Is this Really Pancreatic Cancer?

doggus · New User Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Lincs, UK

I posted a couple of weeks ago - my mum has been diagnosed with inoperable PC, spread to lungs, liver and lymph. She has been discharged and is trying a course of Gemzar next week for palliative purposes.

Whne the biopsy of her lymph gland came back, the oncologist told us that it was 80% likely she had PC, if not, it was Upper GI Tract cancer. He believes it is PC and thus recommends the Gemzar. However, I just looked at her discharge note and found the following test results:

CA19-9 - 87
CEA - 7
CA 153 - 54

Doesn't this mean it is less likely she has PC and does anyone have any advice on what to do now?

Huge apologies if I have misinterpreted the test results but as I understand it, her CA19-9 should be higher if she has PC.

Big Sister · Experienced user Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Posts: 65

Hello, Doggus -- You wrote to say that earlier tests and now the biopsy show that your mum has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. If you are still in doubt, please find another oncologist who can confirm the diagnosis and recommend either treatment or palliation.

Many people have been misdiagnosed, as you can read for yourself on this forum, but it's usually the other way -- diagnosed with ulcers or upper GI problems or h. pylori, all of which are easier diseases to handle but which give false hope to the pancreatic cancer patient to say nothing of delaying treatment.

Forget the numbers. Those of us who aren't doctors don't understand these numbers anyway and fretting over them just clouds the issue.

There are things you can do. Those who have PC have a limited number of choices and a limited amount of time with us. Once the medical people have given you their best, you mum's needs come first and her time with you must count now. If her husband cannot or will not help, you or another sibling should assume the caregiver role, whether or not you want to. Your willingness to move to be closer to her is wonderful and will make her feel secure.

She must be made as comfortable as possible. There are lots of treatments available for this. Drugs are great, both by mouth and IV. Insist that she get what she needs. Others on this forum have found comfort with natural treatments. Others find prayer indispensible.

Doggus, your coming child has already gladdened your mum's heart, whether or not she is still with you for the birth. She will want to hear every step as long as she is able. If there is nothing the medical people can do to cure her, try to put aside your own feelings and be aggressive with the doctors for your mum's comfort. She needs you now.

Good luck. We are all with you.

Big Sister

brainman

I totally agree with Big Sister. There are only 2 doctors on this site qualified enough to understand the numbers and I can bet they will say the same thing: "If in doubt, get a second opinion." Your mother deserves the best she can get in terms of medical treatment and in terms of your care for her.

God be with you and your mother in the days ahead. Keep us informed.
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