Pancreatic Cancer Survivors

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  • dvodola
    dvodola Member Posts: 1 Member
    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!
  • LindaColon
    LindaColon Member Posts: 3
    Long term survivor
    Hi, while in DC this past week I discovered that a man I had read about at the beginning of my journey is still alive and doing well; 41yrs later! Hello! I'm also about 18mths out myself and look forward to another 40 or so years! If you've yet to do so check out pancan.org; lots of neat stuff.
    Linda in VA
  • B Selvakumar
    B Selvakumar Member Posts: 4
    surviving after whipple.
    Really happy to note that you have survived 9 years after surgery. I would like to know more about your treatment, medication and dietary habits as I have also undergone a whipple's procedure in December 2007

    B Selva Kumar
  • B Selvakumar
    B Selvakumar Member Posts: 4
    dvodola 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!

    survival after whipple's surgery for pancreatic cancer
    Really happy to note that you have survived 9 years after surgery. I would like to know more about the tratment you had undegone, the present medications an dieatary habits. It would be of grat help and a morale booster to me a I had undergone a whhiple's procedure for neuro endocrine carcinoma on the head of my pancreas in December 2007.

    B.Selva Kumar
  • Fortunate1
    Fortunate1 Member Posts: 1

    surviving after whipple.
    Really happy to note that you have survived 9 years after surgery. I would like to know more about your treatment, medication and dietary habits as I have also undergone a whipple's procedure in December 2007

    B Selva Kumar

    Experiences since Whipple 8 months ago. Malabsorption, hernia?
    I'm turning 70 this Oct 2009 and had Whipple eight months ago in Oct 2008. Diagnosis after Whipple was neuroendocrine carcinoma with resection and reconstruction Superior Mesenteric Vein, vascular tumor (3 cm) pancreatic head with extrapancreatic extension, perineural involvement, invasion into SMV, 1 of 5 lymph nodes positive. I've had 6 month checkup and all is going well except for digestive problems--gas, diarrhea, constipation, cramps--and continued loss of weight--now over 50 pounds. I'm still 25 pounds over healthy weight, but the doctor said it's dangerous to lose weight quickly. The doctor prescribed enzymes for malabsorption. I'm getting the hang of them but I'm still learning the foods I have problems digesting even with the enzymes-- salads, anything fried, grilled or breaded, spicy or sour foods, nuts, vegetables that are undercooked. And I've just made an appointment with the doctor because a "bulge" has appeared just under the top center part of my incision. My sweetheart took me on a 3-week cruise recently. Hope I didn't overdo and cause a hernia. I'm happy to have found this site. Best wishes to all of you!
  • robinson34821
    robinson34821 Member Posts: 1
    Post Whipple
    In Sept 2008 I had a modified whipple @ the Hershey Medical Center to remove the head & neck of the pancreas. A cyst with a extremely high marker, after the fluid was tested, was discovered during a workup for my blood preassure. There was no cancer but it would develop in the near furture. I really no choice but to have the surgery. Multiple complications followed the surgery. Followup CT scans indicate no cancer. My prayers to all that have had their lives changed to pancreatic cancer.
  • PURPLECANCER
    PURPLECANCER Member Posts: 11

    Post Whipple
    In Sept 2008 I had a modified whipple @ the Hershey Medical Center to remove the head & neck of the pancreas. A cyst with a extremely high marker, after the fluid was tested, was discovered during a workup for my blood preassure. There was no cancer but it would develop in the near furture. I really no choice but to have the surgery. Multiple complications followed the surgery. Followup CT scans indicate no cancer. My prayers to all that have had their lives changed to pancreatic cancer.

