besrus5--Well, cancer comes in many types and forms. Insofar as Pancreatic Cancer and the one you posted, there are likely a few differences. First, after a follow up for my BPH surgery in 2009, My Urologist said "we aren't going any further until after you've had a CT scan at North Memorial Hospital." The next day a call from my Primary Care doctor said "it looks like you might have cancer and I'd suggest an Endoscopy to validate the type of cancer and any malignincy." Two days later the Endoscopy showed (1) it was the part of which are responsible for the operation and control of The Isles of Langerhorns which controls your bodies enzymes (basically for digestion and (2)Hormones which affect the Thyroid function, etc.
The next point we had to discuss, a close friend, myself and the Oncologist was "what form of treatment were we going to pursue?" With my blood Baseline, pharmacological history due to epilepsy all my life and the size of the growth when diagnosed; we decided to go with 28 radiation treatments which guideways were pin pointed on my chest with 3 dye pins that would guide the rays toward the tumors hopeful destruction. The baseline and other tests didn't show improvement--so another decision had to be made. Which type of chemotherapy would be the strongest, but least harmful to my system? Especially after a life on ani-seizure medicines for epilepsy.
It was determined that Adriamyacin and Streptozocin would be the most logical. Even at that time, I was told "you can have possible adverse affects to your heart operation at about 5 years later. Instead, my Kidneys went from normal to Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease, due to the toxcity of the chemo. At that point, I started watching my diet more closely.
The next step was continued Chemo treatment with Targeted Chemo, which went toward the tumor cells itself rather than whole body. 12 cycles of Sutent pills=1 Capsule a day for 30 days--times the 12 months. Then last, came Affinitor, another Targeted Chemo capsule 30 days for 3 months. Sandostatin was thought to be our last hope, since it was often able to shrink the growth size of these tumors. I quit after 2 shots, because I wasn't about to spend 24 hours in the bathroom each time, nor did I want to be taking diahreals.
Throughout this period of time, I was advised by Oncologist, Dietician and staff; snack instaed of eat your meals so as to avoid constipation. Then my weight started going down, from a loss of 30 lbs. in 3 moths without trying. I also lost 2 1/2 inches around the waist. Finally, two months ago I signed a Palliative Care form with my Oncologist, which lead to my placement in Pancreatic Cancer Hospice.
Here, there is no more treatment, but only the desire to enjoy The Quality of Life during this end of life stage. The other factor in changing this was first (it was the Islet Cell of the Pancreas. Next, that mestasized to a solid liver growth and 2 uptake areas. Then uptake area's were seen in the Spleen, in the GI and GU tracts. That was where my status was changed to Pancreatic Cancer. Since it was outside of its original area and as my Oncologis said "being in the liver meant it was now in my blood."
It's hard to go much farther than that due to the differences in our bodies systems and function. I know that I need a lot more sleep,naps, and have less energy. I'm 77 1/2 years old and seek to enjoy each day the best I can..
Kay, I am listening to your post. I know the end is coming for my husband as well. 3 months ago he was given a year. The first couple months we did lots to prepare. He is a true farmer though and all he wants to do now is get ready for harvest ; which I get. I tell my husband this at least once a month: Don't leave this earth with any regrets.
Kay I hope you can rest comfortably in your final days and think of nothing but family friends and faith and have no regrets.
Cancer affects not only the patient, but their entire network. Mayo Clinic Connect is a place where caregivers can meet others and talk openly and frankly about the ups and downs of sharing the cancer journey. If fact, @IndianaScott has suggested that we open a group on Connect specifically dedicated to caregivers. What do you guys think?
@besrus5 I'd love to get to know a bit more about you. In your days dedicated to caregiving, which can be so all consuming, do you take moments for yourself? A walk, a cup of tea, meet with a friend?
This is all in the beginning stages (I think) We are three months in. I am a teacher and have taken time off to stay with my husband and be with him when he needs me (which is all the time LOL) Of course at the beginning there is a surprise around every corner. I 'm hoping we will get to a place where it all levels out.
Yep, that would be a great idea! I know as my wife's caregiver I often wonder what others are going through! I do an inordinate amount of research about my wife's disease, and would love to know if others do the same for example.
Hi @burrkay. I do the same exact thing. He doesn't want to know as much as I do I think. I'm also the one always calling the docs to let them know symptoms, side effects, ask questions, etc because he doesn't want to bother anyone in between appointments. And I'm the one asking all the questions at the appointments and taking all the notes. I thought I was being super neurotic at first (husband was diagnosed in January CRC stage IV) but then I became friends with 2 other caregivers and they do the same things.
