Any Hope???

My Pawpaw (grandpa) was recently diagnosed in Stage 3, locally advanced, non-resectable pancreatic cancer. He has been having terrible stomach pain since January and had the whole GI workup. Last Friday he had a PET scan and we got the news on Monday. Is there any hope? He is 73 yrs. old, he is outside everyday rebuilding his home from Hurricane Katrina. He is a young grandpaw. He was taking Vicodin and now he is taking Dilaudid for the pain. The doctor wants him to start Gemzar and Tarceva. He wants to go to MD Anderson for a second opinion. I wonder if there are any success stories out there. I also wonder if chemotherapy is worth it if it is only going to make him sick and not really prolong his life? Any advice or similar stories would be appreciated. This is a horrible disease that presents itself too late. I just pray for strength for him and my Mawmaw both. God Bless and Thank You. -Heather

Dear Heather, so sorry to hear about your grandfather. My father-in-law was just diagnosed a few months ago with the same staging. His oncologist told him that chemo could extend his life up to 1-2 years possibly and help him to continue living a more normal life during this time. He has since had one treatment with Gamzar which has removed all his jaundice(he was severely jaundiced) and has given him more energy. Luckily he had no side effects from this treatment so far. I hope your grandfather has the same luck.

Thanks so much for your reply. I forwarded your reply to my grandmother. I am glad to hear your father-in-law has responded well to his treatment. I hope I can say the same for my grandfather. He starts his first treatment of Gemzar next Wednesday and he will also be taking Tarceva pills by mouth. I appreciate any update on your father-in-law. Take care and God Bless. -Heather

Hi I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear about your pawpaw. I am in the same boat, in fact it is really similar to what my dad is going through. We found out on Thursday 4/13 that he has advanced pancreatic cancer, and treatment options etc... It is really hard to understand, I am sure you know the feeling. I became a member so I could respond to your posting. Let me know how the treatment takes because Gemzar is the same drug they told us about. I wish you the best and know that God is with us even when we dont feel it. It is good to know that our family is not alone in this battle. I am praying for you and your family.

Thank you for replying to my message. I appreciate that. My pawpaw starts his first treatment with Gemzar this Wednesday. I will let you know how he tolerates it. I appreciate your prayers. Please keep me posted on the status of your father and if and when he starts his treatment. It makes me feel better knowing we are not alone fighting this battle. Thank you for your kind words and prayers. My prayers are with you and your family as well. God Bless. -Heather

Hi Heather,
I'm so sorry about your grandfather. My father is 74 and also has pancreatic cancer. He
had the whipple surgery but the cancer has since gone to his liver. He started chemo (Gemzar) and Tarceva but it didn't help. It only made him sick. He just had surgery for a bowel obstruction and now his intestines aren't working. It's been one thing after another. My dad has always been very strong and active and has never been sick until this. Prayer is our hope.
Judy

Hi Heather
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. My father did pass away on May 3rd not even a month after finding out he has diagnosed. It has been a really hard 2 months and my family and I are trying and learning what life is like without him.
He did start the treatment with the Gemzar but never made it far enough to supplement the Terceva. How did it go with your pawpaw? My dad decided about 3 days before he passed away to not go any further with the chemo because he had gotten really sick from the Gemzar.
I really hope things are going well with you and your pawpaw. Please let me know how the treatments are going if you get a chance.
My prayers are with you and your family, may God give you the comfort and love you need during this time.

Margot