    Current Pain
    I think My husband had the same surgery as you. He didn't get the whipple either, his surgery time only lasted an hour and a half. This was 5-7-08. He has some sort of pain almost everyday. He takes morphine pills 3 times a day and also hydrocordone (sp) in between. Do you have the same discomfort everyday? He is 51. Thanks and prayers to all.
  • PURPLECANCER
    PURPLECANCER Member Posts: 11

    Current Pain
    I think My husband had the same surgery as you. He didn't get the whipple either, his surgery time only lasted an hour and a half. This was 5-7-08. He has some sort of pain almost everyday. He takes morphine pills 3 times a day and also hydrocordone (sp) in between. Do you have the same discomfort everyday? He is 51. Thanks and prayers to all.

    Carli
    This is Carli, she is also my husbands caregiver. We got her as a pup shortly after his surgery. She is wonderful. Great companion and only weighs 6 lbs. She jumps up on him and it doesn't hurt too bad. She makes us smile and helps distract from the cancer.
  • lwg76
    lwg76 Member Posts: 1
    longest survivor
    thought you would like to know that my father had the whipple in july 1991, and at 88, is still going strong.
  • Bartrip_Devon
    Bartrip_Devon Member Posts: 10 Member

    Current Pain
    I think My husband had the same surgery as you. He didn't get the whipple either, his surgery time only lasted an hour and a half. This was 5-7-08. He has some sort of pain almost everyday. He takes morphine pills 3 times a day and also hydrocordone (sp) in between. Do you have the same discomfort everyday? He is 51. Thanks and prayers to all.

    Pancreatic cancer
    I am amazed to read the stories about survival rates for pancreatic cancer.

    My husband (47 at time) was diagnosed last year with pancreatic cancer. He was a fit and well man, never had a day off work. He woke up one morning rather yellow, ended up going to the local hospital for a check with on duty doctor who sent him to the main hospital for tests etc. He ended up having about 4 various operations (major one was to re-plumb his insides) - he has a cancerous tumour in his pancreas at the bottom of the bile duct which cannot be operated on as it is too dangerous and near too many major vessels/organs etc.

    He was given 6-12 months to live (so bloody unfair as he has a 6 year old daughter). He has (i think) chosen to be bloody minded about it and really got on with his life, he is out every day, even though he cannot work any more, this, i think, is his way of coping with it. He didn't bat an eyelid when Patrick Swayze died of the same thing. He is having chemo and the consultant is absolutely fantastic and so is the specialist nurse, we couldn't wish for anyone better.


    Does anybody out there have any stories of survival of more than 6 months?
  • JamesP
    JamesP Member Posts: 6

    Pancreatic cancer
    I am amazed to read the stories about survival rates for pancreatic cancer.

    My husband (47 at time) was diagnosed last year with pancreatic cancer. He was a fit and well man, never had a day off work. He woke up one morning rather yellow, ended up going to the local hospital for a check with on duty doctor who sent him to the main hospital for tests etc. He ended up having about 4 various operations (major one was to re-plumb his insides) - he has a cancerous tumour in his pancreas at the bottom of the bile duct which cannot be operated on as it is too dangerous and near too many major vessels/organs etc.

    He was given 6-12 months to live (so bloody unfair as he has a 6 year old daughter). He has (i think) chosen to be bloody minded about it and really got on with his life, he is out every day, even though he cannot work any more, this, i think, is his way of coping with it. He didn't bat an eyelid when Patrick Swayze died of the same thing. He is having chemo and the consultant is absolutely fantastic and so is the specialist nurse, we couldn't wish for anyone better.


    Does anybody out there have any stories of survival of more than 6 months?

    Hi, I am sorry to hear your
    Hi, I am sorry to hear your husband has been afflicted with this terrible disease.

