Chat Doctor.  Please do not worry.