Pancreatic Cancer and my Mother

jquinn · New User Joined: 30 Sep 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Colorado

My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April of 2008. Her heath has gone downhill since even dispite surgery and chemotherapy treatment. The cancer has spread to her liver and she has gone without any treatment since June due to many complications that include blood clots. About 3 weeks ago she had to have 2 blood transfusions because her white cell count was through the roof and red cell count was extremely low, even though the transfusions made her feel better I can't help but think it was only a bandaid. She has been retaining water in her lower extremeties, the doctor prescribed water pill did nothing. She has also been in so much pain that she is on 4 different pain medications. Her urine is also a dark orange. She was supposed to have a chemo seeding procedure this morning but it was cancelled because she was unable to lie flat and hold still for the procedure despite 4x the normal dosage of pain medication. I haven't seen her today but I guess her eyes and skin are now yellowing, obviously indicating liver failure. She is still trying to convince everyone that she is fine and refuses to actually ask the doctor what her prognosis is now, of course they aren't giving any information unless we ask the right questions.
Does anyone know what her life expectancy is now? I realize it probably isn't good but I am tired of assuming and would like to know if anyone has any insight.

Adagio7780

jquinn, I am sorry to hear of your mother's condition. While no one can answer for you the 'how long' question, her doctors can advise you about when it is appropriate to consider hospice care and give you a better idea about her prognosis receiving treatment vs. not receiving treatment. I hope that your mother can at least be made comfortable in the days to come, and I wish you and her the best.
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Man tracht, Got lacht (Man plans, God laughs)

LittleMe · Regular Joined: 28 Sep 2009 Posts: 21

I could almost have written this myself, although my mum was diagnosed early 2009 (inoperable pancan).

My mum has been told today that she is jaundiced but nothing can be done until the scan results, (she is booked for a scan next week). The Doc said it could be a bile duct obstruction and that if the scan shoes that, then 'medical intervention' may be needed. She has abdominal pain as well again now.

My mum does not want to know anything about her prognosis or extent of what she has - but has responded well to GEMCAP chemo (4 cycles).

As Adagio said no one can answer 'how long' other than maybe her caregivers. I have had a few people tell me about people who have lived with pancan for 4 years.

I don't think jaundice means the final because I have read about this being able to be helped and I don't think it necessarily means liver failure.

Hope this helps - all the best for your mum.

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