Radiation and Xeloda

Hi all.

Wondering if anyone has any experience with radiation along with taking Xeloda?  My Dad was diagnosed in November 2011 with a 2cm tumour in head of his pancreas and some lymph node involvement.  It is inoperable because of it's proximity to the portal vein.

He had a CT scan two weeks ago and there has been little to no change in the tumour and minimal change in the lymph nodes so the doctor suggested radiation to the area along with Xeloda twice a day. 

We know it's a long shot that this treatment plan will get my Dad to a place where his cancer is operable, but we are hoping it will keep it stable, or even shrink it a bit and keep it from spreading.  I was wondering if anyone on here had any success with this treatment?

Thank you!!!

I don't have any experience with Xeloda but my husband had gemzar and radiation prior to whipple to "kill the tumor" off the vein.  It wasn't wrapping the vein just in too close proximity that the surgeon recommended this course of action and it worked!  It may be a long shot, but I think one worth taking!

Pam

My mom had xeloda and gemzar along with radiation. Her tumor was initially inoperable as it involved the portal vein. After treatment she had some response but the portal vein was still compressed.  However, there are institution where they will resect the portal vein with the tumor successfully. My mom had her surgery done at MCW by Dr Doug Evans, a fabulous surgeon. other places to consider include Columbia in NY and MD Anderson. Best of luck!

My cousin was diagnosed with Stage 4 PC almost 2 years ago. Initially advised it was inoperable due to involvement of the portal vein; also, metastasized to liver. Following 6 mos of chemo (gemcitibine and cisplaten) her tumors had shrunk incredibly. Chemo Dr., referred her back to the GI Surgeon who performed surgery last Sept. Scans done in November showed no active cancer however, our visit this past Feb., showed small growths on exterior of uterus, as well as a smaller growth on outside of her colon. She just started another round of chemo though cannot go through too many weeks of the cisplaten due to side effects which can be catastrophic. She's currently losing weight, but facing this disease head on as she tries, once again to win the battle. Good Luck to your Dad, and all who are faced with PC. It's important to remember that there are survivors; unfortunately, we hear so much more about those who lose the battle.