    I am now 33 years old and was diagnosed with this cancer on the 13th January 2009 post an ultrasound, CT scan and ultrasonic endoscopy with biopsy. I also went jaundice and had some minor pain for around 4 weeks prior to this. I have made it beyond 6 months and am hoping to beat the odds which I admit are pretty grim. After diagnosis I was slated for surgery (whipple procedure) almost immediately. However, after my sister reviewed the hospital we found this wasn't really a suitable venue as they were considered a 'low volume' facility (mortality rates hit around 17% for these facilities as oppose to less than 1% in high volume facilities). Using leapfrog (http://www.leapfroggroup.org/cp) she found a more suitable facility and we went for a second opinion. Post a detailed CT scan it transpired I was not eligible for surgery due to interference with the major arteries in the pancreas. The surgeon, who has considerable experience, stated that if the tumor was cut into then this would be disastrous. I was extremely upset as this point as my cancer was localized to the pancreas and small intestine and I knew without surgery the prospects are grim. He suggested chemotherapy with the intent of shrinking the tumor to allow surgery. The same day I had that consultation I had an ECRP and stent placement to clear up the jaundice and allow chemo to start (longest 20 days of my life). After around 6 months on gemcitabine and docetaxel under the care of an exceptional oncologist the tumor had shrunk and enabled surgery. I had no spread of cancer and it was still localized. I am 6 weeks and 1 day post surgery. I had no post surgery complications which I believe are a result of the surgeons considerable experience. I also managed to return to my normal type diet on around 6 days after surgery. I am about to start a rad/chemo follow up cycle to ensure there are no 'floaters' in my system (current CT scans suggest this is the case) and hope to be able to be pronounced in the clear at the end of November.

    I guess what I have learnt from all this is ensure you are at an experienced facility, don't look too far down the road (generally the course of action is very daunting) and don't give up HOPE. The chemo drugs have really come a long way and Dr's really have a lot in their arsenal. You just have to hope that your body responds well to them and they act appropriately.

    I really hope that the chemo acts to shrink the areas that are causing complications in your husband and he is able to undergo a final surgery. There are a number of places in addition to this website to get a lot of info, counseling and help with this cancer type with one of my favorites being www.pancan.org. I find my feelings about things changed a lot after diagnosis and seem to be cyclic. Support of family, friends and work are important and have really helped me. You can expect some changes in your husband as a result of this ordeal as well as yourself as a caregiver. These can be difficult to understand and some of the available materials help to explain what is going on. I wish you all the best and hope you have some good news to post in the near future.
  • Bartrip_Devon
    Bartrip_Devon Member Posts: 10 Member
    JamesP said:

    Hi, I am sorry to hear your
    Hi, I am sorry to hear your husband has been afflicted with this terrible disease.

    I am now 33 years old and was diagnosed with this cancer on the 13th January 2009 post an ultrasound, CT scan and ultrasonic endoscopy with biopsy. I also went jaundice and had some minor pain for around 4 weeks prior to this. I have made it beyond 6 months and am hoping to beat the odds which I admit are pretty grim. After diagnosis I was slated for surgery (whipple procedure) almost immediately. However, after my sister reviewed the hospital we found this wasn't really a suitable venue as they were considered a 'low volume' facility (mortality rates hit around 17% for these facilities as oppose to less than 1% in high volume facilities). Using leapfrog (http://www.leapfroggroup.org/cp) she found a more suitable facility and we went for a second opinion. Post a detailed CT scan it transpired I was not eligible for surgery due to interference with the major arteries in the pancreas. The surgeon, who has considerable experience, stated that if the tumor was cut into then this would be disastrous. I was extremely upset as this point as my cancer was localized to the pancreas and small intestine and I knew without surgery the prospects are grim. He suggested chemotherapy with the intent of shrinking the tumor to allow surgery. The same day I had that consultation I had an ECRP and stent placement to clear up the jaundice and allow chemo to start (longest 20 days of my life). After around 6 months on gemcitabine and docetaxel under the care of an exceptional oncologist the tumor had shrunk and enabled surgery. I had no spread of cancer and it was still localized. I am 6 weeks and 1 day post surgery. I had no post surgery complications which I believe are a result of the surgeons considerable experience. I also managed to return to my normal type diet on around 6 days after surgery. I am about to start a rad/chemo follow up cycle to ensure there are no 'floaters' in my system (current CT scans suggest this is the case) and hope to be able to be pronounced in the clear at the end of November.

