#cholangiocarcinoma

[nikitaedhacare]

🩺 Advanced Care for a Rare Cancer: Bile Duct Cancer Treatment in India

Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare yet aggressive malignancy that forms in the bile ducts—tubes that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Due to its subtle onset and non-specific symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss, Bile Duct Cancer in India is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, India has emerged as a preferred destination for its timely diagnosis, skilled specialists, and cutting-edge, cost-effective treatments.

Who needs treatment?

Anyone diagnosed with bile duct cancer, whether localized or advanced, needs a comprehensive and timely treatment plan. Signs that warrant medical evaluation and intervention include:

Jaundice or yellowing of the skin

Persistent abdominal pain

Unexplained weight loss

Itching and bile duct obstruction

Imaging or biopsy confirming a bile duct tumor

Depending on the stage and spread of the disease, treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted approaches.

🏥 Top Treatment Procedures for Bile Duct Cancer in India

1. Surgery:Surgical resection is the most effective treatment for early-stage or localized cancer. Common procedures include:

Bile Duct Resection: Removes affected bile duct segments

Partial Hepatectomy: Removes the liver section harboring the tumor

Whipple Procedure: Removes the distal bile duct, pancreas head, and small intestine

2. Liver Transplant:In specific cases, especially unresectable perihilar tumors, liver transplantation may offer a curative approach—combined with neoadjuvant therapy.

3. Chemotherapy:Used for advanced or recurrent cancer. Common combinations include gemcitabine and cisplatin. It may be used as:

Neoadjuvant therapy (before surgery)

Adjuvant therapy (after surgery)

Primary therapy in metastatic cancer

4. Radiation Therapy:Radiation is often administered post-surgery or for symptom relief in inoperable cases using advanced external beam radiation techniques.

5. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy:New-age drugs now offer hope for patients whose tumors show specific genetic markers. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors is also being trialed in recurrent cases.

6. Palliative Care:Includes procedures like biliary stenting and percutaneous transhepatic drainage to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life.

🔬 Diagnostics & Surgical Planning

Before deciding on a treatment course, accurate staging is essential. Diagnostics include:

Imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT)

Endoscopic or laparoscopic biopsy

Liver function tests and tumor markers

Molecular profiling to assess eligibility for targeted therapies

A multidisciplinary team consisting of surgical oncologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists designs a personalized treatment plan for every patient.

💉 What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from bile duct cancer treatment can vary by procedure:

Hospital stay: 7–10 days for major surgery

Diet: Gradual reintroduction with potential nutritional support

Pain management & medications: Antibiotics, liver support, and vitamins

Follow-ups: Regular imaging and blood tests

Patients are also advised to slowly resume daily activities, maintain a nutritious diet, and stay hydrated. Long-term follow-up is critical to detect any recurrence early.

📊 Cost of Bile Duct Cancer Treatment in India

India is globally recognized for providing affordable and high-quality cancer care. The Cost of Bile Duct Cancer in India is significantly lower compared to countries like the USA or UK, making it a hotspot for international medical travelers.

Surgery- 4,000 – 8,000

Liver Transplant- 25,000 – 30,000

Chemotherapy (per cycle)- 1,000 – 1,200

Radiation Therapy (per session)- 3,800 – 4,200

Targeted Therapy (per month)- 1,500 – 2,500

These costs often include hospital stays, diagnostics, medications, and post-operative care. India’s advanced hospitals ensure that patients receive world-class services at a fraction of the global price.

🌍 Why Choose India for Bile Duct Cancer Treatment?

India offers unmatched advantages for bile duct cancer care:

✅ Highly skilled surgical teams and oncologists

✅ State-of-the-art technology including robotic surgery and precision oncology

✅ Affordable treatment packages and easy access to newer therapies

✅ Personalized treatment plans designed by multidisciplinary cancer boards

✅ International patient services for medical tourists including visa support, interpreters, and accommodation

🧠 Conclusion

Bile Duct Cancer in India is being tackled effectively through a blend of clinical expertise, modern technology, and patient-centric care. With affordable treatment options and advanced diagnostics, India stands as a global leader in oncology care. Early diagnosis, combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, significantly improves the survival and quality of life of patients.

If you or a loved one are seeking compassionate, high-quality care, India’s cancer hospitals are ready to help you fight—and beat—bile duct cancer.

[thelovebudllc]

Look Yellow? You Could Have Cholangiocarcinoma

You can’t sugarcoat a cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis. The rare cancer type, which starts in the bile ducts, spreads fast. It also isn’t usually detected until it’s spread. That makes effective treatment difficult. So, you may think, if I could just find the cancer early, that would help with faster treatment, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Let’s take a look at some of the challenges…

[pace-hospitals]

Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): Symptoms, Causes, Types, Staging, Treatment & Prevention

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), also called bile duct cancer, is an uncommon but aggressive malignancy that arises from the epithelial cells lining the bile ducts. These bile ducts play a vital role in transporting bile to the small intestine from the liver, aiding in digestion. Cholangiocarcinoma accounts for approximately 3% of all gastrointestinal malignant cancers but is associated with a high mortality rate due to its late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options.

