cholangiocarcinoma ( bile duct cancer)

My boyfriend of 3.5 years was just diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) that spread to his liver and bones! He refuses to talk to me about it, or his children! This is a deadly cancer that is very aggressive and there is no cure if not detected early! The prognosis is usually a 6 month time frame if presented at late stage! I'm scared that he's not gonna be around much longer! He is losing weight, throws up anything that he eats or drinks,and he is in unbelievable amounts of pain! I don't know what to do he won't tell his kids! He is giving them false hope! 3 of them are adults, but his baby is only 16! Advise????

  • Hello Eeyore74, 

    I'm so sorry to hear about the news that your partner has been given. I'm sure that this is a very difficult time for you both and it's not uncommon for people to not want to talk about their illness with their loved ones. It sounds as if he wants to protect you all as much as he is able to from what is ahead of you all. 

    Is there a relative or friend that you can talk to for support during this time? It may be that there is a counselling service that you can access at through your partner's medical team. Whilst he may not feel able to talk to you or his children for fear of upsetting you, he may feel more comfortable discussing things with his specialist nurse. 

    We do have some information on our website about Coping emtionally which also includes a section on Talking about cancer. 

    In the meantime please feel free to come and post here anytime that you need a chat, or to offload or to vent things. 

    Sending you our best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • I thank you for your reply! An update on my previous post, not only did it spread to his liver and bones, but also his lungs! I am sitting at his bedside in the palliative care as he lay dying! Seeing him like this is very painful for me to watch as he has always been a strong powerful person! He did finally tell his children and they have spent a lot of time with me at his bedside! I am terrified! I am so lost! Any advice? He already has the start of the death rattle and he is struggling for each breath he takes! His children and I have all told him that we will all take care of each other and that it is ok for him to let go of the pain, but he keeps holding on! I hate seeing him like that! Please anyone? Help me! Please!
  • Hi Eeyore, 

    I'm so sorry to hear that your boyfriend's cancer also spread to his lungs. I can't begin to imagine how tough this is for you and the children right now but I'm sure he will be taking a lot of strength and comfort knowing you are all going to look after each other and are by his bedside. I have included some information about what to expect in the last few days if you would like to know what may come next. Is it a bit of a tough read so do only have a look if you think you are ready. 

    There are other members who have been where you are now and hopefully they will be along soon to offer their support and advice and to share their experiences with you as well.

    Post as much as you need to Eeyore and remember that we will be here when you need us.

    Kind Regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you so much for your reply! It means a lot that there are people willing to talk who have been through this!

  • My sweet Bob died today! April 11, 2017!

  • Oh Eeyore, I'm so sorry. And on behalf of the Cancer Chat team I want to offer you our sincerest condolences.

    I know there isn't much I can say right now but I just want to reiterate that we really are all here for you Eeyore and will do all we can to help you through this.

    Our thoughts are with you at this time.

    Kind Regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator