My dad diagnosed

My dad (81) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November.  He is a diabetic and had lost about 35 pounds in the past 6 months.  He was to his doctor, who did a CT and it came back ok in May.  In November, at my dad's persistance, he did another CT and he had a mass at the head of the pancreas.  When they went back to the previous CT, it was there but had been missed.  PET scan showed it was localized and had not mets.

He is now on Gemzar.  He has had his 4th treatment.  His thighs and knees are very swollen and he can't get around very well.  No one seems to know what is causing this.  He may go in the hospital tomorrow to have some fluid taken off and start some physical therapy. 

My dad was always on the move, never stopped, a Marine,  and now he doesn't even feel like he can drive,  He weighs about 125.  I feel so sad.  He apparently broke down to my mom the other day because he isn't used to having people do things ofor him. And he is frustrated.  He has to have a mediport put in sometime before his next chemo next week. 

Any advice?

Thanks,  Debbie

when my husband was on chemo (gemzar) one of the things they were always on the lookout for was swelling in his legs and feet. i am not sure why and since he never had more than minimal swelling in his feet, we just didn't ask why they were concerned about it....or what they did if he did have the swelling. it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. this whole process can be very discouraging to say the least, for everyone concerned. if your dad was in the marines, then he knows what it is to be a fighter. tell him to keep on fighting. you never can tell. he may be one of the lucky few who go on to be "survivors". God bless you. sincerely jimandkathy

 

On 1/22/2008 Jimandkathy wrote:

when my husband was on chemo (gemzar) one of the things they were always on the lookout for was swelling in his legs and feet. i am not sure why and since he never had more than minimal swelling in his feet, we just didn't ask why they were concerned about it....or what they did if he did have the swelling. it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. this whole process can be very discouraging to say the least, for everyone concerned. if your dad was in the marines, then he knows what it is to be a fighter. tell him to keep on fighting. you never can tell. he may be one of the lucky few who go on to be "survivors". God bless you. sincerely jimandkathy

 

Thanks for your thoughts.  He was admitted today to see if they could figure out what is going on.  He's anemic so they gave him blood and tomorrow he gets his mediport.  They are also going to give him some PT to help him.  He was shot during WW2 and almost lost his leg, so yes, he is a fighter.  My son leaves tomorrow to the Army for boot camp.  He is a college grad and decided this is what he wants, so a lot is going on.  Dad is really proud of him!

Your message really hit me, because as of today I find myself in your same situation.  Today my dad, age 80, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  I spoke to the surgeon who performed the EUS biopsy, but so far we have not met with the primary physician or an oncologist.  From the initial views, it looks like the tumor is about 1/4 inch in diameter and it seems to be localized in the pancreas.  The doctor suggests that he have a PET scan to confirm that the cancer has not spread outside the pancreas.

The surgeon who performed the biopsy mentioned that my father might consider having the Whipple surgery.  When I read your post, I noticed that your father apparently did not have that surgery.  Were the doctors concerned about his age?  From what I have been reading, it seems as though the tumor can be completely removed through this surgery.

 

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My dad was not a candidate for the Whipple because the tumor was wrapped around the main vessels.  He has ungone his 8th chemo session and on Tuesday will have another CT to see what the tumor has done.  He is doing well at the moment.

Where are you located?  I would certainly investigate having the Whipple done, however, you need to find the right surgeon. Is your dad otherwise in good health?  The post operative course can be very rough.  I would certainly get the PET scan to see if it has spread.  That was one of the first things we did and was pleased it was localized.

How did they find the tumor?

Keep in touch.

Debbie