My dad is 67 and has just been diagnosis with few gallbladder polyps at 0.4cm by abdominal ultrasound. The doctor said there might be a slice possibility that it might become malignant? Does he have to go under surgery right now? or does he just need more medical examination? He is very depressed. Is there anything we can we do to help? How do we prevent further comlication? What does he has to be aware of in terms of living such as eating habit? Please help. Thank you.
Hi Jeff
I am also 67 but female.
I had my gallbladder removed by open surgery due to gallstones in February. A week later I was diagnosed with early stage gallbladder cancer: the labs had discovered a growth on the gallbladder wall on histology.
I'd waited months for my cholecystectomy: it felt like the hospital was dragging its feet and I'd been having painful attacks, often lasting days, but as soon as I got the cancer diagnosis, everything went into overdrive. Four weeks later I had a liver resection removing section five of my liver.
The good news is that they can cut out huge lumps of liver and it regenerates within weeks.
Yes it is major surgery with a general anaesthetic, but I think it sounds much much worse than it actually was. I am otherwise healthy and active and I'm making a good recovery and getting my life back.
Psychologically it obviously came as a shock at the time, but you get so caught up in the hurried preparations to have surgery that you have to put it to the back of your mind and concentrate on what is important- minimising the chances of the cancer spreading. Gallbladder cancer is rare in the u.k. so it had never entered my head that I had it. I just thought I was having really bad gallbladder attacks.
I had a lot of support from my husband and daughters. I knew they were rooting for me. I had practical support with housework, gardening, cooking (we ate a lot of count on us ready meals as they're low in fat) and younger daughter did all my ironing for weeks even though she works full time and has a husband and four year old child.
I'm pretty sure that the surgeons will want to operate pretty soon. I suggest your dad avoids all alcohol and eats a diet low in fat. He has to save his energy for his recovery. He needs to put his trust in the skills of the surgeons and nurses and let them do what they are trained for.
Please continue to post. This must have come as a shock to you. I've had a lot of good advice and support from people who post here.
Hi, ma'am, Thank you very much for the suggestion and advise, much appreciated for your response. I am glad you are getting better everyday and hope life can all get back beyond your expectation. I guess family support is always the key towards any situation. I will try to encourage my dad and gain his trust on the professionals. Thank you once again for your valuble information. Cheers.
Spend time with him. Go with him for doctors appointments. Make sure he's eating. That sort of thing.