topic Re: Pancreatic cancer in I've just been diagnosed

Pancreatic cancer

Md — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 10:01:45 GMT

Hello everyone,

My Mum has been diagnosed with PC just recently. The doctors have advised not to go through Chemo treatment as there will no hope for this cancer to be removed. She is 70 years old and living in Syria in conflict zone so I'm not sure if the doctors advice is right as the medical infrastructure have been affected by the war and I'm my self going through a tragic time because I have seen my mum for seven years- living in the UK as a refugee and no hope to see my Mum except if I manage to take her to Turkey for treatment. For those who can help by suggesting any ideas where to start please advise me. She is still ok eating and drinking with occasional vomiting.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Katekat — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 05:30:14 GMT

Hello @Md, how is your Mum doing?

It must be incredibly difficult for you being in a different country for her, let alone her being in a conflict zone as well

Most of the resources I am going to suggest are Australian but they will give you a good understanding of pancreatic cancer and perhaps some things you can look at...

Understanding pancreatic cancer
Complementary therapies
Questions for your doctor
Coping with a cancer diagnosis - podcast
How to help someone with cancer - podcast

-Kate

Cancer Council Online Community Manager

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 08:05:58 GMT

Hi Kate,

Thank you for your comment and asking about my Mum.

She is ok actually, no pain so far but skin turned yellow. She has had a Stent in hope to reduce the symptoms. We are working now on to have her undergo a surgery called Whipple.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Katekat — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 23:24:12 GMT

Hi @Md,

I am glad your Mum is doing ok.

I know one of our members @kj has had a whipple, they might be happy to answer some questions if you had any

-Kate

Cancer Council Online Community Manager

Re: Pancreatic cancer

kj — Wed, 01 May 2019 00:24:20 GMT

Hi Md

As Kate replied I have had a Whipple I also had a stent put in to help before Whipple Surgery,If you have any questions please ask me .

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Wed, 01 May 2019 07:29:23 GMT

Thank you for commenting. Iam glad that you have has your Whipple successfully.

Actually I was wondering why the doctor put a Stent for my Mum when a Whipple is going to happen so if you had the same that means the right thing hopefully.

Could you please where have you had your Whipple? And in what stage the tumour was at that time? Is it a good sign for my Mum She no pain yet related to the cancer but of course has the symptoms? How long did it take you to improve the symptoms after Stent then you had the Whipple?

Thank you very much in advance.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Wed, 01 May 2019 07:31:08 GMT

Thanks alot Kate. I just asked I'm some questions hoping he can get back soon.

Cheers

Re: Pancreatic cancer

kj — Wed, 01 May 2019 08:37:28 GMT

The stent was put in for me as my tumor at the head of my pancreas was blocking my bile duct causing pain,jaundice,no appetite diareah and fatigue fevers .After the stent about a week later I felt better and had Whipple surgery a few weeks later as my general health improved .Anytime you have a Whipple means you have a better chance of survival ,compared to someone who isn’t eligible for the surgery .The tumor measured 3 cm.As to your Mum having no pain that can happen It unfortunately has no specific meaning for her ,but It’s good that she was diagnosed early and surgery is happening for her.

I had my surgery in a western suburbs public hospital of Melbourne,Victoria I can’t speak highly enough of my Surgeons and the nursing team. The earlier your Mum gets out of bed after surgery the quicker her recovery will happen,I was talking to my Surgeon a few months ago about Whipple surgery he said there has been advances since my surgery,with less pain a vertical cut compared to horizontal which is better,and a quicker recovery as long as the patient does what’s required.

Dont hesitate to ask any questions if I can answer I will ,I am into my ninth year of survival.Best wishes to your Mum and yourself.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Wed, 01 May 2019 09:14:04 GMT

Good to hear you are improved after surgery.

The doctor has advised us to have the Stent put in then he will carry another MRI to confirm the operation to be done. My mum tuomor is measured 5 CM. Iam worried now that this size of tumour not eligible for surgery.

Thank you

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Wed, 01 May 2019 09:15:59 GMT

My mum's tumour also is on the head of pancreas but with less symptoms compared to tour case.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

kj — Wed, 01 May 2019 09:50:05 GMT

It’s not the actual size of the tumor for surgery it’s whether the tumor is wrapped around the portal vein and can involve other veins ,sometimes if it is chemo can be given to try and shrink the tumor so a Whipple can go ahead,when I had my surgery they couldn’t tell until they opened you up where nowadays they are much more advanced in knowing before surgery,so try and take it one day at a time until you know the full story of your Mums tumor involvement.I realise how hard the waiting is for the news and results of MRI.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

kj — Wed, 01 May 2019 09:54:03 GMT

Has your Mums cancer spread to any other organs that also has a bearing on whether surgery is happening.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Wed, 01 May 2019 12:23:36 GMT

As far as I know it's not spreaded yo different organs this was on first MRI a week ago. The first diognose shows a possibility for Whipple surgery as doctor suggested. Hopefully things will go as I think

Thank you

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Wed, 01 May 2019 12:24:34 GMT

May I know how old are you, my mom is almost 70 years old.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

kj — Wed, 01 May 2019 12:34:44 GMT

I had surgery in my early sixties I had a few other health issues but was reasonably active.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Wed, 01 May 2019 14:44:51 GMT

Thank you for your all answers I really appreciate it.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

kj — Wed, 01 May 2019 22:59:47 GMT

That’s ok I still remember how unsettling it was for my family at that time the waiting and stress,I hope and pray it goes well for your Mum.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Anonymous — Fri, 03 May 2019 09:30:07 GMT

Wow. Im so sorry to read all that. May god help and give us all strength through these times.

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Md — Fri, 03 May 2019 17:05:44 GMT

Amin. Thank you for your comment. Are you a cancer patient?

Re: Pancreatic cancer

Anonymous — Fri, 03 May 2019 18:14:35 GMT

Yes. I have PNET Carcinoid Syndrome.
I posted my diagnosis and im having trouble dealing with it.
David.