Pancreatic Cancer

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My husband was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and is currently undergoing Chemo. I am having a hard time dealing with the depression he is going through. I feel I need some advice on how to deal with such devastating news, and such a poor prognosis.

Bartrip_Devon

Don't give up
Hi there

Like you, my husband (47 at time of diagnosis) has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, they only gave him 6-12months after his surgery - wasn't the whipple, it was some sort of replumbing because the tumour was at the bottom of his bile duct/pancreas with major blood vessels around and therefore inoperable. He too was depressed at first and wouldn't each much, but as time went on he got a lot stronger and was able to have chemo.

He has had 6 months of IV chemo and the last 3 months of that he had tablets aswell. He has been very lucky and had no side effects whatsoever throm the treatment, just a little tired the day he had treatment. He knows of his prognosis, but has chosen not to tell people, also, it is probably his way of choping with this awful disease.

There is good news, we saw the Consultant yesterday, off chemo, put on weight, looks well and she therefore has decided she doesn't need to see him for 3 months, so we can celebrate Christmas as a family (6 yr old daughter).

Don't give up and think positive, don't let it beat your.

mstanner2

Bartrip_Devon said:

Don't give up
Hi there

Like you, my husband (47 at time of diagnosis) has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, they only gave him 6-12months after his surgery - wasn't the whipple, it was some sort of replumbing because the tumour was at the bottom of his bile duct/pancreas with major blood vessels around and therefore inoperable. He too was depressed at first and wouldn't each much, but as time went on he got a lot stronger and was able to have chemo.

He has had 6 months of IV chemo and the last 3 months of that he had tablets aswell. He has been very lucky and had no side effects whatsoever throm the treatment, just a little tired the day he had treatment. He knows of his prognosis, but has chosen not to tell people, also, it is probably his way of choping with this awful disease.

There is good news, we saw the Consultant yesterday, off chemo, put on weight, looks well and she therefore has decided she doesn't need to see him for 3 months, so we can celebrate Christmas as a family (6 yr old daughter).

Don't give up and think positive, don't let it beat your.

Depression
Thanks for the reply. I want to stay positive and wish I could help my husband think positive. The depression is overwhelming and the oncologist put him on an antidepressant which seems to make things worse. We have been on active chemo since 4/27, really no side effects, except severe diarrhea, which can be managed. We are not a candidate for any surgery, its just how much time will the chemo work....we will continue this fight. I am happy for your good news. I tell my husband he is not just a statistic and we have to try and think positive...