Ascites And Weekness

HI All,

I am new to this message board as a poster. I have been reading everyone's post and it has been very helpful to me and my family. My mother was diagnosed with inoperable PC April '07. She has been through both chemo and radiation. They said it has not shrunk the cancer, but it seems to have slowed it down. But she has ascites really bad. They have drawn off the fluid now 3 times, but it seems like it doesn't help. She had tried to keep up her strength, but yesterday she seems to have just quit trying. Stayed in bed all day. She said she had diarrhea and can't keep anything down. Does anyone know what I can expect next? I feel totally helpless, she won't let anyone help her.

Thanks,

Hi There,

My dad struggled with the same problem for quite awhile. Actually, the ascites is what diagnosed him with pancreatic cancer as they couldn't find what was wrong and they used the fluid to do a biopsy. They tried lots to get the ascites down and what helped was a combination of lasix and a transfusion of Albumin, which is a type of blood supply/transfusion. It helped and finally went away, or I should say "subsided" . He had to be drained I think 3 times, he looked liked he was expecting twins! I know what you are going through, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay positive! 

I don't know the answer, but my Mom is having a similar issue.  We haven't had it drained yet they were trying a water pill first.  Someone told me the following on the John Hopkins message board

"
If you get a drain, make sure it's an IP drain catheter -- not a needle
drain! The fluid always comes right back, so if you have a drain catheter,
you can continue to relieve the pressure. I used to drain a full liter of
fluid in the AM and another full liter in the PM each and every day. It
provided a lot of relief."

We are going to the dr on thurs and will be asking about the IP drain.  good luck I know how scary it feels not to help ease the discomfort and get a chance to stop the weight lose.  ( my mom doesn't eat very well due to the ascites.)