    I guess what I have learnt from all this is ensure you are at an experienced facility, don't look too far down the road (generally the course of action is very daunting) and don't give up HOPE. The chemo drugs have really come a long way and Dr's really have a lot in their arsenal. You just have to hope that your body responds well to them and they act appropriately.

    I really hope that the chemo acts to shrink the areas that are causing complications in your husband and he is able to undergo a final surgery. There are a number of places in addition to this website to get a lot of info, counseling and help with this cancer type with one of my favorites being www.pancan.org. I find my feelings about things changed a lot after diagnosis and seem to be cyclic. Support of family, friends and work are important and have really helped me. You can expect some changes in your husband as a result of this ordeal as well as yourself as a caregiver. These can be difficult to understand and some of the available materials help to explain what is going on. I wish you all the best and hope you have some good news to post in the near future.

    well, good on you! Lets
    well, good on you! Lets hope everything goes ok.

    My husband has another 2 sessions of chemo, will then see the Consultant, then I think she will be sending him for a scan, he will then see her again after that do discuss whether he will have more chemo or just wait and see. I am not sure whether they would operate or not, I guess, this is something I will have to ask the Consultant.

    So, tell me, how do you feel in yourself? I would say that my husband has lost weight (after his op he was only allowed to sip water for 9 days, even thouth the hospital menu looked good), but now he is home, he has a fantastic appetite - I would say he eats a load more than what I do, which can't be bad. He hasn't lost his hair, it has just thinned a little and I suppose a bit straighter! His mood has changed, but I would say that that is more due to the fact that he is not allowed to work which is so unlike him, I have never known him to be off work. He is moody with our daughter, wants things done NOW and not in five minutes time.

    I would be interested to hear how you and anyone else gets on in the future. It's a horrible waiting game.
  • JamesP
    JamesP Member Posts: 6

    well, good on you! Lets
    well, good on you! Lets hope everything goes ok.

    My husband has another 2 sessions of chemo, will then see the Consultant, then I think she will be sending him for a scan, he will then see her again after that do discuss whether he will have more chemo or just wait and see. I am not sure whether they would operate or not, I guess, this is something I will have to ask the Consultant.

    So, tell me, how do you feel in yourself? I would say that my husband has lost weight (after his op he was only allowed to sip water for 9 days, even thouth the hospital menu looked good), but now he is home, he has a fantastic appetite - I would say he eats a load more than what I do, which can't be bad. He hasn't lost his hair, it has just thinned a little and I suppose a bit straighter! His mood has changed, but I would say that that is more due to the fact that he is not allowed to work which is so unlike him, I have never known him to be off work. He is moody with our daughter, wants things done NOW and not in five minutes time.

    I would be interested to hear how you and anyone else gets on in the future. It's a horrible waiting game.

    How i feel
    Post surgery I feel a lot better. Prior to this I had been on the chemo and was getting constant fevers which were a result of infection. From the surgeons description it sounded like this was the result of the stent which after 8 months was starting to become blocked and my gall bladder was in a real mess. I don't think I will feel 100% until all my treatments are finished, my power port is removed and the drugs are totally out of my system. My hope is that I will feel 110% as I assume I wasn't myself before as a result of having PC!

    I did loose my hair during my first round of chemo on the 3rd session although it did start to come back on the 6th. It has all come back now and seems somewhat thicker. I must admit I wasn't too concerned about my hair in the scheme of things. One thing I would say is that once it starts to come out shave it off. I think waking every morning with hair on your pillow and having clumps come out in the shower is not good psychologically.

