I have no idea about the celiac plexus block. But I am curious. If you're willing to share, what was difficult about the chemo that was offered? I am your age, and we made some adjustments on the dosage level, but I've had 10 chemo cycles so far and have responded well. Of course, we all need to make our own choices, and I highly respect yours. Hope someone can provide the info you seek re the block.

My "bucket list" is complete. I have been the "care giver" for both my father and dear Aunt who passed from cancer. The Chemo procedure involving a port in my chest, day long infusion treatments, and a vast list of possible "side effects" all with no promise of a cure, just to possibly gain more time.
Between myself and my partner of 20 yrs, he has been fighting prostate cancer for 5 yrs., we have 4 adult children, all successful, and 9 grand children all healthy and growing. I have done amazing things in my life. I have traveled extensively with my Aunt, been to Europe several times, many islands, and even twice to Disney World with my children Earned my master degree from Johns Hopkins, finished a marathon, earned my private pilot license, enjoyed sailing a boat around the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, and owned and operated my 883 Harley Davidson motorcycle for many years.
I have fabulous photos, and memories and know God got gave me a very blessed life. I will make each and every day the best I can for as long as I am given. Hopefully with as little pain as possible. A line from a Steve Earle song says it best, "I know the difference between temping and choosing my fate".

I too respect your decision.
But I can tell you that my diagnosis was stage IV. Mets all over my liver.

Chemo shrunk all of them and killed my pancreas tumor which got me to surgery. I live a full life, work full time and travel.

I have had a small recurrence in my liver which was treated with gem-abraxane and once again tumor marker is normal and I’ll be back to surgery to remove those little renegades.

Please know chemo does curtail you a few days but then you can bounce back if your healthy otherwise

May God bless you and your family as you walk this road.

I have had the block done and highly recommend it. It only took 10-15 minutes to perform/complete it. I had constant abdominal pain that was a 10 out of 10 and wasn't responding to 2 high level pain killers. I was put under conscious sedation for the procedure and didn't feel anything other than some pressure. I was still in some pain for about 24 hours after, but then it finally subsided and I felt so much better. I did not experience any side effects from the procedure other than a little tenderness in that area for 2-3 days. I cannot speak to how well it relieves back pain, however I did have on and off back pains beforehand, and I don't think I have had any since the procedure, now that you mention it as being a treatment option. I have also found medical marijuana to be amazing at relieving a variety of cancer symptoms, including pain.

Thanks for your reply. I am on hydocodone-acetamin 5-325 mg. I have no idea if this is a "strong" pain medication or not. But I am never without some pain even with the medication. It's good to know it is not an immediate "cure"
but will work in a day or so. I have been considering marijuana, as it has been suggested it might help. But it is great to heard from someone who has actually tried it.

Has anyone had experience with a plexus nerve block for pain with tumor in pancreatic region?

Thank you. We were told at the consult that this could be a risky procedure. We were given several names by a palliative pain surgeon at a palliative pain center affiliated with a top cancer center. He implied that he did not have the expertise even after performing about 30. We also asked the expert surgeon who performed the robotic Whipple with vein involvement.

We were informed the procedure is successful for about 50 percent and duration of relief is variable, but generally a month or more.

Our intention was to be proactive and get the patient on the lists for insurance reasons and to shorten scheduling times if it comes to it.

So far, he is increasing pain meds at a still reasonable level.

@fuzzybaker, I'm glad that the block helps with your wife's pain. It is hard for her, but also for you. Seeing a loved one in pain, we just wish we could take it away. How are you doing today?