Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
On 2/11/2022 we received confirmation that Dawn has Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer that was found initially in the bile ducts. The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation has an excellent website where you can find more information on this rare cancer.
https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/What is cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)? (
https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/defined/?fbclid=IwAR2OeLklnXS4U1ivhz80Nsw_NcySDCutnfboWbTx_oGvqchuNmtJMV3xcA0)
Over the last three months we have been humbled by the support from family and friends. We are forever grateful for the healing thoughts, positive energy and well wishes as well as the physical support being offered. We may not respond immediately but please know that we hold these close to our hearts and reference them often as we travel this road.
Dawn's journey began early in 11/2021 when after returning from a wonderful weekend getaway she began to itch intensely, which at first we associated as a number of common ailments including allergies and dry skin. Immediately after Thanksgiving Dawn reached out to her doctor as the intensity of the itching had increased and was impacting the quality of her life (sleep, what she could wear, concentration and focus). Her PCP ordered a series of blood tests, which indicated her liver enzymes and bilirubin levels were significantly elevated. He subsequently referred Dawn for an ultrasound, additional blood work, and consult with a GI specialist. Additional blood work indicated her liver enzymes and bilirubin had continued to climb and she developed severe jaundice. The GI specialist ordered a CT scan, which showed she had a bile duct stricture.
On 12/17/2021 Dawn underwent a procedure to place a stint in her bile duct and to collect samples of bile duct cells to aide in determining the cause. There were complications following the initial procedure, the stint was removed and replaced on 12/21/2021 and she developed severe pancreatitis resulting in a 12-day hospital stay. The initial samples (scrapings) were inconclusive as was the initial ultrasound of the stricture (due to inflammation).
On 1/31/2022 Dawn underwent a second ultrasound and attempt to obtain cells from the bile duct. This procedure again triggered pancreatitis, which resulted in a 5-day hospital stay.
On 2/4/2022 the GI specialist informed Dawn and Brandon that the biopsy attempt was successful and initial pathology results indicated the presence of “high grade dysplasia” or early development of adenocarcinoma. They were told the sample had been sent for a second opinion but meanwhile, due to the nature of cancer, Dawn was being referred to a surgeon who specialized in hepato-biliary procedures.
On 2/7/2022 Dawn and Brandon met with the surgeon who explained the Whipple Procedure, a surgery to remove Dawn's gallbladder, bile duct, and duodenum as well as part of her pancreas and any proximal lymph nodes. Additional tissue samples would be collected to evaluate for the presence of spread as well. Surgery was scheduled for 3/8/2022.
On 2/11/2022 the GI specialist informed Brandon and Dawn that the follow up pathology report not only confirmed the presence of high-grade dysplasia but positively identified Cholangiocarcinoma and Dawn was being referred to oncology for additional treatment planning following surgery.
Prior to consult with the oncologist Dawn underwent an PETscan looking specifically for lesions and areas of concern indicating spread of the cancer cells. On 3/1/2022 they met with the oncologist who shared additional spread was not visible on the current MRI and discussed a vague treatment plan with the caveat that all treatment would be based on the pathology results of samples taken during the upcoming surgery. A follow up appointment was scheduled for 3/30/2022.
On 3/8/2022 Dawn underwent the Whipple Procedure. The surgeon indicated the surgery went well and she was discharged after 5 days in the hospital. There were some minor complications which resulted in her being readmitted and staying for an additional 3 days shortly after.
We are blessed to have a robust medical team including a variety of specialists: hepato-biliary surgeon, oncologist, palliative care, nutrition, GI, mental health and her PCP. In addition, Dawn is receiving care from an acupuncturist and Reiki practitioner.
Dawn will also be seeking additional treatment recommendations from UCSF and MD Anderson (in Houston) which both specialize in treating this rare cancer.
We will continue to update this page and while we may not respond immediately please know that we hold your thoughts and well wishes close to our hearts. As this is an unpredictable journey, it is not always easy to know what may be helpful. As needs become clear we will share in the Caring Bridge Journal,
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dawnb2/journal, and post specific requests in the Caring Bridge Planner,
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dawnb2/planner. 