    I think having a good appetite is a good thing and enables you to keep your strength. This seems to be one of the Dr's main monitors. I hope I can maintain this during my next treatments. When I was diagnosed I had dropped around 13lb. I clawed some of this back and then post surgery gained a lot due to fluid retention (like a 23lb weight swing in 2 weeks). I am currently 8lbs below were I was before this started and have been gaining weight.

    I did feel my mood starting to change although this was more of a concern about having my affairs in order. As time went on I did start to have negative feelings and focused on things that weren't constructive. To keep my mind occupied I continued working from home (my work has been extremely supportive) and started something totally new to me as a hobby (playing in the stock market). I must admit the new hobby really helped although I think I bored my wife to tiers with my various strategies. I really enjoyed this as I started following biotechs and could relate to clinical trials along with the results obtained. Maybe your husband could find a new hobby which isn't too strenuous?
  • Bartrip_Devon
    Bartrip_Devon Member Posts: 10 Member
    JamesP said:

    How i feel
    Post surgery I feel a lot better. Prior to this I had been on the chemo and was getting constant fevers which were a result of infection. From the surgeons description it sounded like this was the result of the stent which after 8 months was starting to become blocked and my gall bladder was in a real mess. I don't think I will feel 100% until all my treatments are finished, my power port is removed and the drugs are totally out of my system. My hope is that I will feel 110% as I assume I wasn't myself before as a result of having PC!

    I did loose my hair during my first round of chemo on the 3rd session although it did start to come back on the 6th. It has all come back now and seems somewhat thicker. I must admit I wasn't too concerned about my hair in the scheme of things. One thing I would say is that once it starts to come out shave it off. I think waking every morning with hair on your pillow and having clumps come out in the shower is not good psychologically.

    I think having a good appetite is a good thing and enables you to keep your strength. This seems to be one of the Dr's main monitors. I hope I can maintain this during my next treatments. When I was diagnosed I had dropped around 13lb. I clawed some of this back and then post surgery gained a lot due to fluid retention (like a 23lb weight swing in 2 weeks). I am currently 8lbs below were I was before this started and have been gaining weight.

    I did feel my mood starting to change although this was more of a concern about having my affairs in order. As time went on I did start to have negative feelings and focused on things that weren't constructive. To keep my mind occupied I continued working from home (my work has been extremely supportive) and started something totally new to me as a hobby (playing in the stock market). I must admit the new hobby really helped although I think I bored my wife to tiers with my various strategies. I really enjoyed this as I started following biotechs and could relate to clinical trials along with the results obtained. Maybe your husband could find a new hobby which isn't too strenuous?

    Surviving ....
    Hi there

    You lot really amaze me, you have been battling this awful illness, to which there is no real 'proper' cure and here you are ...... battling on, defeating the odds.

    My husband is into shooting, he has 2 trained springers and is out with them twice every day. He is the sort of guy that you cannot keep indoors, it drives him mad having to stay in. The worse time was when he came out of hospital after his big op and he wasn't allowed to drive, luckily, I get full sick pay and took a month off to look after him.

    Everything is a waiting game at the moment and I will post some more news when I have some.

    Keep strong.
  • B Selvakumar
    B Selvakumar Member Posts: 4
    longest survivor
    Really happy to know that your father has survived 18 years post whipple. I would like to know mor about his treatment as this will act as a morale booster to me wha has survived 21 months after whipple without much complications.

