Pancreatic Cancer Stages Prognosis

Pancreatic Cancer Stages Prognosis

I need more information about Pancreatic Cancer?

My stepfather is 48, just diagnosed about three weeks ago. I have some questions about the procedure the doctors did. From what I understand, he had alot of side pain and had some difficulty using the restroom. He went to the doctor and he was then referred to Johns Hopkins. The procedure they did was put a camera down his throat and take a part of the cancer out. He then had difficulty keeping solid foods down. He is now home but will start chemo in about six weeks. My family is very hush hush about everything (trying to protect everyone I guess) so I really don't know what stage he's in, the prognosis, etc. My question is, is it likely that the cancer has spread too far for the doctors to remove all of it? What is the general prognosis for someone who has just been diagnosed with this type of cancer. He does drink socially, smokes cigarettes, but is otherwise a healthy man. I am trying to find answers because no one else in my family wants to set things straight with me.

I lost my mother 4 years ago to pancreatic cancer.

Doctors typically don't find pancreatic cancer until it has spread and is affecting nearby organs,.. so it's late stage 3 to late stage 4 by then. Tobacco use is a major risk factor with any cancer.

Removing the tumor depends on how far it's spread, what tissues have been affected, and the overall health of the patient. Some doctors will try surgery, others will opt for strong courses of chemo and radiation.

The prognosis is very poor, since it's always found in such an advanced state. Usually no more than 2 to 5 years at the most.

My mom was a smoker for most of her life.
When they foound the tumor they initially thought it was operable. When they opened her up they foun it had grown into her liver and wrapped around the Vena Cava. It was impossible to remove it.
Chemo and some alternative treatments helped for a while, but all we were doing was buying her some time and making her comfortable.
My mother lived 18 months after diagnosis.

But by no means give up hope: do research, talk to doctors, talk to other patients, call support groups, call advocacy groups, look into alternative medicine, etc.

Try to be positive for your stepfather and support each other.
Support him in whatever decision he makes regarding treatments and his welfare. Most of all enjoy every day that he is with you.

http://www.pancan.org

Kim Jong-Il has Pancreatic Cancer

 

---

We hope you liked our selection of Pancreatic Cancer Stages Prognosis, here a few more related products that might interest you;

 

---

Other recommended sites for Pancreatic Cancer Stages Prognosis

 

---

Pancreatic Cancer Stages Prognosis

Tagged with: cancer • causes • expectancy • life • pancreatic cancer stages prognosis

Filed under: Cancer Articles

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!