New and VERY scared!

Hi everyone. I'm sorry to say that it looks like my family will be the newest members of this community. It looks as though my mother has pancreatic cancer. she is going to syracuse next week for a endoscopic ultrasound to see if they can get a picture of where it is. The oncologist seems to think that its in the pancreas because the rest of the tract is "clean". However they know that it has affected the lymphs. we're waiting to here where and how many. she has a lot of back pain right now and i need to do something to help. She's only 51 and we are a very close family. I'm trying to do all the research that i can because I know that she's going to need as much information as possible. right now i feel like i did when i was 5 and got lost in the grocery store. the thought of losing my mom literally knocks the wind out of me.  

Right now i need help. I've purchased several books on cancer, nutrition and cancer, and alternative treatments. Does anyone have any suggestions for me. Please, anything at all that has helped will be appreciated. I'm going to go to her appointment and i want to understand what the oncologist is saying. i also want to be educated enough to ask for alternatives and help her make decisions about drugs. She's listed me a "decision-maker" (POA) if she is incapacitated. so i really need to prepare. she didnt want this burden on my father, he's having a very hard time coming to terms with this. the more info i have the better off i think we will all be.

I read on one of the sites that a diet high in animal fats can lead to this kind of cancer. I lost a lot of weight doing atkins last year and my mom wanted to lose some weight too so i told her how i did it. i know she was on the diet for a while, this couldnt have caused it could it? I know its ridiculous but i cant help thinking that this is my fault.

 I guess im just really scared and needing direction.

 

On 3/29/2007 Nina_2021 wrote:

Hi everyone. I'm sorry to say that it looks like my family will be the newest members of this community. It looks as though my mother has pancreatic cancer. she is going to syracuse next week for a endoscopic ultrasound to see if they can get a picture of where it is. The oncologist seems to think that its in the pancreas because the rest of the tract is "clean". However they know that it has affected the lymphs. we're waiting to here where and how many. she has a lot of back pain right now and i need to do something to help. She's only 51 and we are a very close family. I'm trying to do all the research that i can because I know that she's going to need as much information as possible. right now i feel like i did when i was 5 and got lost in the grocery store. the thought of losing my mom literally knocks the wind out of me.  

Right now i need help. I've purchased several books on cancer, nutrition and cancer, and alternative treatments. Does anyone have any suggestions for me. Please, anything at all that has helped will be appreciated. I'm going to go to her appointment and i want to understand what the oncologist is saying. i also want to be educated enough to ask for alternatives and help her make decisions about drugs. She's listed me a "decision-maker" (POA) if she is incapacitated. so i really need to prepare. she didnt want this burden on my father, he's having a very hard time coming to terms with this. the more info i have the better off i think we will all be.

I read on one of the sites that a diet high in animal fats can lead to this kind of cancer. I lost a lot of weight doing atkins last year and my mom wanted to lose some weight too so i told her how i did it. i know she was on the diet for a while, this couldnt have caused it could it? I know its ridiculous but i cant help thinking that this is my fault.

 I guess im just really scared and needing direction.

RUN don't walk to the Cancer Treatment Center of America. (CTCA).  It is a wonderful facility that has the best and newest treatments available and treat each and every patient wonderfully.  They carry the burden of travelling expenses for the patient and for the 1st visit they include a caregiver also.  Please call them.  Also, don't read statistics as they are very inaccurate as I have found out. Be strong for your Mom and good luck. 

Hello Nina What a scary time for you and your family and what a great responsibility for you. It is obvious there is much love for your Mom and of course you will want to do the right thing. My suggestion would be to research EVERYTHING before coming to only one course of treatment. I personally would be looking for a doctor who practices integrative medicine and since you are asking for advice regarding alternative paths that are effective I would be happy to share what I know to be true from my own experience. Please contact me via private message if you'd like to know more. Blessings Shemay

 

On 3/29/2007 Nina_2021 wrote:

Hi everyone. I'm sorry to say that it looks like my family will be the newest members of this community. It looks as though my mother has pancreatic cancer. she is going to syracuse next week for a endoscopic ultrasound to see if they can get a picture of where it is. The oncologist seems to think that its in the pancreas because the rest of the tract is "clean". However they know that it has affected the lymphs. we're waiting to here where and how many. she has a lot of back pain right now and i need to do something to help. She's only 51 and we are a very close family. I'm trying to do all the research that i can because I know that she's going to need as much information as possible. right now i feel like i did when i was 5 and got lost in the grocery store. the thought of losing my mom literally knocks the wind out of me.  

