Mother Recently Diagnosed As Inoperable.

Has anyone heard of this? My mother is 54 years old and was suppose to undergo a whipple procedure to remove a pancreatic tumor. When they opened her up they told us that it was inoperable because it is a large mass attached to the pancreas, behind her stomach and “like a rock” surrounding her veins, and nerves. The surgeon told us that it looks like classic pancreatic cancer.
The bizarre thing is the surgeon told us he preformed numerous biopsies on the tissue he could reach and they all came back benign. We are still waiting for the pathologist to give us their results of the same tissue. Has anyone else out there had this happen?

Tracey - My husband was 50 yrs old when he went in for surgery for possible whipple as well. I was told the exact same thing as you when the Dr came out of surgery to talk to me. The tumor was wrapped around a major blood vessel and could not be removed. From what I have seen on the message boards, this seems to be the case more often than not, since PC is not caught until late stages. We too, had several tests where tumor markers came back as negative for PC. We followed with radiation and chemo, but sadly, my husband lost his battle 8 months after diagnosis.We always had hope, but all the time, a part of me was preparing for the worst.
Everything I read about PC seemed to give little hope. You will be in my prayers as you face this battle...

Know of someone who had a similar situation but in the kidney area. Had it removed after her cancer surgeon said it was inoperable.
Also had to remove a kidney as the growth was attached.
If possible check out the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, Fl.

Dianne - I am so sorry for your loss. We are currently moving along the same path as your husband. She will be starting Chemo within the next two weeks. I too have had a terrible feeling inside of me since this all began, but hope always comes back into my mind. I just don't want my Mom to suffer. That is what worries me the most. I will keep you in my prayers as well.

Tracey - thank you for your kind words...
I hope that in the upcoming months you and your mom will have support from family and friends. Although I know you will want to focus all your time and energy towards her, you need to remember to take time to take care of yourself. I tried to do everything and be everywhere during my husband's treatment, and just ended up exhausted, cranky and irritable, which did none of us any good. Learn to accept help, since it comes from the heart of those who love us and sometimes from strangers too. A good cry on the shoulder of a best friend helps a lot too. God Bless and Take Care.

Our Mother was diagnosed in Oct 2004 with an inoperable tumor as well. It's attached just like your Mom's.
Our Mom is our mircacle and still with us...Thanks God!!!!

Gemzar, Avastin, 5FU and Tarceva (pills)and Radiation all worked well for her.
She was unable to tolerate Xeloda.

We suggest supplementing her diet with Scandi shakes when at all possible. This will give her some nourishment if she's not eating.
You can add fresh fruit and yougurt.

I wish you well

Be strong!

I am happy to hear that your Mom is doing well, and I pray for you and your family that she stays healthy.

My Mom will be starting Chemo soon but in my mind it does not seem fast enough.

This is a great group and you all are blessed with caring hearts.

Hello,
How is your mother doing? My friend just started
chemo and radiation, and we are hopeful and praying. His tumor is attached as your mother's.
I've heard a lot good things about Avastin, but it has not been approved yet for pancreatic cancer. How did your mom got it?

You and your family are in my prayers.

Mom tolerated Avastin really well. Try everthing they can suggest to you. It can't hurt!
Mom's hanging in there pretty good. She recently had been hospitalized overnight because she has pnemonia. It probably settled into her lungs because she was sleeping about 20 hrs a day. Making sure she gets up every few hours and moves around also getting fresh air.

18 months and counting.

Hi Tracy,

My 52 yr old father was diagnosed with Liver cancer in Feb 05. He was told it was a straight forward op to remove the tumor. We were then informed that they could not remove the tumor as it had progressed to the pancreas and was attached to the main artery. He has has 3 lots of chemo and radiation. The radiation had the biggest impact. He has lost about 25kgs and is quite weak and fatigues at the moment. This last 6mths of chemo has knocked him about a bit.
He had a scan done today and will get the results on Tuesday.
Ive been told the treatments etc available in Australia (where we live) is up there with Americas but Im not so sure.
It is the hardest thing to see my fit young father suffering and reliant on others. He has always been so proud and independant.
As he had part of his pancreas removed, he has trouble absorbing the food he consumes.
It has been 15mths and he is still fighting. I am so proud of him.
Did the doctor tell you that they could not attempt to remove the tumor due to blood loss?
My thoughts are with you and your family. Stay strong.
Khyla