pancreatic insufficiency requiring enzyme supplements after radiation

pcp8181
pcp8181 Member Posts: 1
in Rare and Other Cancers #1
Is there anyone with pancreatic cancer who has had radiation treatment and pancreatic insufficiency requiring enzyme supplements? I'd like some advice/information about how you are dealing/dealt with it and what options you considered. I will of course reciprocate.

Comments

  • Oneshot
    Oneshot Member Posts: 153 Member
    #2
    Enzymes
    PCP181,
    I guessing, you are asking about enzymes you take to help your body absorb nutrients that you eat? If so...........
    I have been taking CREON 24000 with every meal and snack. Since 2008. I had rads and chemo before my Whipple. Then more chemo after the Whipple. The enzymes took a little experimentation to find out what amount I take in reference to what I eat. My oncologist recommended how many I should start with for each meal. With his blessing I worked on figuring if I needed more or less with my meals and snacks. I can usually get by with two capsules just before each meal and one for a small snack. From what I have found out in researching PC. is, I'm lucky, that I can get by with a couple of enzymes with most meals. A WORD OF CAUTION.... Remember! Each person's situation can be vastly different!

    If I'm on the right track you can send me an e-mail here on this site. I'll try to let you know what ever my experience(s) has shown me.
  • kpfloyd
    kpfloyd Member Posts: 2
    #3
    Creon Cost

    Just wanted to chime in on the Creon.  My brother was prescribed this and the cost is astronomical.  Even with his insurance, the cost was $800 a month.  When he told his oncology nurse that the cost was so prohibitive, she then told him there were over the counter supplements which would do the same thing.  After a little research, we found some at GNC for approximately $40 per month.  He is just starting them, but they seem to be doing the trick.  Another example of pharmaceutical rape in this country.

  • kpfloyd
    kpfloyd Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Creon Cost

    Just wanted to chime in on the Creon.  My brother was prescribed this and the cost is astronomical.  Even with his insurance, the cost was $800 a month.  When he told his oncology nurse that the cost was so prohibitive, she then told him there were over the counter supplements which would do the same thing.  After a little research, we found some at GNC for approximately $40 per month.  He is just starting them, but they seem to be doing the trick.  Another example of pharmaceutical rape in this country.

  • Oneshot
    Oneshot Member Posts: 153 Member
    #5
    kpfloyd said:

    Creon Cost

    Just wanted to chime in on the Creon.  My brother was prescribed this and the cost is astronomical.  Even with his insurance, the cost was $800 a month.  When he told his oncology nurse that the cost was so prohibitive, she then told him there were over the counter supplements which would do the same thing.  After a little research, we found some at GNC for approximately $40 per month.  He is just starting them, but they seem to be doing the trick.  Another example of pharmaceutical rape in this country.

    Cost of Enzymes

    kpfloyd,

               I totally agree about the cost of enzyme being astronomical.  I realize each one of us, who is battling pancreatic cancer and are blessed enough to be surviviors of it,for any lenght of time. All have or had different degrees or stages of the cancer. As well as different proceedures to cure or battle it.   What each individual is able to take and have work good for them. Might not work for another person. 

    I'm not trying to be critical of your post and hope the product(s) at GNC are working as discribed for your brother.  I would be interested in learning what stage his pancreatic cancer was and what proceedure(s) were taken in his treatments and surgery.  Also, I (and I figure many others on the pancreatic boards here) would be interested in finding out exactly the product(s) you or your brother were able to purchase at GNC are.  I feel if it would be benificial to all of us if you could post them and also how your brother is doing with them over a period of time. I'm sure many of us would like to be able to quit paying astronomical prices for enzymes.  I ask this, not only for myself ( what's left of my pancreas is in sad shape) but for others who might be able to use them. Even if they don't work for a few of us. They might well be a blessing for others to know about.

    Again, I'm not trying to be critical of you in any way!  Just asking for more information. In my case enzymes have been the only thing that works for me at this point (will be a 5yr. survivor in Sept. of Stage III). But, I'm always looking for ANYTHING that could possibly work.  Not to mention it would be great if I only had to spend $40 a month for something with the same results!

    Will be keeping your brother in my prayers as well as your family

    Oneshot

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