Pancreatic Cancer- questions

[tchrrx]

I posted this on the Community Board b/c I didn't realize that this one existed. I wish I never needed this board, but I have a feeling that I'll be back quite a bit.

Just found out that my grandpa has pancreatic cancer & has about 6 months to live. He's always been extremely healthy & active. This has completely blindsided us. Please let me know what to expect so that I can prepare myself & my DD for this. Please also keep us in your prayers. I am definitely the 'weakest link' when it comes to controlling my emotions & I need all the help that I can get so that I can help my DD through this.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I am so sorry. I will put your family in my prayers. Sorry, I can't answer any questions though.

 

[minniebeth]

I'm so sorry to hear your sad news. I do not know much about Pancreatic Cancer, but will keep you and your family in my prayers.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I just saw this...

First.. I never listen to expiration dates.. truly. My husband has been battling Pancreatic Cancer for over 4 years, it will be 5 in November. We caught it early, he had surgery and we have been doing some sort of treatment for this illness since his diagnosis.

I know people think of it as a death sentence, but I am here to say in his case, he is still living. He is thin, tired, pale, but here and living his life. Try to take each day as it comes.. stay in the present for your grandfather...and most of all have hope.

I am not saying here that his doctors do not know what they are talking about I am saying has he started treatment.. is there some sort of plan in place that maybe he could buy some more time with??? If you have any questions, please ask..

 

[tchrrx]

From what I understand the doctors said that it's the worst case scenerio. Honestly, I'm not sure if they're going to do surgery, chemo, or anything at all. He had an appointment earlier this week & won't have another one until June 2. Thanks for the support. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions as I learn more & as things progress. to you & your family.

 

[Teacher03]

From what I understand the doctors said that it's the worst case scenerio. Honestly, I'm not sure if they're going to do surgery, chemo, or anything at all. He had an appointment earlier this week & won't have another one until June 2. Thanks for the support. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions as I learn more & as things progress. to you & your family.

My mom had the worst case scenerio. Initially she was scheduled for chemo, but changed her mind at the last minute because it would only give her a couple more months. She decided she wanted to feel as well as possible for as long as possible and knew what she would face with the chemo. About a month after diagnosis, we contacted hospice, which was the best thing we could have done. The nurse was matched to my mom AND my dad, and it was a great match. We took the lead from my mom and followed her wishes as best we could. It was important to her to stay at home and I am happy to say that she never spent one night in the hospital. We spent our days as typically as possible because that is what my mom wanted. We tried to forget that she had cancer until it was impossible to ignore. I'm not sure what advice I can give, but this is our story. I came to this board many times because I couldn't talk to anyone in my family; they were dealing with the same things I was. Everyone here is so supportive and will offer prayers, hugs, and a listening ear. Know that you and your grandpa are in many thoughts and prayers.

 

[frdeb1999]

Prayers for you and your family.

 

[skjuls]

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

My aunt recently died from pancreatic cancer late April. In early April last year, she was diagnosed early by some fluke since she was in the hospital for other reasons and the recommended she see the cancer specialist.

She had surgery to remove the tumor but it was unsuccessful since her tumor had legs (growing into the veins). She did chemo and radiation. Her cancer spread to her lungs.

I can't remember when Feb or March when they told her nothing else to be done. She started to prepare for her death. Gave things away, went through her belongings, spent time with her loved ones and wrote letters to everyone. She apologized to me that she didn't get to finish her letter to me.

She had hospice nurses come out. Also, the last time I saw her alive. ( I live in DC and my family in Kentucky), she was starting to get weak and the hospice nurses said she had 2 weeks to live. They were almost spot on. When she made it past two weeks, they said a day or two and she died the next morning.


If you have any questions, just ask.

 

[julm26]

Hi, First of all please let me tell you how sorry I am about your grandpap. I lost my mom to Pancreatic Cancer after a 4 year, 1 month and 4 day battle with the beast on February 18, 2008.

I suggest you contact www.pancan.org (The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network) - their website will give you info and then you can contact their PALS department - which will send you info on PC and anything else you ask of them.


Also go to http://pathology.jhu.edu/Pancreas_chat/ - you will find a discussion board with patients and caregivers affected by pancreatic cancer. These people will give you advice, straight answers, tell you what to ask your loved ones doctors, they will cry with you, laugh with you , they are going through the same things you are.

Noone understands the journey of dealing with PC until they are there themselves.

I miss my mom everyday terribly, but I vowed that I would do everything I could so that we will one day find a cure.

Spend lots of time with your grandpa, tell him you love him, and if he decides to fight, be there every step of the way.

I have a 4 yr old daughter who misses her grandma a lot - but she spent many hours with my mom until she died. The only regret I have from my moms long journey with PC is that she's no longer here, we didn't get our miracle, but someday some family will.....God Bless....

 

[Torontogal]

Just saw this. Sorry to hear about yoru grandpa. This is a devastating disease. My father passed away from it last year and we are still in shock. He went from painting the house to being admitted to the hospital with stomach pains. He passed away only 1 month after diagnosis. He was admitted to the hospital with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. My dad did not smoke, drink, was a vegetarian, etc.

This is a very aggressive form of cancer and it is the worst cancer you can get. I don't mean to sound so bleak but you need to be prepared. I would be happy to give you more info. Please feel free to PM me.

Hang in there and be strong. Hugs to you.