    B.Selva Kumar
  • ElyseR
    ElyseR Member Posts: 1

    Experiences since Whipple 8 months ago. Malabsorption, hernia?
    I'm turning 70 this Oct 2009 and had Whipple eight months ago in Oct 2008. Diagnosis after Whipple was neuroendocrine carcinoma with resection and reconstruction Superior Mesenteric Vein, vascular tumor (3 cm) pancreatic head with extrapancreatic extension, perineural involvement, invasion into SMV, 1 of 5 lymph nodes positive. I've had 6 month checkup and all is going well except for digestive problems--gas, diarrhea, constipation, cramps--and continued loss of weight--now over 50 pounds. I'm still 25 pounds over healthy weight, but the doctor said it's dangerous to lose weight quickly. The doctor prescribed enzymes for malabsorption. I'm getting the hang of them but I'm still learning the foods I have problems digesting even with the enzymes-- salads, anything fried, grilled or breaded, spicy or sour foods, nuts, vegetables that are undercooked. And I've just made an appointment with the doctor because a "bulge" has appeared just under the top center part of my incision. My sweetheart took me on a 3-week cruise recently. Hope I didn't overdo and cause a hernia. I'm happy to have found this site. Best wishes to all of you!

    Gas and cramps after Whipple
    Hi,

    My Mom had the Whipple August 6 of this year and also complains of terrible cramps and gas, especially in the evening and at night. I was wondering if you have had any improvement since your post in May.

    Hope that you are doing well.
  • creeves
    creeves Member Posts: 1

    longest survivor
    Really happy to know that your father has survived 18 years post whipple. I would like to know mor about his treatment as this will act as a morale booster to me wha has survived 21 months after whipple without much complications.

    B.Selva Kumar

    My wife just Diagnosed with pacnreatic cancer
    Last Thursday evening (15-Oct-2009) my wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The tumor is 3.9 x 4cm in diameter located in the head of the pancrease and at this time can not be removed because of a blood supply. Now this all new to me however it is encouraging to read some of these stories on here how people have had treatment and were able to get the tumor removed and have lived longer than probably expected. I do realize we have very tough road ahead but this is at least some encourging new.

    Thanks
  • Bartrip_Devon
    Bartrip_Devon Member Posts: 10 Member
    JamesP said:

    How i feel
    Post surgery I feel a lot better. Prior to this I had been on the chemo and was getting constant fevers which were a result of infection. From the surgeons description it sounded like this was the result of the stent which after 8 months was starting to become blocked and my gall bladder was in a real mess. I don't think I will feel 100% until all my treatments are finished, my power port is removed and the drugs are totally out of my system. My hope is that I will feel 110% as I assume I wasn't myself before as a result of having PC!

    I did loose my hair during my first round of chemo on the 3rd session although it did start to come back on the 6th. It has all come back now and seems somewhat thicker. I must admit I wasn't too concerned about my hair in the scheme of things. One thing I would say is that once it starts to come out shave it off. I think waking every morning with hair on your pillow and having clumps come out in the shower is not good psychologically.

    I think having a good appetite is a good thing and enables you to keep your strength. This seems to be one of the Dr's main monitors. I hope I can maintain this during my next treatments. When I was diagnosed I had dropped around 13lb. I clawed some of this back and then post surgery gained a lot due to fluid retention (like a 23lb weight swing in 2 weeks). I am currently 8lbs below were I was before this started and have been gaining weight.

    I did feel my mood starting to change although this was more of a concern about having my affairs in order. As time went on I did start to have negative feelings and focused on things that weren't constructive. To keep my mind occupied I continued working from home (my work has been extremely supportive) and started something totally new to me as a hobby (playing in the stock market). I must admit the new hobby really helped although I think I bored my wife to tiers with my various strategies. I really enjoyed this as I started following biotechs and could relate to clinical trials along with the results obtained. Maybe your husband could find a new hobby which isn't too strenuous?

    Good News!
    Hi, I said I would report back to you if and when we received any more news on my hushands condition.

    Well, we went back to see the Consultant yesterday, expecting her to send him for another CT scan to see how things are progressing and then see her again for a follow up. Well, her Registrar examined him and asked numerous questions (when we could understand him because he was Hungarian). When the Consultant came back into the room she had decided that as he is doing so well, had no side effects from any of the Chemo whatsoever, no real hair loss-just thinning, fantastic appetite and put on some weight that they would leave him alone for three months - we could ring them if we feel we needed to. They decided that if they sent him for the scan, it would add more anxiety and worry for no reason which would not be fair on either of us.

