On 4/28/2005 Karen p wrote:
I am new to this board - my husband was diagnosed with stage IV non-operable pancreatic cancer in March, 2005. He is 57. He presented with what was initially diagnosed as diabetes in November, 2004, and treated incorrectly for this disease. His abdominal pain continued and increased until it was unbearable. Finally, after admission to the hospital, and a CT scan, it was clear: a 12cm tumor in his pancreas, with masses in his lymph nodes, outer stomach lining and liver. A needle biopsy on his liver was performed to confirm the diagnosis. He started chemo a week later, which he's had for the last six weeks. Its been terrible. He's scheduled for another 6 weeks of chemo starting May 9, but we're considering bypassing it. At this point, he can't take anything orally because it comes back up 30 minutes later. He has a pic line and gets two liters of liquid diet every night through the pic line. I also admister morphine as needed through his pic line - and he is up to 4 morphine patches. We are trying to keep him comfortable and out of pain. Its been a struggle dealing with this, especially with our children at home: 10, 11 and 13 years old. Our 23 year old moved home to be with us. My question - is it a good idea to keep him at home as he progresses to hospice? Will it be too hard for our kids? Any comments are appreciated.
i just found this web site and i am in the same situation
i have small children 12, 15 we have stopped treatments and went to hospice and it scares the hell out of me.
i see you sent this message quite some time ago i am interested in how your situation turned out
thanks