Cholangiocarcinoma meaning

The term cholangiocarcinoma is derived from Greek roots:

"Cholangio-" (Greek: chole = bile + angeion = vessel) → Refers to the bile ducts.

"Carcinoma" (Greek: karkinōma = cancerous tumor) → Refers to a malignant tumor of epithelial origin.

Thus, cholangiocarcinoma literally means "a malignant tumor of the bile ducts."

The disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages, leading to delayed detection and poor prognosis. Some of the commonly seen symptoms are jaundice, pruritus, abdominal pain, and weight loss. The pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma is complex and multifactorial, involving chronic inflammation, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Though there are advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, curative options remain restricted, making early detection and targeted therapies a crucial focus of ongoing research.

Symptoms of Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

[cholangiocarcinoma]

It started with tummy aches. I was out from work for nearly two weeks, couldn’t eat much but it was manageable.

Had the best birthday ever, 26, and ate well that day.

Couldn’t comfortably drink water the following morning. Went to urgent care. They did some bloodwork.

While waiting for lab results I went to see my boss who is also my father as he needed to talk to me. I’d not been in for work in over two weeks. He has to fire me and feels awful about it, there are tears.

While getting fired I get a call from urgent care. My liver levels are rly high and I need to go to the ER right away.

They do all sorts of checking me out. I’m watching Twilight, pleased as punch. They determine I need to have my gallbladder taken out. I learn what a gallbladder is. Text the bestie “brb getting organ removed”

Surgeon says my gallbladder was a rly weird texture and my bile ducts and everybody around there was real angry and inflamed. It’s assumed this was due to the gallbladder needing to be removed.

Within a week I’m turning yellow and can’t eat hardly anything. My bodily functions are the wrong colors. Back to the ER.

My bile ducts are blocked. They do a procedure and put some tubes in there to keep my ducts open. Removed all the garbage that was blocking things and dilate the narrow parts.

Couple weeks later the same issues. They do the procedure again, an ERCP, and replace the tubes.

The tubes are called stents and they need to be replaced about every three months. I miss my appointment for my stent replacement because I test positive for COVID. I have no symptoms.

Nearly a month later and I’m borderline septic. Jaundiced and unable to eat just like before but it’s worse this time.

The stents shifted and got infected. I’m admitted to the hospital and they replace the stents again. I’m referred to a hospital in Seattle for my next replacement because they can’t make it work for me here in town.

The GI team at Seattle VM is amazing and they solve the problem of the shifting stents on the first try. They biopsy the mass that’s been causing the bulk of the issues in my bile duct blockage.

Hey Lexi, it’s Doctor who solved your problems, yeah, it is cancer. Bile duct cancer, cholangiocarcinoma. In the middle of this conversation my brother calls and demands I move my car from his parking spot. I take my opportunity and throw the cancer news at him before I move my car.

Later that night I go to go buy some weed to find my car was towed. From an unmarked spot at my apartment complex. Unmarked also means “reserved” in the eyes of the apartment complex.

I get tons of tests done to better inform my oncology team on what kind of treatment will work for me. It’s not a genetic thing but I don’t believe that considering my grandfather died of the same exact cancer 9 months prior.

I start chemotherapy two months after diagnosis. It would have been sooner but I got COVID for real so we ofc pushed it back a bit.

My oncologist says we’ll start with 6 months of chemo and then see how things respond. I’m on front line treatment at full dosage, two weeks on, one week off. My infusions take about 5 hours and I stress out about what I’m going to eat every time we’re there.

Chemo knocks me out. I sleep constantly. If I don’t get at least 12 hours of sleep I have no energy. Days four and five of my cycle are the worst where I have fully body pain and intense joint pain. I’m given steroids and they help immensely.

I start to not recover enough btwn infusions to follow the schedule. We reduce the dosage by 20% and I am able to handle it way better.

After a year of being on the cis/gem chemo combo I start to get signs of lasting side effects- my ears ringing and being sensitive to sound, my arms and legs being tingly randomly and “falling asleep” often. We drop cisplatin and I’m only on gemcitabine.

My hair starts to fill back in. My infusions take only a couple hours and I’m recovering quickly. I no longer require absurd amounts of sleep just to stay awake and socialize. One of the nurses recommends the chicken quesadilla from the cafeteria. It’s the most delicious quesadilla I’ve ever had and I proceed to order it every week.

I get my hearing checked out after while to see if it improved. It hadn’t. I continued with gemcitabine for quite some time.

I know exactly what is going on when I need my stents replaced at this point and my body is showing symptoms. This time most symptoms are familiar but I can’t eat much at all, even safe foods. I go to the ER in Seattle, my GI doc tries to do the usual stent swap but can’t. My tumor has grown and is pressing on my stomach causing a blockage. My GI doc couldn’t even get her scope past the block.