Right now i need help. I've purchased several books on cancer, nutrition and cancer, and alternative treatments. Does anyone have any suggestions for me. Please, anything at all that has helped will be appreciated. I'm going to go to her appointment and i want to understand what the oncologist is saying. i also want to be educated enough to ask for alternatives and help her make decisions about drugs. She's listed me a "decision-maker" (POA) if she is incapacitated. so i really need to prepare. she didnt want this burden on my father, he's having a very hard time coming to terms with this. the more info i have the better off i think we will all be.

I read on one of the sites that a diet high in animal fats can lead to this kind of cancer. I lost a lot of weight doing atkins last year and my mom wanted to lose some weight too so i told her how i did it. i know she was on the diet for a while, this couldnt have caused it could it? I know its ridiculous but i cant help thinking that this is my fault.

 I guess im just really scared and needing direction.

Dear,

 

 

On 3/29/2007 Lann4mom wrote:

 

On 3/29/2007 Nina_2021 wrote:

Hi everyone. I'm sorry to say that it looks like my family will be the newest members of this community. It looks as though my mother has pancreatic cancer. she is going to syracuse next week for a endoscopic ultrasound to see if they can get a picture of where it is. The oncologist seems to think that its in the pancreas because the rest of the tract is "clean". However they know that it has affected the lymphs. we're waiting to here where and how many. she has a lot of back pain right now and i need to do something to help. She's only 51 and we are a very close family. I'm trying to do all the research that i can because I know that she's going to need as much information as possible. right now i feel like i did when i was 5 and got lost in the grocery store. the thought of losing my mom literally knocks the wind out of me.  

Right now i need help. I've purchased several books on cancer, nutrition and cancer, and alternative treatments. Does anyone have any suggestions for me. Please, anything at all that has helped will be appreciated. I'm going to go to her appointment and i want to understand what the oncologist is saying. i also want to be educated enough to ask for alternatives and help her make decisions about drugs. She's listed me a "decision-maker" (POA) if she is incapacitated. so i really need to prepare. she didnt want this burden on my father, he's having a very hard time coming to terms with this. the more info i have the better off i think we will all be.

I read on one of the sites that a diet high in animal fats can lead to this kind of cancer. I lost a lot of weight doing atkins last year and my mom wanted to lose some weight too so i told her how i did it. i know she was on the diet for a while, this couldnt have caused it could it? I know its ridiculous but i cant help thinking that this is my fault.

 I guess im just really scared and needing direction.

Dear,

 

 

Dear Nina, I know what your going thru. My Moms got pc and was borderline inoperable btu after chemo/ radiation and a cocktail they called GTX and last but not least..... My Mom and other people swear up and down that  this  taken daily which is a blend of Brazillian berry juice mixture called (Monavie) has aided in the shrinkage of her tumor of 80%... The doctors at Moffitt were truly amazed. The tumor was resting against her portal vein and shrunk away.... I know people who swear to it's benefits of several other ailments.My husband take it & after 15 yrs' of being with him mediaction alone never got his cholesterol levels within normal range.. It is now after 3 months of taking it 2 oz. daily. Just look it up. I think under Monavie.com.....I don't understand it but if it's working on people like I have witnessed it's worth a look-see. Most of my family take it every day. Just check it out. Prayers are with you & send some this way for my Mom .She's having the Whipple on April 25th.  LANN4MOM in Florida

