Pancreatic Cancer Survivors
Comments
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Glad to hear ......muser22 said:Welcome!
My husband had his whipple surgery in August and still does not have the energy he had before. I have read it may take a year or more to return...for some it just never does. He was VERY weak after surgery and had some complications~~infection, c-diff, fistula~~ but is now eating well and feels much better than he did. Take it slow..it all takes time. There is another site you may want to check out..It is the John Hopkins site. There are wonderful people there also who are willing to share their experiences and answer questions. The link is: http://pathology.jhu.edu/n.web?EP=N&FL=PANCREAS_CHAT
Good luck to you!
Muser22,
I'm glad to hear your husband is eating and feeling better! Hope his other complications have cleared up also.
Here's wishing you and your family and everyone else on this site a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Take Care and GOD BLESS!
Oneshot0 -
Hi saskgirl2saskgirl2 said:Just diagnoised
Thank goodness I found this site. I needed hope that all is not lost. I just underwent the whipple on Nov 29. Survived a12 hour surgery and managed to be in the hospital for only 9 days. The pathlogy report came back indicating stage 2 with a tumor greater the 2cm in distance in the head with it invading the ampullar of vadar and the duodenum. 11 lymph nodes were taken out with 7 showing andenocarcinoma in them. They are now planning on chemo and radiation in the new year. They gave me a prognosis of 1 to 2 years, but i will show them all. I am stubborn and wont take this laying down. I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter that needs me. The only thing that is bothering me 4 weeks post surgery is the lack of energy i have.Will it ever get better? The doc said the surgery went beautifully. Still i am scared of whats to come but you all give me hope. If anyone can provide me with encouragment please email me at : leskosky@sasktel.net
I've had the
Hi saskgirl2
I've had the Whipple's only 1 week after you had it. Stage 2 (R0, M0, N0)...felling good generally but I do get tired throughout the day. Lots of resting and good diet seems to be working fine. The adjuvant therapy will be gemcitabine+pawpaw (6 months)...Will keep a record of the progress on this site. Good luck!0 -
5.5 years clear of Pancreatic Cancer 84 yrs oldjimnsherry said:thank you for your reply, and your mom had to be a real trooper. My wife's mother battled cancer for 2 and half years (lung) and I know my wife was in a lot of pain watching mom go through this. Condolences on your mom, and thank you for replying. god bless your future.
Surgery done @ MD Anderson, Aug.2006. Report in Feb. 2011 shows still cancer clear. Are there others my age, 84, black male that are survivors?0 -
53 years femaledvodola said:Pancreatic Cancer Survivor
I hope the longest survivor of PC is too old to remember! I was 42 at the time and like most, was told it could not be PC; I was too young and I was a female. I had my surgery in June of 2000; entire pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, and part of my stomach removed. I am, of course, insulin dependent diabetic and have malabsorption problems. I feel WONDERFUL! This is the first time I have joined a blog or even looked at anything like this. A very dear friend asked for information about my surgeon as she was recently diagnosed with stage IV PC. My doctor has retired and is living in 3rd world countries "giving back", so here I am searching for something to help. Truthfully, I was afraid to look not realizing so very many are survivors. How uplifting!
i too was told the cyst on my pancreas couldn't be anything because it was small. i insisted on having it tested it took 1 year but the doctor then was all appolgies because the cea markers are 8995 considered high and it is suggested i need whipple. i am having a hard time with this, in canada you don't get appt fast is this something i should be concerned about and try to get over to detroit or do i have time to wait? does anyone know how this spreads. is this again early detection better chance at cure?0 -
Pancreatic cancer survivorwypeace said:pancreatic cancer survivor
my mother had surgery in 1975 and is still living!
I was diagnosed in 2003 with tumor in the tail section of my pancreas. Luckily they were able to perform surgery short of an entire Whipple. They got the tail, spleen and lymph nodes and after a few short months I was back to raising my family and chasing more dreams, feeling like the luckiest person in the world.
