Op Done - Headed for Chemo & Radiation?

wannaknow · Regular Joined: 19 Oct 2007 Posts: 24

80+ yr Mom had 75% of pancreas removed with contained tumor that tested positive. Spleen was also removed (just part of procedure) Luckily no other cancer detected outside pancreas.
Surgeon strongly suggests Chemo & Radiation.
Looking for patients or family members who may have proceeded down similar path. Info or lessons learned are welcomed. Thanks in advance.

freeio · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:22 pm Post subject: chemo and radiation now

Well, I have personally been down this road. My Whipple procedure surgery was on October 21, 2004, and I have been through first radiation and chemo together, and then round after round of chemo. The radiation was painless, and I got no symptoms from that, The chemo drugs (in order of appearance: Xeloda, Gemzar, Tarceva, and Oxaliplatin) do have side effects which range from minor (Xeloda and Gemzar) to just awful (Tarceva and Oxaliplatin).

I have a pancreatic cancer blog covering the last three years, and it is listed in below. If you have the time, It may have some information you need.

I have one bit of advice. If she is going to go through chemo, please take the time to have a "port" installed. My blog has pictures of how this works from a patient's perspective. It is so much better than having them looking for a fresh vein to destroy for each chermo treatment. The port is a simple way of dealing with the issue, and one which once installed makes the prcesss pretty much painless.

If you have further questions, just ask. There are a few of us survivors around who just might have an answer or two.

Marty
_________________
-------------------------------------------------
whipple procedure, Oct. 21, 2004
28 days of radiation
56 days of Chemo using Xeloda
diagnosed as progressive recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Stage IV) Jun. 20, 2006
was treated with gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and tarceva, which all failed.
Cancer blog: http://diehlmartin.com/cancer.html

wannaknow · Regular Joined: 19 Oct 2007 Posts: 24

Marty:
Thanks so much for your response especially as your battle continues. All the best to You.
i took a quick peek at the blog but will dig in to learn more.
Your suggestion about the Port for chemo is appreciated. That's the kinda stuff that will help as Mom heads toward "phase 2".
Again, Best for You every minute!

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