Pancreatic Cancer

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Specializes in CVICU, CPCU, Cath Lab/IR.

I was just wondering if you could give me some information on this type of cancer. My mother in laws has it, she found out about 2 months ago. She went about a month ago to have surgery and have some of it removed but there was to much of it, so they couldn't remove any of it. She is a very personal women and she tries to make it look like she is okay and I can see the pain in her eyes. Can anyone tell me how long people live with this? I would like to give my husband some insight because I know he is trying to aviod this. Since she has found out about the cancer she has been in and out of the hospital and she is currently in ICU. I live an hour away and I go to school, but I am trying to be there as much as possible. Also one more question, I know she has her will made out and she has told me where everything is going, but I over heard my brother in law talking to some family friends about having her sign something. They wont let her sign anything in the hospital will they? She is hardly awake.

If anyone has any information that they think would help, please let me know.

Thanks Miranda:o

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Specializes in ICU.

Median survival from diagnosis is around 3 to 6 months. The 5-year survival is much less than 5%.

Mortality is 99%.

In short: :(

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

medlineplus: pancreatic cancer

pancreatic cancer: diagnosis and management - february 1, 2006 ...

nursing - gemcytibine and pancreatic ca

{{{hugs}}}

there are some links for you. we can not offer personal advice. please ask to speak with oncologist for family meeting so can come up with best care plan.

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Specializes in CVICU, CPCU, Cath Lab/IR.

I am not asking for personal advice, I would just like to see what nursing from the around this country have encountered and perhaps give me some info.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

shawnes survival timeline post diagnosis similar to my experience with patients. the links above will provide you with accurate info.

here's univ of penn's oncolink info: pancreatic cancer: the basics

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Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

{{{{Hugs}}}}}

Just from personal experience: My dear, sweet MIL was diagnosed on

February 19 this year. We were told at first that the tumor was slow growing and given 6-12mos. Well, the tumor spread more rapidly than expected. She died on June 2, about 3 1/2 mos. I'd like to be more encouraging, but...

I hurt with you and your husband. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy:icon_hug:

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Specializes in CVICU, CPCU, Cath Lab/IR.

Thanks for your response. I know how hard this is for my husband and this isn't really easy on me. I cry, but I am here to support him and that is what I intend on doing, I am going to take my 6 year old daughter to visit her as much as possible.

You guys are awesome on here and thanks for the hugs!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Here is all kinds of information about Pancreatic cancer from the National Cancer Institute

I'm sorry to hear that someone in your family has to go through this. I've had cancer twice myself and just been diagnosed with another malignant tumor and will be having surgery for it very shortly myself. I have a power of attorney and a will already done three years ago. I've spent part of my weekend reviewing my power of attorney wishes with my brother and sister. I've also made my thoughts on this very clear to all my doctors so there is no mistake about what I want done. I believe that as nurses one of the best things we can do is help others in our family do the same so when, or if, a crisis does occur for them they don't have problems come up because of it. It's funny how crises like this can bring out the best and worst in family members. You, I guess, are learning something that you didn't previously know about your brother-in-law. All I can say is that I would make sure that whatever he is doing he never gets a chance to pull it on your husband. Prepare for the future.

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Specializes in ICU, Med/Surg, Ortho.

Has anyone talked to you about hospice? You say she is in a lot of pain. Hospice does a wonderful job with pain management. Even if she is in the hospital, Hospice can evaluate her. Ask the social worker or nurse or doctor even.

I ache for you and your family. Much love to you in your time of need.

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Specializes in med surg, oncology, outpt and hospice.

In my experience as an oncology nurse pancreatic cancer is quick. I agree with the 3-6 months. that is what I have seen over the past 10 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I also agree hospice is a wonderful thing not only for the patient but also for the family.

(((((((((((((((:sniff:)))))))))))))))))

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
Has anyone talked to you about hospice? You say she is in a lot of pain. Hospice does a wonderful job with pain management. Even if she is in the hospital, Hospice can evaluate her. Ask the social worker or nurse or doctor even.

I ache for you and your family. Much love to you in your time of need.

I was thinking the same thing. Pancreatic cancer can be painful and has the lowest survival rates. Open and close casese like hers rarely hang in there more than a few months from what I've seen. If the mom is critical it might be time to think along these lines, get out of ICU and home or to a skilled facility and rest comfortably.

I wish you all peace during this time.

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In my experience as most have posted, life expectancy for pancreatic cancer patients is short unfortunately. However, my sister in law has a form of pancreatic cancer called a glucagonoma which truely is slow growning. Just for informational purposes for those who read this thread, she had her original surgery about 7 years ago and was not correctly diagnosed. In the last 2 years she has had symptoms again and is in treatment.

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