Yep, that would be a great idea! I know as my wife's caregiver I often wonder what others are going through! I do an inordinate amount of research about my wife's disease, and would love to know if others do the same for example.
Hi bbams It sounds like you do exactly what I do as a caregiver. I have taken a leave of absence at work. May I ask you what is CRC?
Also, I live in Cambridge Illinois my husband is a farmer and we have been married 29 years.
Yep, that would be a great idea! I know as my wife's caregiver I often wonder what others are going through! I do an inordinate amount of research about my wife's disease, and would love to know if others do the same for example.
Oh, sorry about that. Colorectal Cancer. I actually lost my job 2 months ago and am casually looking so kind of leave of absence too (first job I've ever lost in my entire life!). Caregiving sometimes feels like a full time job, doesn't it? I'm looking for remote work now so I can be home with my husband. We've been married for 5 months, been together for 5 years but we were engaged when he got diagnosed in January.
Yep, that would be a great idea! I know as my wife's caregiver I often wonder what others are going through! I do an inordinate amount of research about my wife's disease, and would love to know if others do the same for example.
Hello babes@bbams! Re Colorectal cancer, Have you really discussed with the Oconologist. You should really look into it on the report and get second opinions and find the most possible treatment. If cancer has not spread to other organ, you should consider to remove it as soon as possible. As a caregiver, you really need to do things right for your husband. My case was difficult since my Mom did not want operations and it was very risky because of the age. But the only solution is to do the surgery. My Mom was living with an Ostomy --- stoma for one week. She did not like it. So that we had to do the second time surgery to close the stoma as per experienced and skillfull surgeon. The first surgery took almost 7 hours. One week after the second surgery was completed successfully to close the stoma. It took only 2- 3 hours. She was able to sit and walk 2 days after the surgery. I and my sis had take turn to see her day and night and walk around with her. Walking is a "must" for gas circulation after surgery. Both Caregiver and patient need a lot of courage. Strength, positive and patience. My prayers are with you and with all the cancer patients. I hope it helps.
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Kay, I am listening to your post. I know the end is coming for my husband as well. 3 months ago he was given a year. The first couple months we did lots to prepare. He is a true farmer though and all he wants to do now is get ready for harvest ; which I get. I tell my husband this at least once a month: Don't leave this earth with any regrets.
Kay I hope you can rest comfortably in your final days and think of nothing but family friends and faith and have no regrets.
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1 ReactionThis is all in the beginning stages (I think) We are three months in. I am a teacher and have taken time off to stay with my husband and be with him when he needs me (which is all the time LOL) Of course at the beginning there is a surprise around every corner. I 'm hoping we will get to a place where it all levels out.
Hi @burrkay. I do the same exact thing. He doesn't want to know as much as I do I think. I'm also the one always calling the docs to let them know symptoms, side effects, ask questions, etc because he doesn't want to bother anyone in between appointments. And I'm the one asking all the questions at the appointments and taking all the notes. I thought I was being super neurotic at first (husband was diagnosed in January CRC stage IV) but then I became friends with 2 other caregivers and they do the same things.
Hi bbams It sounds like you do exactly what I do as a caregiver. I have taken a leave of absence at work. May I ask you what is CRC?
Also, I live in Cambridge Illinois my husband is a farmer and we have been married 29 years.
Oh, sorry about that. Colorectal Cancer. I actually lost my job 2 months ago and am casually looking so kind of leave of absence too (first job I've ever lost in my entire life!). Caregiving sometimes feels like a full time job, doesn't it? I'm looking for remote work now so I can be home with my husband. We've been married for 5 months, been together for 5 years but we were engaged when he got diagnosed in January.
Hello babes@bbams! Re Colorectal cancer, Have you really discussed with the Oconologist. You should really look into it on the report and get second opinions and find the most possible treatment. If cancer has not spread to other organ, you should consider to remove it as soon as possible. As a caregiver, you really need to do things right for your husband. My case was difficult since my Mom did not want operations and it was very risky because of the age. But the only solution is to do the surgery. My Mom was living with an Ostomy --- stoma for one week. She did not like it. So that we had to do the second time surgery to close the stoma as per experienced and skillfull surgeon. The first surgery took almost 7 hours. One week after the second surgery was completed successfully to close the stoma. It took only 2- 3 hours. She was able to sit and walk 2 days after the surgery. I and my sis had take turn to see her day and night and walk around with her. Walking is a "must" for gas circulation after surgery. Both Caregiver and patient need a lot of courage. Strength, positive and patience. My prayers are with you and with all the cancer patients. I hope it helps.
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