Fast forward to the past month, now 50, I saw the doctor for what I thought were menopausal symptoms (serious night sweats). He found blood in urine and elevated MCV's, then sends me on what felt like a medical pyramid scheme from one specialist to another. I kept thinking........after all this time, it can't possibly be happening again.
Last Tuesday, I learned that there is a 3cm solid mass in my right kidney. Now I am waiting to determine if the next step will be cryo or total removal of the kidney. In any case.....it's another early catch.
Once again, I will stand and fight. I raised a US Marine. His strength was inherited from his mother.0 -
Longest living Pancreatic Cancer survivor
My Grandmother was told several years ago that she was the longest living pancreatic cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in Jan. 1989 and under went the whipple procedure. She passed away April 11, 2011 of sepsis caused by an untreated UTI - something totally unrelated to her cancer. Cancer never re-occured. She did have nutrition issues for the remainder of her life because of the surgery - but she lived an additional 22 years.0 -
Survivor. . .
Hi there, I'm a survivor of Pancreatic cancer and the Whipple. Diagnosed in January 2002, whipple done later that same month. I was released from the Oncology clinic in 2008 and will have my 81st birthday on the 29th of this month. . .
My surgery and treatment was done at the Loma Linda VA Hospital, Loma Linda CA. Not sure why I was picked to be a survivor, but I worked hard getting here and am grateful for the opportunity of sticking around for a while longer. . . Nine years and counting and big party next January with ten candles on the cake. . Chris. . .0 -
Pancreatic Cancer Survivors
My mother is a pancreatic cancer survivor of 16 years. She is literally a walking miracle. When I was 16 years old in 1996,my mom, Susie Davidson went in for a whipple procedure. That next year was one of the hardest years of our lives. She is still dealing with issues because of the cancer but has been cancer free for 16 years. Amazing!0 -
Pancreatic Cancer Survivorshmpcwks said:Pancreatic Cancer Survivors
My dad is a 21 year Pancreatic survivor. His doctor operated on him for 18 and a half hours, and was able to remove it all. He is now diabetic, and needs insulin, but that is a small price to pay. He was told he would only have a year and a half if the operation was sucessful, so we are very lucky and we are thankful for every day. His doctor always told him that he wasn’t supposed to still be around, but my dad fooled them all. My family now truly believes that it just wasn’t his time, and we will always be grateful for Dr. Fry, and the work he did for my dad. For those of you who have heard those words that there is no hope, please don’t believe them, for there is always hope.
Joe Padilla
Joe
What a Blessing. My mom was also diagnosd with pancreatic cancer and is a living walking miricle of God's work. She has been cancer free for 16 years now. I am thankful for everyday that I am able to see her.She have al been blessed to have her in our lives. The doctors told us as well that there was no hope but here she is 16 years later. She ias diabetic and has a few other issues but she got to see both of her daughters grow up and have her grandbabies who she loves more than any thing.
Vickie0 -
Survivor. . .
I was diagnosed during the first part of January 2002, Had the Whipple on Jan 30 2002. fast forward through five years; released from Oncology during Jamuary 2008.
I'm still here, even though I also had COPD which gave the surgeon fits and I was told to expect a "couple" years. I'm still here looking forward to my 81st birthday next week and the ten year mark next January. I give credit to my surgeon and all the Oncology docters and staff and my GP doctor who is the "gate keeper". I am a VA Patient and was treated at the VA Hospital in Loma Linda California. An amazing place. .
My best, Chris. . .0 -
Survivor. . .
I was diagnosed during the first part of January 2002, Had the Whipple on Jan 30 2002. fast forward through five years; released from Oncology during Jamuary 2008.
I'm still here, even though I also had COPD which gave the surgeon fits and I was told to expect a "couple" years. I'm still here looking forward to my 81st birthday next week and the ten year mark next January. I give credit to my surgeon and all the Oncology docters and staff and my GP doctor who is the "gate keeper". I am a VA Patient and was treated at the VA Hospital in Loma Linda California. An amazing place. .
