Father's Story

1st time here, but I'm sure I'll become a regular now. Here's my dad's story.

He was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. There is a 7 cm mass in his pancreas and a smalled mass next to pancreas and 2 other spots on the liver. They just told us surgery would not be an option. They can start chemo but said that it will only confine it. To top it off 5 months ago he had a CatScan and it came up clear, so it's growing very fast. Now it's a waiting game.

And then I have the questions why my dad?? Why so soon? How long does he have? I'm the caregiver as well so I'm trying to figure out how to juggle taking care of my dad and being there and working?

Does anyone have a survivor story that is similar to my dads? I would love to read it to him.

Thanks.

Sorry about your dad.  PC (adenocarcinoma) is no good.  Now is the time to plan how the next few months will go.  Do things together, go places you always wanted to go,  make tapes, movies of your dad, say things you always wanted to say, get family together, talk about God and his eternal future.  Do all this before things get bad and you wished you had done it sooner.  As for his treatment, Gemzar has helped alot in survival for PC.  Still, 12 months or so is about the best you can hope for, but thats way better than the 4-6 months it used to be.

God bless your time together.

Emily, so sorry to hear about your dad.  I'm in a similar situation, except I can't be Dad's primary caregiver.  He was diagnosed with a 2.5cm tumor in his pancreas over New Year's.  He also has spots in the lymph nodes and liver.  he chose not to take chemo.  I agree with Onycrx- make the best of the time with your dad.  Talk about the facts of his illness, but then move on to other things he's interested in.  Help him make his last months/weeks meaningful. 

Sorry I can't offer what you were looking for.  I've searched for hours online, and spoke to the doctor who specializes in this.  There's just not much they can offer.  My dad did well the first month with a restricted diet, and pancreatic enzymes seem to help him keep eating.  We thought he was winning, but then he grew weaker and has severe itching- both signs of advanced cancer.  Now he's taking sleeping pills and a pain pill at night.  We don't know how long he'll have, but I hope to be there for him in the end.

Take care, I will pray for you and your dad.  I'd be glad if i can share the journey with you and somehow encourage you in your tough times.  rt

Thanks for your reply. I would like to go thru this with some-1 else who understands this serious disease.

It becomes quite over whelming sometimes. Just when theres hope something else hits, but I truely feel that if we pray and think positively they will make it thru.

Let's get thru this together. Anytime please e-mail me at