My GI team explains the options and I pick the least invasive, reversible option. I get a feeding tube put in, an NJ tube. My oncologist is confident that putting me back on the chemo combo will shrink the tumor and allow me to eat normally again.

The feeding tube meant significantly less stress from all the decisions that go into feeding yourself when you have GI issues. Better nutrition after my infusions when I’m usually too tired to make food or only want specific foods that aren’t that great nutritionally. I’m still able to eat solid foods but certain things are uncomfortable to consume. My appetite is confusing and I quickly can go from feeling fine to being so hungry I’m in immense pain and can’t move.

Everyone is constantly surprised that I’m able to eat food by mouth. My nose and sinuses constantly feel intense pressure when the tube is in my left nostril. I can feel it in my teeth. Ibuprofen doesn’t always help enough with the pain.

When the tube is in my right nostril it’s fine and dandy, I don’t even notice it. It’s lovely.

I resume chemo with cisplatin and gemcitabine but this time I’m getting immunotherapy too! My infusions now take about 6 hours.

After three months of having the feeding tube and being on the escalated chemo treatment I’m able to get the feeding tube out.

I have a reputation for wearing bright color outfits that are 80’s inspired and being super into space. It’s been 3 years of treatment.

The hospital redid their menu. They no longer offer the chicken quesadilla. I am at a loss and must now find a new reliable food option that doesn’t require my bf to walk across downtown Seattle. A bunch of the nurses are equally upset by this change.

My bf now has his learners permit and will be able to drive us every week soon. I met him two months before all my health problems started. He takes care of me more than I could ever ask for.

[asmohlab]

Aujourd’hui, nous nous unissons pour la Journée mondiale du cholangiocarcinome ! Sensibilisons les gens à ce cancer rare mais impactant qui touche les voies biliaires. Ensemble, nous pouvons soutenir ceux qui luttent contre le #Cholangiocarcinome, honorer la mémoire des proches disparus et plaider en faveur de la recherche visant à améliorer les traitements et la détection précoce. . . . www.asmohlab.in

[myacare]

BILE DUCT CANCER: A RARE AND CHALLENGING CONDITION - MYA CARE

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare type of cancer where the bile ducts, a group of tubes that convey bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, are affected. Bile helps the body eliminate waste and digest fats. As the cancer grows, it very often leads to bile duct blockage and gallbladder or liver problems. Cholangiocarcinoma is also called bile duct cancer or biliary tract cancer.

Bile duct cancer is frequently discovered in an advanced stage when it has progressed to distant body parts or nearby organs. This makes it difficult to treat and lends itself to a poor prognosis. Available treatments can help control symptoms and improve the life quality in people with cholangiocarcinoma.

[delicatemagazinedreamer]

Global Cholangiocarcinoma Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Rising Incidences of the Disease

The global Cholangiocarcinoma Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 185.4 million in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 12.8% over the forecast period 2021-2028, as highlighted in the new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the bile ducts. The market for Cholangiocarcinoma is driven by the increasing incidences of the disease and the need for effective treatment options. Market Overview: Cholangiocarcinoma is a deadly cancer that arises from the cells lining the bile ducts, which are responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine. This cancer is difficult to diagnose in its early stages and is often detected at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. The market for Cholangiocarcinoma is driven by the need for targeted therapies and innovative treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes. Currently, there are limited treatment options available for patients with Cholangiocarcinoma, which creates a significant unmet need in the market. Market Key Trends: One key trend in the Cholangiocarcinoma Market is the increasing focus on precision medicine and targeted therapies. Precision medicine involves tailoring treatment plans based on an individual's genetic makeup, allowing for more personalized and effective treatments. Several pharmaceutical companies are investing in research and development to identify specific genetic mutations and biomarkers associated with Cholangiocarcinoma to develop targeted therapies. For example, Incyte Corporation and QED Therapeutics are conducting clinical trials for their targeted therapy, pemigatinib, which has shown promising results in patients with locally advanced or metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma. PEST Analysis: - Political: Government initiatives and regulations play a crucial role in the development and availability of treatments for Cholangiocarcinoma. Governments are increasingly focusing on improving cancer care and funding research programs. - Economic: The economic impact of Cholangiocarcinoma is significant, as it requires long-term treatment and care. The high cost of treatment options and supportive care pose challenges for patients and healthcare systems. - Social: The increasing awareness about Cholangiocarcinoma among the general population and healthcare professionals is driving early detection and diagnosis. Support groups and patient advocacy organizations are providing support and resources to patients and their families. - Technological: Advances in diagnostic technologies, such as molecular testing and imaging techniques, are enabling early detection and accurate diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma. Additionally, the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is revolutionizing the treatment landscape for this aggressive cancer. Key Takeaways: In terms of market size, the global Cholangiocarcinoma market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.8% over the forecast period, due to increasing incidences of the disease. The rising prevalence of risk factors such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), hepatitis B and C infections, and exposure to certain chemicals and toxins are contributing to the growing incidence of Cholangiocarcinoma. Moreover, the lack of effective treatment options for this aggressive cancer creates opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes. Key players operating in the global Cholangiocarcinoma market are Incyte Corporation, Eisai Co., Ltd., QED Therapeutics, Inc., Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., RenovoRx, Ability Pharmaceuticals, Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., and Delcath Systems, Inc. These companies are focusing on strategic collaborations, clinical trials, and research and development activities to develop effective treatment options for Cholangiocarcinoma.