I am going to SECOND the advice for Cancer Treatment Centers of America- after getting our second, third, and fourth opinion at  THREE major clinics (Houston, Rochester, MN, and Chicago, IL) we kept on until we found someone who actually spoke of things like HOPE, LIVING with Cancer, not dying from it, and personal CARE.  My family recieves hugs while we are there..... concern for our own well being is adressed....and that makes Mom feel so much better as it is.  My Mom's diagnosis was 2/3/07 and it is State IV pancreatic cancer- w/ metasis to the liver.  We were not willing to just lie back and let it be.  Once the shock wears off..... you have to pick up and say 'OK- let's start a positive journey here!"  You will probably hear about plenty of things like statistics and failed trials,etc. .....but know this: Your Mother is NOT a number....she is not a statistic...she is a living, breathing person who has feelings and people that believe that her life is worth more than just a 'few months left' !! Many people believe your mind can make you sicker that you really are- so if that's true- put it in reverse.... tell your Mom to start 'thinking herself well' again! 

ALSO....Please at least listen to the survival story of Peggy Kessler on CTCA's home page.  and- there is a book out there called "No Place Like HOPE" and at a time when we felt like we were the only ones on this earth trying to cope.....this book helped TREMENDOUSLY!

Finally- the roller coaster ride we are all on....is not always pretty- or pain free- but KNOW that it is temporary....HOPE is free so gather as much of it as you can.  I have added many people to my list of prayers since joining this board....and you are on there as well.  God Bless.....Maria

Nina,

My suggestion is for you to go to the Johns Hopkins support board; there are many folks there who are both patients and care givers with lots of knowledge about pancreatic cancer.  They are kind, understanding and helpful.  Tell them your situation and ask for advice.

I personally don't believe in alternatives since I haven't heard any confirmed stories that any have saved any lives.  Hopkins also has a bio board with a lot of suvivor stories, a few for quite a few years.

Don't waste time with quacks; get the best care available for your mother.  Pancreas cancer is incredibly fast moving and you have no time to waste.  Sometimes chemo & radiation make it possible for the Whipple to be done down the line.

 Good luck and God bless you & your family.

Joan L 

 

 

today she went to the oncologist and its more bad news. they explained to her what it is and told her that now they want to start her on an "aggressive" treatment plan. what they are saying is that she has about a year. when she told me this I managed not to breakdown right there but asked a lot of questions-i'm going with her tomorrow to talk to the oncologist myself. i've just about convinced her that we need to try either cta or JHU for a second opinion. her oncologist has also encouraged her to speak with others in the field. he seems like a nice competent dr. and for that i am truly thankful. it is my hope that tomorrow i can formulate the questions that need to be asked so that the burden does not lie on her alone. from the dire nature of the conversation it is my feeling that this must be quite advanced. they did not talk of stages but i will ask about that tomorrow. I feel like i need to know everything including the worst but at the same time i wish i knew nothing. my greatest fear is that she will die in pain and that i will not be able to help her. my father is devastated as we all are. if i could i would take this from her though i know she would be horrified to hear that. tomorrow i know i will be back asking questions about treatment options. i pray for you all and hope that you pray for me and mine too.

Hi again Nina,  It breaks my heart to hear that a doctor has put a timeline on your mother's life.  He is not God.  If you do decide on CTCA you will find that unless there is absolutly no hope they will never give that kind of discouraging news.  They are uplifting and caring.  What your mother needs is hope not unfortunate news each and every visit.  How will she become strong if her doctor's give no encouragment?  She is very lucky to have a caring family.  It is devastating to be given the news of cancer but even more so if you have no one to love care and encourage.  Her doctor should be the first one to tell her every option and sadly, I don't believe that there are many doctors that are aware of all options.  I can say this postiviely because It happened to me with a highly regarded doctor that I trusted faithfully for 5 years before reading the book "there is no place like hope" and went to CTCA.  Do not just assume that your doctor is "the one" because you like him.  Stay strong and know that there is so much offered for cancer victims now.  I wish you well. 

Judy