Info - Mum diagnosed with bile duct cancer

Mum diagnosed with bile duct cancer 5 weeks ago...she's too frail for any procedures, so no biopsy, even during stent insertion. Saw the Professor today who said can't 100% confirm cancer without biopsy, which has wrecked our heads a little...what's the liklihood of them saying cancer if they're not sure...scans and blood tests done. Thank you in anticipation x

  • Hello SdSV, 

    I am so sorry to hear about your mum's bile duct cancer diagnosis just 5 weeks ago and that she has been too frail for any procedures and couldn't even have a biopsy. It must be a bit frustrating for everyone not to have the absolute certainty that it is cancer. I hope that the scans and blood tests will enable them to have a clearer idea of the diagnosis. Don't hesitate to talk to the professor about how you are feeling and to ask any questions so that you feel a little bit less in the dark. 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you would like to talk things through with them - you can ring their helpline on 0808 800 4040 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    I also hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have been in a similar place before and that they will drop by shortly to share their experience with you.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Lucie,

    Thank you so much, I read your message last night and did what you advised.

    The team are meeting about my Mum tomorrow so we asked the nurse specialist if she could highlight with them that we need a clearer idea of diagnosis.

    This week has been the hardest, as we'd just got used to the fact we maybe losing her and it just really confused us.

    Thank you for your support