Marcucilli Family

On 12/14/2018 Dominic was diagnosed with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.  

Intrahepatic  Cholangiocarcinoma are cancers that develop in the smaller bile duct branches inside the liver. They can sometimes be confused with cancers that start in the liver cells. Only 10% of bile duct cancers are intrahepatic.

Chemotherapy is the only treatment option at this time, since Dominic’s cancer is not localized inside of the liver and because of the severity of the disease and the size of the tumor, the doctors did not want us to wait on a second opinion before starting treatment.   Dr. Polish stated he would send the Mayo Clinic all records on Dominic so that we can get their opinion while going through treatment.

Prognosis is a funny thing, as we all know. Every person’s body is different, and doctors can only provide prognosis based upon medical statistics.  We all know that positivity, a sense of humor and being around loved ones can have a major impact on a person’s recovery, however, we were told that without chemo, Dom would have 3-4 months before his body would shut down and with Chemo, it will lengthen Dom’s time with all of us by an additional 5-8 more months.  So the decision was made to move forward. We have also informed the doctor that we would like to participate in any clinical trials that Dominic may be a candidate for. (meets requirements to participate)

On 12-28-2018 Dominic had his first Treatment.  His treatment started at 8:30 and lasted until approx. 3:00pm.  Dom slept through most of his treatment and afterwards maintained a positive attitude.  He followed the medication protocol (anti Nausea and Steroid) which was to be taken the following Saturday and Sunday and ate high protein diet along with drinking plenty of fluids.  For the most part Dominic did well, but did have bouts of tiredness and upset stomach, but made it through.

Dominic will be having 3 week Chemo Cycles over the next 3 months.  What this means is, two Fridays in a row, he will have Chemo, and then followed by an off Friday.   We are hoping that Dominic can continue to work, but he has a physical job, and over the course of his treatments he may become quite weak.   Only time will tell as we continue through this journey to wellness.