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AudreysDaughter
New User
Joined: 09 Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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 Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:52 am Post subject: Living with Pancreatic adenocarcinoma - 3 yrs 1 month |
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Unfortunately I am posting this at what seems like may be the end of my beautiful Mother's life. I came to these forums over 3 years ago after learning of her initial diagnosis and learned so much. I figured now it was my time to post.
My Mum was diagnosed with unresectable adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas in June 2006. Drs attempted the whipple procedure but found it was inoperable due to the location. No chemo or radiation was recommended. Interestingly my Mum always said she would never like to have to endure those treatments if she did ever get cancer.
She got out there and continued living!! She eventually needed a stent March 2008. That lasted 8 months until the tumour grew over it, then they put in an external drain. She has been living with that since November 2008.
For the last year, apart from looking very thin you wouldn't know to look at her that she was so gravely ill.
A month ago she entered hospital due to abdominal fluid build up from ascites. Two days earlier she was out all day feeling a little uncomfortable but enjoying her life and her food. She had a mini stroke June 15th and all the family were there as we were thinking it was the end, miraculously she again came through and had a little more time. I'm sorry to say though she really hasn't had any quality of life since then and has remained in hospital and never really got significantly better, although a week ago they were hoping to be able to send her home, for a while anyway.
Sadly I live 22 hours drive away from her; today her nurses advised she has less than 24 hours to live. I spent 2 weeks with her after June 15th and then had to come home. Her Partner and My brother are with her now. I came back to the forums last night and also spoke to my family and friends to help me decide whether to be there today.
I am so proud of her, her achievements and her courage, her determination, her positive attitude not only in living with cancer, but throughout her whole life. She is my hero.
The hardest thing is something almost everyone will face in their life time, losing the one person that loves you more than anyone else ever will, your Mother. |
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roadrunner1459
New User
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:35 am Post subject: Re: Living with Pancreatic adenocarcinoma - 3 yrs 1 month |
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| Did your mom have any kind of treatment at all? My dad has pancreatic cancer and he is not having any kind of treatment. |
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AudreysDaughter
New User
Joined: 09 Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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| Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:46 am Post subject: Re: Living with Pancreatic adenocarcinoma - 3 yrs 1 month |
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No, the only interventions she has had were palliative, i.e. stent, then when the stent blocked a drainage bag and the management of that bag and consequent blockages from time to time.
She was very conscientious about her diet and tried anything and everything but nothing too outrageous or questionable. |
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LucyInTheSky
Regular
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject: Re: Living with Pancreatic adenocarcinoma - 3 yrs 1 month |
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Thank you for such an inspirational story.
I am sorry you can't be with your mom today and hope if she can't be pain free that her pain is at least manageable.
I too, live very far away from my mom and I can imagine how you must feel. My thoughts are with you... |
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Queensland Girl
Experienced user
Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 70
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:15 am Post subject: Re: Living with Pancreatic adenocarcinoma - 3 yrs 1 month |
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Hello Audrey's Daughter,
I'm sorry to read about your Mum's condition. I hope that you have been able to talk to her about all the things that matter and have had the time to laugh one more time.
After my Mum passed away, life was difficult. In time the pain has diminished and I could look back on our shared lives without sorrow. I still miss her every day though.
You are in my thoughts and I hope that you still have time to say goodbye.
_________________
Regards,
Queensland Girl
Mum diagnosed June 1993, surgery and chemo died August 1993 (Pancreatic Cancer)
Dad diagnosed July 2007, chemo only died January 2008 (Pancreatic Cancer) |
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AudreysDaughter
New User
Joined: 09 Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:59 pm Post subject: Re: Living with Pancreatic adenocarcinoma - 3 yrs 1 month |
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My Mum was unconscious from Thursday morning July 9 and passed away 3:30am Sunday 12th July. My brother and I were with her and she was surrounded by her family and partner every day that she was in hospital.
When I wrote my first post I didn't think I would be with her, but was drawn to her and got there at 10pm the night before (thank you God). Her funeral was a beautiful celebration of her life and while I am devastated, I am coping ok.
I realise how fortunate we were to have her for 3 years and 1 month with such a disease. She never complained and was so strong. She lived and was truly an inspiration . |
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