[sjweminem]

does anyone else have like. "favorite" diseases/conditions?? like conditions about which you just cannot get enough information no matter how much you read or watch? mine are fatal familial insomnia, locked-in syndrome, and rabies..if anyone else is like this PLEASE tell me what ur fav shit is

[researchmarketgroup]

According to report by IMARC Group provides the key factors driving the epidemiological trend of Cholangiocarcinoma.

[sexi-lou]

tumor grew and now I need an nj tube. cancer sucks. here is a cool pic I took in the hospital.

[mitalipingale]

https://social.studentb.eu/read-blog/178810_cholangiocarcinoma-market-share-overview-competitive-analysis-and-forecast-2031.html

The Cholangiocarcinoma Market in 2023 is US$ 236.82 million, and is expected to reach US$ 630.46 million by 2031 at a CAGR of 13.00%.

[yourlocalfagg]

I regret to inform you that you’ve just been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid leukemia, Kaposi Sarcoma, Primary CNS Lymphoma, Anal Cancer, Appendix Cancer, Astrocytomas Brain Cancer, Atypical Teratoid Brain Cancer, Bile Duct Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Bone Cancer, Brain Tumors, Bronchial Tumors, Lung Cancer, Burkitt Lymphoma, Carcinoma, Germ Cell Tumor, CNS Lymphoma, Cervical Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Colorectal Cancer, Craniopharyngioma, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Endometrial Cancer, Introcular Melanoma, Retinoblastoma, Gallbladder Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, Head and Neck Cancer, Heart Tumors, Hepatocellular Cancer, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Kidney Cancer, Leukemia, Lung Cancer, Liver Cancer, Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, Melanoma, Mycosis Fungoides, Myelogenous Leukemia, Myloproliferative Neoplasms, Mesothelioma Malignant, Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer, Neuroblastoma, Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Panceatic Cancer, Papillomatosis, Paraganglioma, Pheochromocytoma, Pituitary Tumor, Penile Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Retinoblastoma, Salivary Gland Cancer, Kaposi Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Skin Cancer, Vascular Tumors, Stomach Cancer, Throat Cancer, Oropharyngeal Cancer, Hypopharyngeal Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Thracheobronchidal Cancer, Thymoma, and Thyric Carcinoma.

-Dr. Homeless

oh shit

[nationaldaysbydigitalhygge]

February 20th, 2025:

National Love Your Pet Day

National Cherry Pie Day

National Comfy Day

National Handcuff Day

National Leadership Day

National Muffin Day

National Student Volunteer Day

National Whistleblower Reward Day

International Lego Classicism Day

International Pipe Smoking Day

World Anthropology Day

World Cholangiocarcinoma Day

World Day of Social Justice

Clean Out Your Bookcase Day

Global Information Governance Day

Great American Spit Out

Hoodie Hoo Day

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day / Girl Day

No Politics Day

Women in Blue Jeans Days

[ultra-francesca-mercury]

May 20, 2013

Ray Manzarek (keyboardist for The Doors) dies at age 74 in Rosenheim, Germany, while receiving treatment for a rare form of cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer).

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 2.12

Holidays

Bra Day (Japan)

Darwin Day

Flip Flop Day [also 3rd Friday in June]

Gamma Day (Illinois)

Georgia Day (US)

Gold Rush Day (Australia)

Hug Day

Immanuel Kant Remembrance Day

International Darwin Day

International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers

International Day of the Prevention of Violent Extremism As & When Conducive to Terrorism

International Day of Women’s Health

Janet Jackson Appreciation Day

Lady Jane Grey’s Ghost Appearance Day

Lincoln's Birthday

Lost Penny Day

Love a Mensch Day

Makha Bucha Day (Thailand)

Memorial Day of 1990 Dushanbe Riots (Tajikistan)

Moresdag (Mother’s Day; Norway)

NAACP Day

Nancy Hanks Lincoln Memorial Day (Booneville, Indiana)

National Freedom to Marry Day

National Hump for a Day, Day

National Productivity Day (India)

National Women’s Day (Pakistan)

Oglethorpe Day (a.k.a. Georgia Day; US)

Paul Bunyan Day (Bangor, Maine) [also 8.10]

Peanut’s Remembrance Day

Pick A New Love Song Day

Red Hand Day (UN)

