Pancreatic Cancer Staging And Survival

My husband was just diagnosed with stage 3 (T1 N1 M0) pancreatic cancer last Thursday, October 11, 2007   It's all still very new and feels like a dream still.    The doctors we have dealt with so far have been stellar.  3 of our surgeons have actually responded via email to my emails on the same day sent. 

We have every hope to believe that his survival rate will be in the 5 year time line.  He wasn't a smoker or drinker and the tumor (2cm) is encapsulated within the pancreas with only one lymph node affected. Although the doctors have told us to hope for the best and plan for the worst.

 He is a good candidate for surgery and it is scheduled for November 2nd at a top hospital that specializes in pancreatic cancers.  He'll be having a Whipple procedure done, followed by chemo.

Right now he is in hospital because of a flare up of very painful pancreatitis.  It's extremely hard to watch him in pain.  Currently they have him on an every 2 hour dose of duladin.

I believe we are just beginning a very tough road.   They say that survival rates are increasing to 40% who make it 5 years.

I am so sorry to hear about your husband. My husband was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer October 2005. He also had only one lymph node involved,however when we had our first meeting with his oncologist he was told he had a year to 18 months to live. My husband was a non smoker and non drinker also, His only health problem was that he was a type 2 diabetic. After the whipple procedure he had 6 months chemo along with Tarceva. He gets a cat scan every three months. His last scan was August 2007,his next scan is next week ( November 14th). So far he is cancer free. He is now an insulin dependent diabetic,takes insulin shots 4 times a day. His sugar is hard to control but we are doing ok. You are correct when you say you have a long road ahead. This is a very difficult surgery,my husband was 71 years old at the time of his surgery-he did very well but still has some issues from the surgery. I hope you are right about the 5 year survival rate. I live in fear everyday..I will pray for your husband and for you. Please take care of youself, the doctor's will take care of your husband but he needs your love and support. We send our love and prayers
Eileen n Les

Thank you Eileen and Les.  Unfortunately two hours into surgery they sent word to me while in the waiting room that the doctor was not going to do the 'whole' surgery and would be in to talk to me.  About a half hour later the surgeon came in, who I have to say is the most compassionate man and who we have complete confidence in, and told me my husband was no longer a candidate for the Whipple because when they got in they found the cancer had spread to the liver.

We now go to plan B - chemo therapy for palliative purposes.  Our doctor's best estimate is 9-18 mos.

My husband and I are suppose to meet with the oncologist later this evening or tomorrow morning.  My husband, who is a scientist said he will weigh the pros and cons and then make the decision as to whether he will go ahead with the chemo therapy.

Last night everything  hit me hard as I sat in my hotel room and cried and penned the following:

Pain  has now taken up residence inside my heart.

It was suppose to be a ‘slam-dunk’. Diagnosed early.  No appearance of  metastatis. He was young. His general health was good. A Whipple,  and a hope for a cure.

Surgery started and ended before we could finish a cup of coffee.   Cancer. Spread. Liver. 12 months. Five words and pain moved in. I wonder if it will ever move out.

Pain that is white hot.  Scorching like a brandishing iron, branding us with words like terminal, palliative, no cure, chemo-therapy. 

Cancer.  The word leaves my lips like a bitter blast of artic air, freezing those within ear shot.  The sound of it loud, strident and harsh.  Piercing the ears with a knife-like stabbing power.

This pain.  This heavy, jagged, rigid, cruel, unyielding force that lives with me now.  With each new sunrise comes the smarting throbbing pain; an open, raw, wound stung by the salt filled tears that fall from my eyes in an attempt to wash this pain away.

Pain has now taken up residence inside my heart.

I never expected to be a widow at age 52.
 

Oh my God.. I am so sorry. Your message has brought me to tears. I can not imagine what you are going through. I know that some day I will be in your position..Our doctor's have tried to prepare us for what is most likely inevitable. In the mean time each new day cancer free is a gift. Maybe my husband will be one of the people that make it five years. We can only pray...God is in charge. Our love to you and your family..We are going to a healing service November 17, we will certainly remember your family in our prayers. I wish I could say something to comfort you,I just don't know if there is anything that can comfort you and your husband at this time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Eileen and Les