There are too many variables for a quick yes or no answer. Stage of cancer is a big one. Overall health is another. Access to good medical teams. Attitude of the patient. The list goes on. I was diagnosed at stage 3 more than 2 1/2 years ago, had Whipple surgery followed by 12 rounds of folfirinox chemo and was closely monitored for 2 years with no indication of disease until it recurred. I am now 11 treatments in on a planned 18 of abraxane/Gemcitibine before radiation. Hopefully this will buy me more time again. My mother in law was also stage 3 but wasn’t able to have Whipple surgery because of tumour location. We lost her in 4 months.. There is a constant improvement in treatments. All the best to you!
I agree that is a loaded question. There are no guarantees except this one - do nothing and the outcome is swift. Do something and both the length and quality of your life is extended. No one can or should answer this question. I was told not to Google. That data is old. Be positive and know that you did the best or most that could be done. Be grateful for every single day. I find that I appreciate the simple things: sun on my face, birds chirping and smelling roses. We are planning trips and looking forward to a future.
I agree that is a loaded question. There are no guarantees except this one - do nothing and the outcome is swift. Do something and both the length and quality of your life is extended. No one can or should answer this question. I was told not to Google. That data is old. Be positive and know that you did the best or most that could be done. Be grateful for every single day. I find that I appreciate the simple things: sun on my face, birds chirping and smelling roses. We are planning trips and looking forward to a future.
Thanks for your comments! I have to adjust to seeing myself as a person with a future. I did not believe it, just tried to enjoy each day, still try to enjoy each day and appreciate the little things. Now I can see beyond the next chemo, the next doctors appointment and allow myself to think of a future.
This is a good time to start reading, learn as much as you can and become your own advocate. If you educate yourself, you will be better able to understand what you hear from your health care providers/ I think that in this community, everyone would agree on the importance of locating expert care for the best possible outcome. The top cancer care cancers are good sources of care if you have access, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care Ceter, Johns Hopkins, MD Andersen Cancer Care Center. If you don't live near a center of excellence, find your best local oncologist, someone who will be open to input from a center of excellence is optimal
I wasn't sure how to "read" your initial post, but I finally concluded that you or someone you love has been given a pancan diagnosis, and you are desperately seeking help. Am I right? BTDT! So I understand. I'm sure all of us on this board do as well.
As I'm sure you realize by now, pancreatic cancer is a tricky disease to pin down, in so many ways. It's an elusive and virulent cancer, and every patient's case is different depending on so many factors, as others have mentioned. I see that some other posters have offered comments and links. Are you willing to share a few more specifics about why you're asking about pancan? Without listing identifying info, please give us some details--who was diagnosed, stage of the cancer, treatment(s) that have been recommended, info gleaned from CT and MRI scans, blood tests, surgery etc., and any other info that might help us be more specific in our replies. I and the people on this board would be happy to try and help if we can! Hang in there!
Yes, it can be treated. As noted above, lots of variables! Also among them are the type of pancreatic cancer (adenocarcinoma, acinar cell carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Adenosquamous Carcinoma, Colloid Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine, etc), how early it's caught and treated.
Depression is normal and understandable, but there are lots of reasons to have hope.
Many of the people here have been alive and reasonably healthy several years since their diagnosis (2 years for me now, still going strong despite being a "stable" Stage-IV adenocarcinoma for the last 10 months), especially those who are younger and started in good health.
Uncertainty of our future situation is frustrating, but it's important to take care of a few things in your control first, like a living will, designation of a health care surrogate, other estate planning, and planning your treatment. From there, re-focus on things you can control, like living life to the fullest!
When I was younger, my family knew a heart surgeon who retired early because of his overall family medical history. He was 100% sure he would die young of a heart attack. Totally unplanned was outliving his retirement savings and having to go back to work, which he did as a general practitioner. Not the worst outcome for sure.
Don't be shy about reaching out here with more details. There's a lot of good experience, no judgment, and people who are truly willing to help others.
Hi, I’m sorry you are going through this my sister in law got diagnosed a week after her 40th birthday 2022, stage 4 not operable she has strong faith in God and has a support of friends and family who are always there to help. She gives us courage and strength through her faith in God.
Every journey is different and everyone’s story is not the same.
Please turn to family and friends and professionals for help and support, I wish you strength and encouragement through your journey .
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hotchick35,
I think you will need to complete a lot of reading prior to posting questions like this.
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2 ReactionsThere are too many variables for a quick yes or no answer. Stage of cancer is a big one. Overall health is another. Access to good medical teams. Attitude of the patient. The list goes on. I was diagnosed at stage 3 more than 2 1/2 years ago, had Whipple surgery followed by 12 rounds of folfirinox chemo and was closely monitored for 2 years with no indication of disease until it recurred. I am now 11 treatments in on a planned 18 of abraxane/Gemcitibine before radiation. Hopefully this will buy me more time again. My mother in law was also stage 3 but wasn’t able to have Whipple surgery because of tumour location. We lost her in 4 months.. There is a constant improvement in treatments. All the best to you!