Rhapsody in Blue Day

Robinson Crusoe Rescue Day

Rubber Galoshes Day

Safety Pup Day

Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day (Canada)

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Day

Tourism Day (Taiwan)

World Cholangiocarcinoma Day

World Lidar Day

Youth Day (Venezuela)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Hot Tea Day

National Biscotti Day

National P.B. & J. Day

Plum Pudding Day

Nature Celebrations

Common Knotgrass Day (French Republic)

Justiça Procumbens Day (Pure & Simple; Korean Birth Flowers)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

The Baillium Empire (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Chile (Declared from Spain, 1818)

China (Became a Republic after Overthrow of Manchu Dynasty; 1912)

Commonwealth Day (Gibraltar)

Savannah, Georgia (Founded; 1733)

Sexistan (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]

Union Day (Union of Burma Founded; 1947)

New Year’s Days

New Year for Trees (Tu Bishvat; Judaism)

2nd Wednesday in February

Hump Day [Every Wednesday]

Wacky Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Waste-Not Wednesday (UK) [Wednesday of Go Green Week]

Watermelon Wednesday [2nd Wednesday of Each Month]

Website Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Workout Wednesday [2nd Wednesday of Each Month]

Weekly Holidays beginning February 12 (2nd Week of February)

Borrowed Days (Scotland) [thru 2.14]_

Festivals On or Beginning February 12, 2025

Cheongwoldaeboreum, a.k.a. Korean Folk Festival (North Korea)

Great British Beer Festival Winter (Rotherham, United Kingdom) [thru 2.15]

Kosher Food and Wine Experience (Oxnard, California)

Lantern Festival (China) [Day 15 in Month 1]

National Farm Machinery Show & Tractor Pull (Louisville, Kentucky) [thru 2.15]

Taiwan Lantern Festival (Taoyuan, Taiwan) [thru 2.23]

Watertown Winter Farm Show (Watertown, South Dakota) [thru 2.15]

Feast Days

Aesop (Positivist; Saint)

Anthony Kauleas, Patriarch of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Ariadne’s Labyrinth Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Benedict of Aniane (Christian; Saint)

Bruno (Muppetism)

Choes Day (Day of the Cups; Ancient Greece)

Damian of Alexandria (Christian; Saint)

Darwin Day (Pastafarian)

Diana’s Day (Ancient Rome)

Diana’s Day — Protection of Wildlife (Pagan)

Ethelwald of Lindisfarne (Christian; Saint)

Eulalia (Christian; Saint)

Feast of the Seven Founders of the Service Order

Feast of the Three Saints — Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian (Orthodox Christian)

Festival of Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt; Ancient Greece)

Festival of Pitooyage (God of gaming & chance; Oaxaca, Mexico)

Fritter Thursday [Day after Ash Wednesday]

High Confiscation of Property (Church of the SubGenius)

Julian the Hospitaller (Christian; Saint) [travelers, innkeepers & circus performers]

Ludan (Christian; Saint)

Marina (Christian; Virgin)

Martyrs of Abitinae (Christian; Martyrs)

Meletius, Patriarch of Antioch (Christian; Saint)

Sacrifice to Dionysos (Ancient Greece)

Storm-Days begin (Celtic Book of Days)

Tales of Kelp-Koli (Shamanism)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Tu Bishvat (New Year for Trees) [14-15 Shevat]

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 15 (Ren-Zi)

Day Pillar: Water Rat

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Open Day (開 Kai) [Auspicious]

Holidays: Lantern Festival (元宵节)

Full Moon [2nd of the Year] (a.k.a. ... 

Bony Moon (Cherokee)

Budding Moon (China)

Daeboreum (Great Full Moon; Korea) [1st Full Moon of Lunar Calendar]

Eagle Moon (Traditional)

Grain Moon (South Africa)

The Great Fifteenth [Lunar Calendar]

Hunger or Hungry Moon (Alternate)

Ice Moon (Celtic)

Little Famine Moon (Choctaw)

Naval Full Moon Poya Day (Sri Lanka)

Raccoon Moon (Traditional)

Snow Moon (American Indian, North America, Traditional)

Southern Hemisphere: Barley, Corn, Dog, Grain, Red, Sturgeon, Wyrt Moons

Storm Moon (England, Neo-Pagan, Wicca)

Trapper’s Moon (Colonial)

Secular Saints Days

Darren Aronofsky (Entertainment)

Max Beckman (Art)

Tex Beneke (Music)

Terry Bisson (Literature)

Judy Blume (Literature)

Omar Bradley (Military)

Rolf Brem (Art)

Charles Darwin (Science)

Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué (Literature)

R. F. Delderfield (Literature)

Jean Effel (Art)

R. Buckminster Fuller (Architecture)

Steve Hackett (Music)

Roy Harris (Music)

Abraham Lincoln (Politics)

Ray Manzarek (Music)

Michael McDonald (Music)

George Meredith (Literature)

Joan Mitchell (Art)

