Just need to talk and maybe some insight

Hello All,

 My name is Shannon.  I am 25 years old and a mother of 2 beautiful children.  I just found out 2 days ago that my grandfather has pancreatic cancer.  I was raised by my grandparents so he is more like my father than a grandfather.  This has been sooo hard on me.  Sometimes I think ok I can do this, I will be fine and then I'll just have a thought of a memory or a song comes on the radio and the tears just start flowing.  Also, my 8 year old son and my grandfather are extremely close.  I don't know what to say to him or how to even explain to him that when we take the 300 mile trip to visit that he can't be after Papa to run here and there with him.  That Papa needs to rest.  He will not understand.  Two days ago the doctors did a biopsy and we will get the results of that on 5/31 and know more about what to expect.  Can anyone give me any insight on what to expect?  He is loosing weight like crazy.  In excruciating pain in the upper part of his stomach and into his back.  His urine is dark.  He stays tired alot but can't sleep.  They gave him some strong pain meds.  Doulata (sp) I think and he refuses to sleep.  He just continues to work in the garden and do the things he always has.  Please help.  I'm at a total loss

Thanks

Shannon

Hi Guys!  I just wanted to thank all of you for your responces and the feeling of support.  I will keep you updated as we learn more about what we are facing.

 Thanks again

Shannon

You probably already know but, dark urine is a sure sign of dehidration. In PC pataints it gets severe. Pinch his skin lightly and see how fast it goes back into position. If slow he might need IV. Malnutrition is also huge in PC pateints and insulin levels may bounce because pancrease controlls insulin. Hope I can be of any help. Good luck to you.

Sadly, I am well versed on pancreatic cancer as my mother in law, Bonnie, has it.  She lives with us and I am her primary caregiver.   Since her diagnosis last August, I have had to basically be in control of her medical care. 

Dilaudid is a pretty good painkiller, but it may not be enough alone.  Bonnie uses Fentanyl patches in addition to Dilaudid.  The patches help with most of the pain and dilaudid catches the break through pain.  Maybe once the pain is under control, your grandpa can get some sleep.  Bonnie said that Tarceva (a chemo drug that we used in combination with Gemzar) also helped her sleep. 

As far as what else to expect, there's so much!  Since we first got the diagnosis, I've been putting out fires right & left.  From nausea to jaundice, liver abscesses and diabetes- it all runs the gamut.  Things also vary a bit from person to person and definitely in whether or not the cancer is operable (Bonnie's isn't). 

I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather.  Mine was like a father to me as well.  Please make the most of your visit with him.  If your grandfather can remain active, that is wonderful!  It will probably keep his mind off the cancer and maybe even make him tired enough to sleep at some point.  Best of luck to you & your family- feel free to contact me any time!