My best, Chris. . .0 -
Feel More Like Im on standby.chrisxman said:Survivor. . .
I was diagnosed during the first part of January 2002, Had the Whipple on Jan 30 2002. fast forward through five years; released from Oncology during Jamuary 2008.
I'm still here, even though I also had COPD which gave the surgeon fits and I was told to expect a "couple" years. I'm still here looking forward to my 81st birthday next week and the ten year mark next January. I give credit to my surgeon and all the Oncology docters and staff and my GP doctor who is the "gate keeper". I am a VA Patient and was treated at the VA Hospital in Loma Linda California. An amazing place. .
My best, Chris. . .
In May of 2010 I had surgery (whipple) for stage two pancreatic cancer a tumor had been discovered on the neck of my pancreas along with a large mass on my liver.When I went back to see the doctor that performed the surgery to have the staples removed from my abdomine he told me to seek an onocologist and to continue further follow ups with CT scans every three months because he said that there was a 30% chance that the cancer was going to come back.
Since then, I retired from my job under medical disability after working nearly 30 years and moved back to my home state to be close with family.One year has gone by but I live in that stage of fear and depression, I still get symtoms at times like sharp pains inside my abdomine some night sweats and alot of fatique just like those that I would get prior to the discovery of my pancreatic cancer and surgery, I get tired pretty fast and sleepy.
I have tried to go for walks and do a little excersize but that only tires me more and I go to sleep.
My onocologist says that my cancer is in remission and that those symtoms I get are probably due in part of the surgery, I have only had one CT scan in early Febuary so God only knows whats going on.I am also fighting Social Security for disability benefits because it is the only way I can continue to have my insurance cover me since I was a federal employee. I worry alot because I had a freind who was diagnose with a tumor wraped around his kidneys exactly they same time as my tumor was discovered only his cancer was more advanced he also applied for social security disability benefits and recieved his first check 18 days before he died.So I have this death sentence hanging over my head along with judgement pending from social security, all this leads me to is more depression and it makes me paranoid.
It's nice to see that there are actually some survivors, very very few rare survivors of pancreatic cancer for most people with pancreatic cancer dont discover they have it till it's to late and thats why they call it the silent killer.
As oppose to all the other cancers out there where people are getting treatment and cured and in some cases their survival rates are increasing, pancreatic cancer is treated more like the disease of doom and hardly there is not much research funding being provided, the incidence and death rates are on the rise.I feel that people with this dreaded disease should be treated with respect and that the Social Security Administration along with their doctors and their rules should come before a congressional investigation.I really doubt that pancreatic cancer patients rarely ever go to social security for disability claims because most are dead within the first year of their diagnoses.0 -
Fighting pancreatic cancer
Hi everyone,
My 63-year-old mother was recently diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in the tail of the pancreas (apparently that's a 'good' location) and I think the lymph nodes. She can't have surgery but has been placed in a clinical trial in which she will receive either Gemcitabine (Gemzar) on its own or in conjunction with ABI-007 (Abraxane), depending on which group she is randomly assigned to.
Most of the success stories I'm reading follow the Whipple procedure so I'm hoping for news of people who have beaten this devil without it. Mum is otherwise fit and healthy and has an amazingly positive attitude that she will beat it but I know the stats aren't good.
Her doctors (we're in Australia) say the trial has shown good results, but what they think is good and what I do are probably far removed. I don't want my mum to live for eight months instead of six, I want her to live another 20 years or more! So if anyone can help give me hope, don't be shy!
Having never been affected by anything like this before it has really hit hard, especially as Mum is the heart of our large family. To everyone out there fighting this or with loved ones who are, my heart goes out to you.
As Winston Churchill said, "Never give up. Never give up. Never give up". I know my mum won't.
