Insight please?

We can all say "seek a second opinion"

I have not heard of good news regarding pancreatic cancer - very aggressive and painful. Too common for cancer in any organ to spread to another. If the patient is young, seek treatment either from oncologist, and/or reputable Holistic practitioner.

prayers... 

From personal experience:  my 46 y/o brother was diagnosed in January 2007.  He also has metastases to his liver.  His local doctors were definitely not helpful or optimistic.  Long story short, our sister found a highly recommended oncologist in Manhatten, Howard Bruckner, who has been a godsend for our family.  After talking to Joe, looking at his blood tests, scans, etc., Dr. Bruckner offered him the first hope we'd heard.  Joe had several heavy-duty chemo treatments every two weeks in NY and now is having them much closer to home in Indianapolis, again thanks to our sister who found an oncologist willing to use Dr. Bruckner's protocol.  It all seems to be working as Joe's last two scans have shown the liver tumors to be shrinking.  He is gaining weight and looks better than before he started the treatment.

So......there is hope and help out there.  Any treatment, for any illness, of course depends on so many variables.  Other health issues, age, etc.

There is an organization called PanCan which is very helpful.  Also, I would recommend the Johns Hopkins pancreatic cancer message board for more info and doctor recommendations.

Good luck to your friend and to you.

Susan

On 5/24/2007 Lois0816 wrote:

Hi I know someone who was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They opened him up and saw it spread to his liver, closed him up, and told him he has 9 months to live. Is this true, is there anything else to be done?

My prayers are with you and so many others that battle this disease.  You don't hear many positives with this type of cancer but most definitely get a second opinion. My aunt recently passed away after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Sept. 07.  She was 69 and had mestasis to her liver.  She did radiation and some chemo but she opted to live out her time without any chemo/radiation.  She was also not eligible for the whipple procedure.  We felt lucky that she had so many good days before she passed.  It has been difficult but we are getting through it.  I feel so strongly now that something needs to be done to raise awareness of this type of cancer.  I also have gone to the PanCan website and found it very helpful.

Good luck and many prayers to you.

Dear Lois,

      I had the same diagnosis.  They opened me up and realized that my pancreatic cancer had spread to my liver.  I have had four surgeries since 2000 to correct the problem.  My first doctor gave me a death sentence....which was not acceptable.  He didn't think I would survive and advised me to wrap up my affairs.  I then saw an oncologist who is wonderful.  I put my faith in him and to date I am doing well.  I have been through chemo, a modified whipple and Im currently taking shots every three weeks.  So far...I still have several tumors but they are stable.  I enjoy each day and just enjoy life.  The doctors dont always have the only answer.  Best of luck to your friend. 

     I recommend PanCan for any newly diagnosed patients.  They can also assist in answering questions and they can connect you with people  who have the same medical conditions or concerns.  They are for both patients and caregivers. 

Toodles

Beth

PanCan is definitely a good resource.  Being in stage four of Pancreatic Cancer, I can attest to that.

Sassy

Who and where is your oncologist?  After receiving the same dire prognosis and grim suggestions as you, my brother started with Dr. Howard Bruckner in Manhatten and now is fortunate to have a doctor at IU Med Center who is willing to follow Dr. Bruckner's protocol and he continues to do well. So many people seem to be unhappy with their doctors and it's a difficult time to have to shop around.

Just curious, thanks.