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@snafuchris01

My mother is the one with pancreatic cancer - I am her primary caregiver. She doesn't engage online but I do. My mom is 92 years old with prior open heart surgery. The doctor diagnosed her with a pancreatic tumor, and although he didn't give the exact stage, he said it was early because it had not metastasized and he thought she had a year to live, probably because of her age. I'm wondering what to expect as this disease progresses. She is post-hospital 5 days - they put an untreated stent in her to open the bile duct. She is still slightly nauseated but her jaundice is about gone and her itching has stopped. She has several of us kids that she will live with and we can provide great care for her. Can anyone tell me what to expect next, and then next, and then next? And when, and then when, and then when? I know she will be candid with me if she starts experiencing pain, but I don't know much about how quickly the cancer progresses. Anyone with some insight?

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Replies to "My mother is the one with pancreatic cancer - I am her primary caregiver. She doesn't..."

@snafuchris01, how the cancer will progress is difficult to answer. Every person is different. Her doctors who know more specifically about her health status and details of the tumor may be able to give some guidance.

Is she currently in the care of a palliative care team? Palliative care can be so helpful, not only to keep the patient comfortable, but also to support the family along the way. You can learn more in this discussion:
- Palliative Care: What is it? How do I get it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/palliative-care-1/