Spookman.0 -
Need a friend2005david said:5.5 years clear of Pancreatic Cancer 84 yrs old
Surgery done @ MD Anderson, Aug.2006. Report in Feb. 2011 shows still cancer clear. Are there others my age, 84, black male that are survivors?
Dear 2005david, I have a dear friend recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who had the Whipple operation. He is now going to MD Anderson and wants me to find a survivor who can talk with him. I promised him a church today to find survivors. He needs encouragement. Can you help?0 -
Neuroendocrine carcinoid of pancreas & liverSpookman said:Fighting pancreatic cancer
Hi everyone,
My 63-year-old mother was recently diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in the tail of the pancreas (apparently that's a 'good' location) and I think the lymph nodes. She can't have surgery but has been placed in a clinical trial in which she will receive either Gemcitabine (Gemzar) on its own or in conjunction with ABI-007 (Abraxane), depending on which group she is randomly assigned to.
Most of the success stories I'm reading follow the Whipple procedure so I'm hoping for news of people who have beaten this devil without it. Mum is otherwise fit and healthy and has an amazingly positive attitude that she will beat it but I know the stats aren't good.
Her doctors (we're in Australia) say the trial has shown good results, but what they think is good and what I do are probably far removed. I don't want my mum to live for eight months instead of six, I want her to live another 20 years or more! So if anyone can help give me hope, don't be shy!
Having never been affected by anything like this before it has really hit hard, especially as Mum is the heart of our large family. To everyone out there fighting this or with loved ones who are, my heart goes out to you.
As Winston Churchill said, "Never give up. Never give up. Never give up". I know my mum won't.
Spookman.
Hi Spookman-
After many scans and blood work, I was diagnosed with metastatic carcinoids in the tail of my pancreas, 3 in my liver, and several large lymph nodes. The surgery will take place at UV of Madison Wisconsin hospital. My surgeon stated that she will remove the tail of my pancreas, my spleen and surrounding invaded lymph nodes. The surgeon will then resection part of my liver where one of the 3 carinoids where found, the remaining carcinoids are located in the middle of my liver where she will either determine to burn or freeze them. I am currently giving myself 3 injections a day of octreocide. Please keep us posted on her progress, and my thoughts and prayers to all who are afflicted with this rare disease.
I am a very positive person and I will fight this with smiley faces painted on the nails of my big toes. With your mum's positive attitude and a son like you to help her, she will make it another 20 years. I will keep you posted on my progress.
I will never give up ...
Nancy0 -
UpdateNanc58 said:Neuroendocrine carcinoid of pancreas & liver
Hi Spookman-
After many scans and blood work, I was diagnosed with metastatic carcinoids in the tail of my pancreas, 3 in my liver, and several large lymph nodes. The surgery will take place at UV of Madison Wisconsin hospital. My surgeon stated that she will remove the tail of my pancreas, my spleen and surrounding invaded lymph nodes. The surgeon will then resection part of my liver where one of the 3 carinoids where found, the remaining carcinoids are located in the middle of my liver where she will either determine to burn or freeze them. I am currently giving myself 3 injections a day of octreocide. Please keep us posted on her progress, and my thoughts and prayers to all who are afflicted with this rare disease.
I am a very positive person and I will fight this with smiley faces painted on the nails of my big toes. With your mum's positive attitude and a son like you to help her, she will make it another 20 years. I will keep you posted on my progress.
I will never give up ...
Nancy
Thanks Nancy,
My mum has now had four weekly sessions of chemo. So far so good I guess. She has another four before they give her a break - I'm not sure how long the break will be. The chemo really knocked her around the first couple of weeks and it still does but she's coping with it better. Last week she said she felt the best (most energy, greatest appetite) she had since diagnosis so that's got to be good. She has put back on a bit of the weight she'd lost and we're continuing to try to fatten her up.
