Stage IV PC with Mets to LUNGS.

My mother is in her fourth year of treatments for Pancreatic Cancer with Mets to the Lungs.... the PC tumor (found by CT scan in January 2015) has been stable since she had treatment with Gemcitabine & radiation in April of 2015.  Tumor was and still is wrapped around the arteries & veins.

Pulmonary nodules (3 small ones) were first discovered in March of 2016.  Follow up in October 2016, found many more spots, but currently they are only measuring 3 of them.  She had chemo with Abraxane & Gemcitabine for 7 months, then doctor took her off for 6 months.  she began treatment again with just Gemcitabine this January 2018 and is still taking treatment 2 weeks on, one week off.  The lung Mets have shown some growth, but the PC tumor is still stable (go figure?).... 

Mom is 86 years old and was initially given a life expectancy of approx 15 months.  I am just wondering if anyone out there has had a story similar to ours with Unresectable PC with Mets to the Lungs.... Sure would love to hear from someone who has had an experience with this type of stage IV-PC.   Even though i've done alot of reading and research, I still can't find anything that gives me some idea of how her cancer/life will play itself out.... 

Hello,

My Mom was diagnosed August of 2104 with mets to the liver and lungs. Shes a little younger than your Mom( 73 now). The tumor seems identical to your  mother's being wrapped around arteries making surgery not an option. With  chemo only ,my Mom is still here. I will say that recently she has been losing weight rapidly and she is feeling some pain. The pancreas is not providing the enzymes to digest her food and the supplements are not working. She has had a break here in there from chemo but when she's on a chemo break, the cancer gets active.The tumors shrink but never enough to stop treatments altogether.i do not know all the names of her chemo but Folfirnix is one of the first types. She now gets chemo every other week for 46 hours through an infusion pump she goes home with. She experiences naseau, diarhea, fatigue , and stomach /back pains. My Mom is a fighter because she never ever complains. I fear we are nearing our toughest fight because she cannot retain any nutrients so she is becoming so underweight. Your Mom can do this!!!

Hi. 

My dad was recently diagnosed with stage 4 PC. It is in the tail of the pancreas, liver, and in abdominal fluid (ascites) that we know of. It was accidently found by a chest CT while looking for a possible blood clot.

He just started his chemo on Thursday with Gemzar/Abraxane. He also had to have a paracentesis and a transfusion of blood/albumin/saline. He is extremely tired, not hungry, and has constant hiccups and back pains as well. He does use a TENS unit for that and it seems to help.

Has your mom experienced any of this? Right now, the doctor says if he reacts to the chemo well, maybe 8-9 months. We are trying to make him a fighter - it is hard because a year to the day he was in the doctor's office to hear the regimen, my mom had finished her chemo for stage 3 colon cancer. This has been extremely taxing on all of us.

Thank you for writing - as it helps me to try to understand this whole thing. We are still in shock. 

Hello

My mom has not had a problem with abdominal fluid. The fatigue and no appetite yes. She pushes herself despite the fatigue. Your Dad has to ( it is extremely hard)  eat even though he is not hungry. Weight loss and muscle loss can become a major problem. Small high in calorie and/or protein meals are important. When the weight loss starts, for my Mom, it was dramatic. Snacking through out the day maybe an easier task then a big meal when eating becomes a chore.

In addition, My Mom never discussed a time frame with me. I went online myself and the prognosis is grim. Dont do it to yourself. Your Dad cannot embarace the "maybe 8-9 months." My Mom is still kicking and fighting 4 years later. Tell him, the beginning treatments are rough but he can do this!! The mind plays an important part in the fight. I wish you guys all the best!! 

Hi.

My dad was diagnosed on July 14th with his stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, as hard as he tried, his body just couldn't do it. He passed away yesterday morning at home. This has been a great shock. I appreciate your info about your mom and hope she continues to do well. Amy

Hi Amy

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I'm at a loss for words. My prayers and love to you guys. 

Take care.

Christine.