Thomas Moran (Art)

Zoran Mušič (Art)

Anna Pavlova (Dance)

Christina Ricci (Entertainment)

Bill Russell (Sports)

Julian S. Schwinger (Science)

George Simenon (Literature)

Marie Vassilieff (Art)

Franco Zeffirelli (Entertainment)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 43 [14 of 72]

Sakimake (先�� Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [11 of 57]

Premieres

All in Fever Say Aye or The Emotion is Carried (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 204; 1963)

Andy and Min Have a Caller (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

Andy’s Holiday (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

Animals, by Pink Floyd (Album; 1977)

Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, by Richard Hofstadter (Non-Fiction Book; 1963)

Emperor Hymn (a.k.a. Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser), by Joseph Haydn (Austrian Anthem; 1797)

The Automobile Ride (Fleischer Goldwyn-Bray Pictographs Cartoon; 1921)

Beanstalk Bunny (WB MM Cartoon; 1955)

The Best of Luck (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

Blast from the Past (Film; 1999)

Blow-Up and Other Stories, by Julio Cortázar (Short Stories; 1968)

The Blue Umbrella (Animated Pixar Short; 2013)

Boomerang Bowler or Boris Makes a Comeback (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S4, Ep. 203; 1963)

Bunny Mooning (Fleischer Color Classic Cartoon; 1937)

Centennial, by James A. Michener (Historical Novel; 1974)

Chester’s Cat (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

Crazy Town (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1954)

A Dangerous Girl (Keen cartoon; 1917)

Deadpool (Film; 2016)

Dracula (Film; 1931)

English Settlement, by XTC (Album; 1982)

The Further Adventures of Hardrock Dome (Paramount-Bray Pictographs Cartoon; 1919)

Give ‘er the Gas (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

Groundhog Day (Film; 1993)

Homeward Bound, by Simon & Garfunkel (Song; 1966)

Hop On Pop, by Dr. Seuss (Children’s Book; 1963)

Il Cuspidore (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

The International (Film; 2009)

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, by Dick Powell and Alice Faye (Song; 1937)

Kittens’ Mittens (Car-Tune Cartoon; 1940)

Life Is Beautiful (Film; 1999)

The Lyin’ Hunter (Krazy Kat Cartoon; 1937)

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (Film; 2021)

The Masked Ball (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

Maybe I’m Amazed (Live), by Paul McCartney and Wings (Song; 1977)

Michigan State University (School; 1855)

More Than You Know, recorded by Mildred Bailey (Song; 1942)

Moving Pictures, by Rush (Album; 1981)

NAACP (Civil Rights Organization; 1909)

On Golden Pond (Film; 1982)

On the Avenue (Film; 1937)

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (Film; 2010)

Pink Pest Control (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1969)

Pluto’s Housewarming (Disney Cartoon; 1947)

Porky Chops (WB LT Cartoon; 1949)

Progress (Heasrt-Pathe News Cartoon; 1918)

The Promoters (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

Rear Window, by Cornell Woolrich (Short Story f.k.a. It Had To Be Murder; 1942)

Rhapsody in Blue, by George Gershwin (Musical Composition; 1924)

Rhythm Lullaby and Bubbling Over, by Earl Hines & His Orchestra (Songs; 1935)

Robocop (Film; 2014)

Rolling Around (The Gumps Wallace Carlson Studio Cartoon; 1921)

Roundabout, by Yes (Song; 1972)

Run to the Hills, by Iron Maiden (Song; 1982)

School Daze (Film; 1988)

The Shot Heard Round the World or The First National Bang (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 98; 1961)

Sign of the Unicorn, by Roger Zelazny (Novel; 1975) [The Chronicles of Amber, #3]

The Son Shower (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1928)

The Space Rat or Of Mice and Menace (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S2, Ep. 97; 1961)

The Squaw Man (Film; 1914) [1st Film made in Hollywood]

Stay Tuned (WB Cartoon; 1993)

Strictly Ballroom (Film; 1993)

Studebaker (Automobile Company’s 1st Sale; 1902)

The Swooner Crooner (Blue Ribbon Hit Parade Cartoon; 1949)

Taft Playing Golf (Criterion Komic Kartoons Cartoon; 1915)

Tapper (Videogame; 1984)

Times and Patowmack Packet (Newspaper; 1789) [1st D.C. newspaper]

Tom Turk and Daffy (WB LT Cartoon; 1944)

Untamed Heart (Film; 1993)

Vermont Gazette (Newspaper; 1781) [1st Vermont newspaper]

We Give Pink Stamps (Pink Panther Cartoon; 1965)

Whoops! I’m a Cowboy (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1937)

Zoolander 2 (Film; 2016)

Today’s Name Days

Benedikt, Eulalia, Gregor (Austria)

Zvonimir, Zvonko (Croatia)

Slavěna (Czech Republic)

Eulalia (Denmark)

Alma, Alme, Elma, Elme, Elmi (Estonia)