    We are going to celebrate our daughters birthday in two weeks time (7 yrs) and have a brilliant Christmas and forget about everything until the new year, so at least we can relax a little until then.

    I would be interested in hearing how all of you out there are coping with this illness.

    I guess the majority of people on this site are from US (sorry if I am wrong), they seem to do things differently here in UK.
  • jimnsherry
    jimnsherry Member Posts: 23
    Jim passed away 5/14/09
    I thought I would write and be informative. My dear sweet husband passed away on 5/14/09. He was diagnosed in 12/04 and had a whipple on 1/21/05. He decided agaisnt chemo until November 2008 when he entered a clinical trial. He did great and had hardly any problems until after November 2008. On April 29, 2009 we drove 100 miles to see Jesus Christ Superstar live on stage at Ball State University, it was great. My husband was 61 when he passed. We had the happiest 4 years of both of our lives, and tons of pictures. Live as hard as you can. Jim didn't even act like he knew he had cancer, and those last two weeks before he died were mostly the only time he seemed sick. He was only on Hospice 4 days. God rests' his soul now.
  • Pancreatic cancer
    I am amazed to read the stories about survival rates for pancreatic cancer.

    My husband (47 at time) was diagnosed last year with pancreatic cancer. He was a fit and well man, never had a day off work. He woke up one morning rather yellow, ended up going to the local hospital for a check with on duty doctor who sent him to the main hospital for tests etc. He ended up having about 4 various operations (major one was to re-plumb his insides) - he has a cancerous tumour in his pancreas at the bottom of the bile duct which cannot be operated on as it is too dangerous and near too many major vessels/organs etc.

    He was given 6-12 months to live (so bloody unfair as he has a 6 year old daughter). He has (i think) chosen to be bloody minded about it and really got on with his life, he is out every day, even though he cannot work any more, this, i think, is his way of coping with it. He didn't bat an eyelid when Patrick Swayze died of the same thing. He is having chemo and the consultant is absolutely fantastic and so is the specialist nurse, we couldn't wish for anyone better.


    Does anybody out there have any stories of survival of more than 6 months?

    Don't just rely on Orthodox medicine....
    When my father 61 typed 2 diabetic was diagnosed with PC in Costa Rica, he came back to the US to hear bad news from the VA hospital. He was given 2 months to live (the most). No other medical treatment was given to him by the conventional medicine. No surgery no nothing. They gave up on him and sent him home to die.

    I took him to a private clinic with lots of success in treating almost all types of cancer.
    The Issels Clinic in Santa Barbara. www.issels.com . After his 4 week treatment, my father regain his strengh and most of his blood levels whent back to normal. the cancer maskers imrpoved between 50% and 90% in four weeks.

    His doctors (the same that sent him home to die) could no believe it. They ran another blood work on him and they came out even better.

    Now, our mission was to get the VA to perform this blood work once a month to keep track on the cancer and the rest of his blood levels. The doctors at the VA did not help us. We lost track and my father died 7 months after his was diagnosed.

    So, without the conventional treatments we did acomplished what seemed to be impossible and incredible to anyone. My advise to you is, Don't just rely on orthodox medicine. This doctors at the Issels Clinic are graduated certified and licensed phisycians that know what they are doing.

    I am not saying most MD's don't know what they have to do in order to treat a PC patient. But the reality is that there is a huge diference in their approach to deal with such terrible desease. One doctor wants to treat you and the other one plans to help you get cured. HUGE difference.

    If my dad had gotten the help from his MD's at the hospital, we would've probably still have him around telling you more about all of this. He fought and died with his boots on...

    My best regards to you and best of wishes. Be strong and if you can or have the financial possibility seek to get help from the clinics I mentioned.

    Also try looking at www.cancercenters.com Believe me when I say, there is more we all can do to beat Cancer...