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsI agree that is a loaded question. There are no guarantees except this one - do nothing and the outcome is swift. Do something and both the length and quality of your life is extended. No one can or should answer this question. I was told not to Google. That data is old. Be positive and know that you did the best or most that could be done. Be grateful for every single day. I find that I appreciate the simple things: sun on my face, birds chirping and smelling roses. We are planning trips and looking forward to a future.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
15 ReactionsThanks for your comments! I have to adjust to seeing myself as a person with a future. I did not believe it, just tried to enjoy each day, still try to enjoy each day and appreciate the little things. Now I can see beyond the next chemo, the next doctors appointment and allow myself to think of a future.
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Hug
7 ReactionsOkay thanks. I'm just depressed
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6 ReactionsThis is a good time to start reading, learn as much as you can and become your own advocate. If you educate yourself, you will be better able to understand what you hear from your health care providers/ I think that in this community, everyone would agree on the importance of locating expert care for the best possible outcome. The top cancer care cancers are good sources of care if you have access, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Care Ceter, Johns Hopkins, MD Andersen Cancer Care Center. If you don't live near a center of excellence, find your best local oncologist, someone who will be open to input from a center of excellence is optimal
Places to get started with your reading:
National Pancreatic Foundation: Information and listing of centers of excellence.
https://pancreasfoundation.org/
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Information, can ask for assistance in locating sources of care
https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/patient-services
American Cancer Society, general information about cancer and cancers by type
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer.html
Johns Hopkins, general information and information about specific treatments available as well as information as to how to access care
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pancreatic-cancer/pancreatic-cancer-treatment
Mayo Clinic, information, specific information about treatment, how to access care at Mayo
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20355431
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, information, specific information about treatments and how to access care at MSKCC
https://www.mskcc.org/news/4-things-know-about-pancreatic-cancer
Good luck with your reading. When you Google, the challenge is to find reliable sources of information. If you are unsure about what is a reliable source, the group can help you. When you share your story, you will find support in this community, so I would encourage you to share your story with the community. We also learn from the experiences of others. Best wishes to you in your treatment journey
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7 ReactionsI wasn't sure how to "read" your initial post, but I finally concluded that you or someone you love has been given a pancan diagnosis, and you are desperately seeking help. Am I right? BTDT! So I understand. I'm sure all of us on this board do as well.
As I'm sure you realize by now, pancreatic cancer is a tricky disease to pin down, in so many ways. It's an elusive and virulent cancer, and every patient's case is different depending on so many factors, as others have mentioned. I see that some other posters have offered comments and links. Are you willing to share a few more specifics about why you're asking about pancan? Without listing identifying info, please give us some details--who was diagnosed, stage of the cancer, treatment(s) that have been recommended, info gleaned from CT and MRI scans, blood tests, surgery etc., and any other info that might help us be more specific in our replies. I and the people on this board would be happy to try and help if we can! Hang in there!
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7 ReactionsIn short:
Yes, it can be treated. As noted above, lots of variables! Also among them are the type of pancreatic cancer (adenocarcinoma, acinar cell carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Adenosquamous Carcinoma, Colloid Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine, etc), how early it's caught and treated.
Depression is normal and understandable, but there are lots of reasons to have hope.
Many of the people here have been alive and reasonably healthy several years since their diagnosis (2 years for me now, still going strong despite being a "stable" Stage-IV adenocarcinoma for the last 10 months), especially those who are younger and started in good health.
Uncertainty of our future situation is frustrating, but it's important to take care of a few things in your control first, like a living will, designation of a health care surrogate, other estate planning, and planning your treatment. From there, re-focus on things you can control, like living life to the fullest!
When I was younger, my family knew a heart surgeon who retired early because of his overall family medical history. He was 100% sure he would die young of a heart attack. Totally unplanned was outliving his retirement savings and having to go back to work, which he did as a general practitioner. Not the worst outcome for sure.
Don't be shy about reaching out here with more details. There's a lot of good experience, no judgment, and people who are truly willing to help others.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi, I’m sorry you are going through this my sister in law got diagnosed a week after her 40th birthday 2022, stage 4 not operable she has strong faith in God and has a support of friends and family who are always there to help. She gives us courage and strength through her faith in God.
Every journey is different and everyone’s story is not the same.
Please turn to family and friends and professionals for help and support, I wish you strength and encouragement through your journey .
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsFor those recently diagnosed and their caregivers-Start here
https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis/recently-diagnosed/
This link will walk you through the steps after getting a diagnosis
https://letswinpc.org/newly-diagnosed/
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4 Reactions