Elma, Elmi (Finland)

Félix (France)

Benedikt, Eulalia (Germany)

Meletios, Meletis, Plotinos (Greece)

Lídia, Lívia (Hungary)

Alessio, Eulalia, Pilerio (Italy)

Karlīna, Karline, Līna (Latvia)

Benediktas, Deimantė, Eulalija, Mantminas (Lithuania)

Randi, Randulf, Ronja (Norway)

Aleksy, Benedykt, Eulalia, Julian, Laurenty, Modest, Nora, Radzim, Trzebisława (Poland)

Meletie (Romania)

Perla (Slovakia)

Eulalia (Spain)

Evelina, Evy (Sweden)

Ulas (Ukraine)

Abra, Abraham, Abram, Bram, Darwin, Ibrahim (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Braydon Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 43 of 2025; 322 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 3 of Week 7 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 23 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 15 (Ren-Zi)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 5 Amshir 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Hackberry (Feb 9-18) [Day 4 of 10]

Hebrew: 14 Shevat 5785

Islamic: 13 Sha’ban 1446

Julian: 30 January 2025

Moon: 100%: Full Moon

Positivist: 15 Homer (2nd Month) [Aesop)

Runic Half Month: Sigel (Sun) [Day 7 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 54 of 90)

SUn Calendar: 13 Gray; Sixthday [13 of 30]

Week: 2nd Week of February

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 24 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 29 of 29)

Schmidt Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 18 of 27)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 24 of 28)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Capricornus (Day 25 of 28)

[stefankarlfanblog]

Interview with Stefán Karl written for Kraftur's magazine, an Icelandic organization that supports young adults diagnosed with cancer. from 2017: https://timarit.is/page/7072756

Content warning: Discussion of hard topics, and graphic details of illness

"I live in the present"

Photograph by Jónatan Grétarsson

"I never thought about cancer before and pushed all such thoughts away. Nevertheless, I lost my father to cancer in 2012, and it was a huge shock. Then both of one of my relatives and sister-in-law were diagnosed with cancer. This disease has been around me a lot for the past four years, but nevertheless, I never thought that I could get cancer myself."

Stefán was diagnosed with a rare type of bile duct cancer and underwent a major operation where the tumor was removed. Over the past few months, Stefán has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy and hopes that the cancer will be cured. Stefán describes his experience with the illness and how he decided to deal with a life-threatening disease.

When asked about the first symptoms, he says that he did not fully realize them. Last autumn, he says he had abdominal pain and sweats a lot at night. He went to the doctor and suspected that his symptoms were caused by reflux. He was given medicine for it, but it didn't improve. "It wasn't until I almost stopped sleeping at night because of the pain, the urine had turned orange and the stools were clay white in color which I didn't notice at first. Also, I was obsessed with itching and imagined that I likely got scabies," says Stefán, grinning.

"When my eyes were so yellow, it occurred to me that I had hepatitis. It wasn't until Steinunn, my wife, drove me to the emergency room that I was sent for all sorts of tests. I was greeted by Jón Baldursson, a doctor, who looked me straight in the eyes and I could clearly see in him that something serious was wrong - as he wanted to admit me immediately. I had no idea and told him that I had to start watering my plants," says Stefán, remembering that he has a small business called Spretta where he grows vegetables for restaurants.

"It took me three days to get to those 70 meters," he says, laughing. "It was wonderful when the first fart came"

"I was still restless and thought it was gallstones and immediately called my mother who had gallstones. But it turned out to be a little more than that," he says and remembers that he was immediately sent by ambulance to the Landspítalan at Hringbraut, where he underwent a scan.

"The next day, Kristín Huld Haraldsdóttir, a doctor, comes and tells me that metastases have been seen in the pictures. 'Are you telling me it's cancer,' I asked, but still I was convinced it wasn't cancer.'

After detailed investigations, the couple was told straight out that it was most likely cholangiocarcinoma. "At this point I completely broke down and cried. I admitted my helpessness and was mildly shocked. Kristín Huld also told us that this was probably a serious form of cancer that often recurred later in the form of metastases.

She didn't hide anything from me, but she was nevertheless extremely discreet, approaching me with a calm but realistic approach. Subsequently, it was decided that I would have an operation where the lesion would be removed, but in the meantime, I googled everything I could find about the disease, talked to my friends, doctors in the US, looked at the statistics, ie. what were the prospects for life. Then I saw what was going on and what I had to do. I am married and the father of four children, and I saw that there was a big fight ahead."

Then ten days passed and on October 4, 2016 Stefán underwent a major operation that took about 8-9 hours. After the operation, he was told that the entire lesion had been removed and all the incisions had been clean. "I woke up on the operating table when the operation was over and immediately asked: 'Did everything go well?' The answer was 'yes, we achieved everything we set out to do.'

