Dad has resectable pancreatic cancer-surgeons won't operate

roadrunner1459 · New User Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

My dad was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He had a PET scan last week. There is a 2 cm tumor at the head of the pancreas. It is only in his pancreas. He had a massive stroke almost 7 years ago, has COPD, diabetes, stents in his legs and a filter to prevent blood clots from going to his heart. He is confined to a wheelchair or bed most of the time. He can only walk a few feet without giving out. Although the tumor is resectable, the surgeon will not do the Whipple due to his health. They do not want to give him gemzar(sp) either because it is so strong. (He is also in third stage kidney failure and at risk for aspiration due to swallowing problems). We have basically been offered pallitive care or a chemotherapy pill (tarceva). I have searched the web for information on people who have his stage cancer and do nothing but have come up short. From what I have read most people with his stage have surgery. We don't know if the tarceva would be detrimental or worth a try due to his health issues. How aggressive is the cancer when found localized? Will the chemo buy him some time? If anyone has information we would appreciate it.
Thanks

Queensland Girl

Hello,

As horrible as it sounds, all I can suggest is that the doctors are concerned that your Dad might not survive the surgery or the chemotherapy. You have the right to question the doctors to understand how they came to that conclusion. Also it is your right to ask for further opinons.

My Dad was also not a candidate for surgery due to his health. At least my Dad's doctor told us out right and did not let us guess. Unfortunately chemo didn't also work for Dad and we only had a short time with him.

Every treatment is different and if the doctors do a biopsy they might be able to work out the best course of action.

I hope that you find some answers and I wish your Dad, you and your family the best for the future.
_________________
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)

roadrunner1459 · New User Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

The gastro did a biopsy and it is malignant. The PET scan was for staging the cancer. I think it is T1NOMO. My dad wants to take the traceva. I am just worried that it will do more harm than good with his health being so poor. If it isn't going to give him more time or make the time he has left miserable I hate to see him take it. Of course, it is his decision but he looks to my mom and I to help him. We just want what is best for him and to have him with us as long as we can. Thanks for responding - I'm sure you know what we are going through since you have been through it twice.

tweetybird · Regular Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 18

hi there..first of all im sorry that you and your family are having to go through this...my mom was diagnosed 2 years ago with no mets...but b/c of the location of the tumor it was inoperable. they started her on gemzar and tarceva..because of some other health issues that formed b/c of 2 attempted surgeries they had to take her off of gemzar..but she was on tarceva for probably a good year up until november 08. The time that she was on tarceva, she never had any side effects, she stayed tired but i dont think that was the chemo, i think it had to do with her health & nutritional values since she lost so much weight. while my mom was on tarceva every ct scan she had showed no growth. i do know that medicines work differently with each and every person, but i hope that my moms story gives you an idea of what it could possibly do for your dad. I will keep you and your family in my prayers, if you have any questions feel free to ask. keep us posted.

roadrunner1459 · New User Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. It seems that everything you read about pancreatic cancer discourages you. How is your mom doing now? Thanks again. This gives me renewed hope.

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