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Abraxane gemzar at age 82

Posted by dianethemom @dianethemom, 4 days ago

After 2 years of clear scans my pancreatic cancer has metastasized to my stomach and duodenum. Incurable. Dr says he can put me on abraxane gemzar but I am concerned about the side effects since I am already in a great deal of discomfort. Otherwise I have maybe 6 months to live. Considering hospice instead of chemo

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snappy22 | @snappy22 | 1 day ago

I had gemzar and it was milder than folfirinox, although I had it less often and it was combined with capecitabine pills. At this point quality of your time may be more important, all the best to you.

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Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | 22 hours ago
In reply to @roboticwhip "I am a month from 77 and was diagnosed last September with stage 2B pancreatic cancer...." + (show)
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I am a month from 77 and was diagnosed last September with stage 2B pancreatic cancer. Began gemzar and abraxane in early November, my infusion scheduled complicated by C. diff brought on by too many IV antibiotics given to fight an infection that a GI procedure caused. Finished the 6 infusions, 7 weeks off to prepare for surgery which was a Robotic Whipple. It removed the Pylorus, the Duodenum, gall bladder and of course the cancer which was not on an artery, just on the head of the Pancreas. 6 weeks later the same infusion regimen was accomplished with the final chemo today. My CA-Antigen has gone from about 2,000 to this mornings reading of 28. I rang the bell gladly with hope of moving forward. CT will give more info on August 21st. Any input appreciated, or any questions. I ended up with 5 occurences of C. diff, and then had a fecal implant, which to this point has been successful.

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@roboticwhip Hi and welcome to Mayo Connect. You have been on a whirlwind of a journey. How are you feeling overall?

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cfrench48 | @cfrench48 | 7 hours ago

My husband is in his late 70s and has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer with mets to the liver. He started Gemzar and Abraxane in February 2026. In 5 months, his tumors shrunk by 50 percent. We are truly happy that he chose these chemo drugs. The Mayo doctor recommended these chemo drugs because they have fewer side effects and they are just as effective as Folfirinox. The side effect he has had is fatigue for several days after chemo. He had pain and nausea before chemo and none with chemo. He says he feels better on the chemo drugs than before he was diagnosed with cancer. My husband started losing his hair after the second chemo treatment, but he doesn't mind the loss. He, too, was told by other doctors to get his affairs in order and that he had 6 months or less to live. He, me and his children are extremely happy that he agreed to take the chemo treatments. It is giving us more time to do things, go places, and be together as a family. With minimal side effects, he is still able to get around and live life. If these chemo drugs stop working, the next option is the new oral pill, daraxonrasib.

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dianethemom | @dianethemom | 3 hours ago
In reply to @cfrench48 "My husband is in his late 70s and has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer with mets to..." + (show)
Profile picture for cfrench48 @cfrench48

My husband is in his late 70s and has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer with mets to the liver. He started Gemzar and Abraxane in February 2026. In 5 months, his tumors shrunk by 50 percent. We are truly happy that he chose these chemo drugs. The Mayo doctor recommended these chemo drugs because they have fewer side effects and they are just as effective as Folfirinox. The side effect he has had is fatigue for several days after chemo. He had pain and nausea before chemo and none with chemo. He says he feels better on the chemo drugs than before he was diagnosed with cancer. My husband started losing his hair after the second chemo treatment, but he doesn't mind the loss. He, too, was told by other doctors to get his affairs in order and that he had 6 months or less to live. He, me and his children are extremely happy that he agreed to take the chemo treatments. It is giving us more time to do things, go places, and be together as a family. With minimal side effects, he is still able to get around and live life. If these chemo drugs stop working, the next option is the new oral pill, daraxonrasib.

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@cfrench48 my met cancer is in stomach, lungs, duodenum. My CA19-9 is 179 and climbing rapidly. I have neuropathy in my feet now and it will get worse under abraxane gemzar. I am 82. Had a great deal of trouble with original chemo so not inclined to do it. You are lucky you are connected with Mayo. I would not have that option.

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cfrench48 | @cfrench48 | 1 hour ago
In reply to @dianethemom "@cfrench48 my met cancer is in stomach, lungs, duodenum. My CA19-9 is 179 and climbing rapidly...." + (show)
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@cfrench48 my met cancer is in stomach, lungs, duodenum. My CA19-9 is 179 and climbing rapidly. I have neuropathy in my feet now and it will get worse under abraxane gemzar. I am 82. Had a great deal of trouble with original chemo so not inclined to do it. You are lucky you are connected with Mayo. I would not have that option.

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@dianethemom - I am so sorry that you already have neuropathy. Yes, the Abraxane chemo drug could make your neuropathy worse. My husband wears cold therapy gloves and socks to keep from getting neuropathy during the 30 minutes of the abraxane infusion. So far, it has worked for him. That was another recommendation made by the Mayo doctor, who we sought for second opinion, before my husband started chemo. I am also so sorry that your cancer has metastasized to other organs. I wish you had other options to consider for treatment. Is there another oncologist in your area that someone could recommend to you that could give you a second opinion on your case that could tell you if there are any other possible treatment options that would have limited side effects? You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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