After a three-week stay in the hospital, a difficult period began, which Stefán describes in a comical way: "I was all in tubes and devices, and the first days consisted of being able to fart and then, of course, having a bowel movement." I was determined to help with that and sprang out of bed, setting myself the goal of walking the corridor to the end. It took me three days to get to those 70 meters," he says, laughing. "It was wonderful when the first fart came" and a great victory to have the first stool" he continues, talking about life in the hospital, which in retrospect was not boring.

"I took it in good humor, chatted with other patients and nursing staff and didn't make fun of myself in the least." But then the seriousness took over. Stefán says he only realized the seriousness of the disease when he got home. "Then I cried like a baby and wallowed in self-pity.

Stefán Karl having a great time with his plants

I guess it can't be said that the shock came first and then the trauma itself. Then came Bjarni Vigfús, a hospital chaplain. He helped me a lot.

At some point I decided to frame this task I was facing like a journey. I created a journey in my mind where I was on the staff of a ship sailing towards an island. I have a lot of people with me, relatives and friends. The ship sails towards the island that can be seen in the distance, but I don't know how long it takes the ship to reach the port. I'm on that journey now." Stefán Karl is a well-known actor and well-known figure in Iceland and in the United States, so the question arises whether it was not difficult to experience the reaction of friends, acquaintances and the general public. He smiles.

"As soon as we knew what it was, my wife Steinunn immediately wrote a post on Facebook where she told the whole truth. It was necessary because she had received inquiries as to whether I was dying - if not already dead.

"I'm looking forward to finishing this project, sailing the ship into port." Looking forward to skiing, traveling and experiencing many things that I have left"

Stefán Karl at Landspítalan after the operation

After this post came, it was like the atmosphere cleared. The pink elephant in the room disappeared," he says and explains that too many people don't trust themselves to get in touch to find out the whole truth, and then various kinds of rumors are started that have no basis. However, there are still certain people, with whom I have always been in close contact, who have not yet called or visited. It hurts a little," he says, adding that he has received an overwhelming response on Facebook. "There were hundreds of messages - most of them were very friendly as people were wishing me a good recovery, but then I received countless messages from all kinds of people who were selling some miracle substances and potions that were supposed to cure me," he says with a laugh.

And it is certain that Stefán Karl has good friends, which shows in the fact that his foreign friends and colleagues organized a fundraiser for the family, and actors and other friends of his also hosted a concert at the National Theater where a significant amount was collected. Stefán had to stop working and, in addition, his wife had to reduce her work due to the illness, so this money came in very handy, according to him.

At the time of this writing in mid-March, he is still undergoing chemotherapy and is also taking medication to prevent the disease from reoccurring. "There are countless side effects from all of this, but I just take it." The worst thing is to have no energy. When I was playing the Grinch on stage in the USA, I played a total of 600 shows and didn't blow my nose. But now I'm completely out of energy and I'm looking forward to when I'm well enough to go to the gym and renew my energy.

When a person is faced with such a serious illness, one instinctively wonders if he has thought about death and how.

"Yes," says Stefán with a heavy heart. "I think about death every day, many times a day. But I still don't worry about death, whenever it comes. I'm mostly just curious. Would I know when I parted? What's on the other side? What happens? But what I feel most often now is longing for life," he says and explains it in more detail. "I'm looking forward to finishing this project, sailing the ship into port." Looking forward to skiing, traveling and experiencing many things that I have left. I am looking forward to celebrating Christmas in Iceland, since for the past few years I have celebrated it in the United States. There are so many things I still have to do, but when you experience a shock like this, you see it all in a mirage. Today I am mostly pain free and I am thankful for that every day. Now I'm focusing on keeping my weight off but I've lost a lot of weight lately. But it's all coming back."

Another question, and maybe clichéd: Has this changed Stefán Karl's life outlook?

"Probably they've changed, yes." In my mind, there is no longer a quality-of-life race. Nice houses, cars, furniture and clothes don't matter to me. Now I enjoy watching the sunset and capturing all that is beautiful – something I didn't do before. In retrospect, I kind of regret not focusing more on the real quality of life until now; it is that this was necessary! Yes, I think differently and who wouldn't when faced with such a serious illness? I'm also much more tender and sensitive than before and I don't deny that sometimes I fall into a pit of self-pity and get certain symptoms of depression," he says and confesses that in the past he had a certain prejudice against antidepressants, but after receiving such drugs he feels much better for him. Stefán says that he has used humor during his illness and that it has benefited him greatly.

These days he focuses on getting healthy, and in between he tends to his plants in the flourishing company Spretta, an occupation that he says is very rewarding. "I live in the present - because I have no influence on what has passed and I have no idea what the future holds." I know the doctors have done their bit to help me but the rest is up to me. No one heals you but yourself."

The interview with Stefán Karl takes place in mid-March. In mid-May, two metastases were found in Stefán's liver, and he subsequently went to Copenhagen for an ultrasound scan for further research. Kraftur wishes Stefán a speedy recovery and sends greetings.