My Grandmother Was Just Diagnosed...

My grandmother who is 83 years old was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about 2 weeks ago.  Before she was diagnosed, she was an active senior who took part in many social gatherings but all of a sudden, she began to fall a lot which lead to the finding of pancreatic cancer.  She is now in the hospital and has been there for just over a week or so. 

I wanted to see what the signs/symptoms are and how they progress over time.  Right now, her legs are basically swollen and they're super cold (including her toes/feet), her hands have barely any flesh/fat on them and the tips of the fingers look purple/blue, she gets very confused and repeats a lot... for example, if someone was talking to her about a trip they're taking next week, minutes later she would go, "Oh, so when are you going to (city) next?" etc.  You get the idea.   She has little to no appetite and has a hard time eating big foods such as chicken noodle soup if there's a big piece of chicken in there, etc.  Apparently she told my parents that she just wants to sleep and that they should look at cleaning out her apartment so someone else can rent it.   I guess last week she also had a hard time breathing and speaking... was forcing out the words..  She's also complained about pain in her lower back area. Unfortunately I'm not in the same city as she is but I was able to say goodbye to her this past week which was good but I just wanted to see for my own well being if anyone knows of the symptoms and their progress with this cancer and as bad as this may sound, how close she may be to death.  

 

On 3/28/2008 splashfoto wrote:

My grandmother who is 83 years old was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about 2 weeks ago.  Before she was diagnosed, she was an active senior who took part in many social gatherings but all of a sudden, she began to fall a lot which lead to the finding of pancreatic cancer.  She is now in the hospital and has been there for just over a week or so. 

I wanted to see what the signs/symptoms are and how they progress over time.  Right now, her legs are basically swollen and they're super cold (including her toes/feet), her hands have barely any flesh/fat on them and the tips of the fingers look purple/blue, she gets very confused and repeats a lot... for example, if someone was talking to her about a trip they're taking next week, minutes later she would go, "Oh, so when are you going to (city) next?" etc.  You get the idea.   She has little to no appetite and has a hard time eating big foods such as chicken noodle soup if there's a big piece of chicken in there, etc.  Apparently she told my parents that she just wants to sleep and that they should look at cleaning out her apartment so someone else can rent it.   I guess last week she also had a hard time breathing and speaking... was forcing out the words..  She's also complained about pain in her lower back area. Unfortunately I'm not in the same city as she is but I was able to say goodbye to her this past week which was good but I just wanted to see for my own well being if anyone knows of the symptoms and their progress with this cancer and as bad as this may sound, how close she may be to death.  

 

I too am seeking the same answers as you.  My Grandmother will be 96 in May and was diagnosed this week.  She has severe osteoporosis and high blood pressure.  The doctor was very blunt with the prognosis.  He told us less than 6 months but when I pressed him for answers he said more like 2 months.  The CT test was done a month ago.  He wants to wait 6 weeks and do a repeat.  He did do blood work and the cancer markers (antigens) were extremely high.  He told us 99+% that it is cancer and will just grow.  I asked for step by step process to be prepared but all he said was "When it is time to call me, you will know". 

Please, anyone with the experience of knowing what comes in the end stages of pancreatic cancer, give us some insight.

 

Wow! 96 years old!  It's frustrating because it's hard to catch this cancer in the early stages, well until it's too late!  In some way, someone who has it and who is in their 'senior' ages, you can sort of take comfort in knowing that they've had a good life and what not but it's still frustrating!   I know with my grandma, it all came up quite quickly and immediately she stopped being herself... she slowed down, started falling, became very disoriented and she's failing quickly every day.  

Please, if anyone knows anything or you've gone through the same thing with a loved one and know the 'end' stages of pancreatic cancer please let us know.

There are many people that frequent the Johns Hopkins PC discussion board who can answer your questions.  They are really good about sharing information with kindness.  Suggest you post your question there.  Best wishes for your loved ones.

Here is the link to the site.  

 http://pathology.jhu.edu/n.web?EP=N&FL=PANCREAS_CHAT

 

 

On 3/29/2008 splashfoto wrote:

Wow! 96 years old!  It's frustrating because it's hard to catch this cancer in the early stages, well until it's too late!  In some way, someone who has it and who is in their 'senior' ages, you can sort of take comfort in knowing that they've had a good life and what not but it's still frustrating!   I know with my grandma, it all came up quite quickly and immediately she stopped being herself... she slowed down, started falling, became very disoriented and she's failing quickly every day.  

Please, if anyone knows anything or you've gone through the same thing with a loved one and know the 'end' stages of pancreatic cancer please let us know.

 

Yes, 96 years old and lives independently.  Uses a walker since having a knee and hip replacement a few years ago.  We have had several family members with different cancers.  I have seen some go completely down hill after being diagnosed and some fight for 12 years with breast cancer. 

Is your grandmother on any medication?  I know some of the meds can cause disorientation.

My grandmother is being so calm about all of this.  She has even started cleaning things out to give family members.  It is hard to believe that she could be gone in two months as good as she looks now.  I just came from walking with her almost a full block.

The doctor said the mass is in a place that should not cause her pain until later.  I have heard that it is extremely painful.  I need a roadmap to follow through with this.

Thanks for listening and I wish peace for you and your grandmother.

Sandra

On 3/29/2008 splashfoto wrote:

Wow! 96 years old!  It's frustrating because it's hard to catch this cancer in the early stages, well until it's too late!  In some way, someone who has it and who is in their 'senior' ages, you can sort of take comfort in knowing that they've had a good life and what not but it's still frustrating!   I know with my grandma, it all came up quite quickly and immediately she stopped being herself... she slowed down, started falling, became very disoriented and she's failing quickly every day.  

Please, if anyone knows anything or you've gone through the same thing with a loved one and know the 'end' stages of pancreatic cancer please let us know.

 

My grandmother just passed away this morning from this cancer.  I know (above) I was asking about the symptoms about the final stages of pancreatic cancer.  I was talking to my mom last night and she mentioned that my grandma was throwing up a lot and wasn't eating very much, just liquids basically.  She also had no control over BM's and also mentioned to my family that she just wanted to sleep a lot.   Her fight is over and I'm glad for her sake but it still sucks... that's the only way I can describe it.   I saw her last Thursday when I flew out and I was able to say goodbye then which is good as I definitely needed that closure and would have not been able to forgive myself if I didn't go out.

I am so sorry to hear your news.  Maybe it is a blessing that it was so fast.  Still, making it to age 83 is an achievement that should be rewarded.  Not destroyed by this monster disease. 

I have lost my Mother and my Aunt from breast cancer.  Now my 96 year old grandmother has to endure the end with pancreatic cancer.  Sometimes life just sucks.

I will be thinking of you,

Sandra