I have looked up all I can re: alternative therapies and supplements, which caused 'consternation' when Dad presented the trial leader with a list! They don't want you to take anything that boosts the immune system while on chemo but I will be loading her up on them as soon as we get the ok.
All the best with your treatment.
Spookman.0 -
I was told
I was told by the folks at PANCAN that there is a guy in TX that has been hanging in there for 10 years now and I have his info as a support contact. I pray that I can make it half that far! I am at 8 months now and I must say that I am not doing too bad.
All of my best to all of you!!!
Bill K.0 -
hiSpookman said:Fighting pancreatic cancer
Hi everyone,
My 63-year-old mother was recently diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in the tail of the pancreas (apparently that's a 'good' location) and I think the lymph nodes. She can't have surgery but has been placed in a clinical trial in which she will receive either Gemcitabine (Gemzar) on its own or in conjunction with ABI-007 (Abraxane), depending on which group she is randomly assigned to.
Most of the success stories I'm reading follow the Whipple procedure so I'm hoping for news of people who have beaten this devil without it. Mum is otherwise fit and healthy and has an amazingly positive attitude that she will beat it but I know the stats aren't good.
Her doctors (we're in Australia) say the trial has shown good results, but what they think is good and what I do are probably far removed. I don't want my mum to live for eight months instead of six, I want her to live another 20 years or more! So if anyone can help give me hope, don't be shy!
Having never been affected by anything like this before it has really hit hard, especially as Mum is the heart of our large family. To everyone out there fighting this or with loved ones who are, my heart goes out to you.
As Winston Churchill said, "Never give up. Never give up. Never give up". I know my mum won't.
Spookman.
my dad was diagnosed
hi
my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2 months back...on july 11 th to be precise...it is stage 4...the tumour is in the body and tail of the pancreas (7*5cm)....so he never showed jaundiced..the only symptom was slight pain and discomfort in the abdomen...at the time of prognosis the cancer had metastatised to the liver..there were multiple target lesions on the liver...we were told that nothing could be done...the doctor gave us max six months..
we nevertheless started with the treatment...he was being given gemcitabine and cisplatin...my dad was in good health at the tym of the diagnosis..
we sought for other alternative treatments..we found an ayurvedic medicine centre in ahmedabad...we started with both the treatments simultaneously..
after 3 cycles of chemotherapy the doc asked my dad to undergo a scan...the scan revealed that the lesions from my dad's liver are almost gone and the tumour in the pancreas has shrunk to(5*2.5cm)...thats more than 50%...the doctors were very surprised...my dad continues to be in good health owing to following a good diet and all those herbal medicines...his haemoglobin has never gone below 11....we are hopeful that he will make a full recovery...
indiagirl0 -
U are so very lucky. I justindiagirl said:hi
my dad was diagnosed
hi
my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2 months back...on july 11 th to be precise...it is stage 4...the tumour is in the body and tail of the pancreas (7*5cm)....so he never showed jaundiced..the only symptom was slight pain and discomfort in the abdomen...at the time of prognosis the cancer had metastatised to the liver..there were multiple target lesions on the liver...we were told that nothing could be done...the doctor gave us max six months..
we nevertheless started with the treatment...he was being given gemcitabine and cisplatin...my dad was in good health at the tym of the diagnosis..
we sought for other alternative treatments..we found an ayurvedic medicine centre in ahmedabad...we started with both the treatments simultaneously..
after 3 cycles of chemotherapy the doc asked my dad to undergo a scan...the scan revealed that the lesions from my dad's liver are almost gone and the tumour in the pancreas has shrunk to(5*2.5cm)...thats more than 50%...the doctors were very surprised...my dad continues to be in good health owing to following a good diet and all those herbal medicines...his haemoglobin has never gone below 11....we are hopeful that he will make a full recovery...
indiagirl
U are so very lucky. I just lost my dad who was my best friend to this one month ago yesterday. Please treasure what u have been given as a second chance. u are so very blessed, i would give my life to have dad back again. xx0
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