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A beginners Pancreatic Cancer story
I discovered that I had Pancreatic Cancer when I had jaundice and felt weak. Like at least one of you, the cancer had spread from one "lump" to two nodes, a small enough range of cancer to allow surgery. That was in November, 2023. I had 10 "doses" of Chemo, when I had to quit because I was weak and had lost hearing in my left ear from an infection--still an issue.
All was well for a full year, when cancer showed up in my liver. Chemo once again, but this time I am stronger, and will complete at least 12 "doses", 10 so far, then a PET scan. I did lose an awful lot of hair, and purchased an inexpensive wig, which works just fine. As what seems to be the norm, fatigue is an issue. In general I have a weak day about the third day AFTER the chemo, when the anti-nausea they add to the treatment wears off, then I am strong enough to do some serious cleaning and gardening -- I am 83.
As far as treatment, I need to understand it much more. They take a blood sample before each chemo round, and modify the chemicals -- one reason I was caught off guard when my hair started to fall out mid-way through the most recent round of treatments. I will have a new doctor in the upcoming round (mine has taken on new responsibilities)and this time I will ask a lot of questions, to fill in the "mysteries" I missed this far as well as requesting as much on-line info that they can offer. I do know that they include nano-particles now which hone down on scattered cancer in the liver, and that the pace of advance is striking in developing new approaches to treating pancreatic cancer.
One final thing. My husband and I have always gone through laughing and being positive. As they say, laughing is the best medicine. And I think that that is true. Do all you can to be upbeat and strong; good for you and good for all those around you.
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God bless you and your attitude, Noralyn! I'm 55 and reading posts like this remind me that I can do what I have to do each 2 weeks to keep living! Thanks and I hope your attitude never changes! I have stage 4 with mets to liver and lymph nodes and was diagnosed in late May(the week of my youngest sons wedding).
Brad
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6 ReactionsNoralyn, Laughter really does help. Have you visited the Pancreatic Cancer website. They really can help with lists of what to ask. The reason they draw blood before my chemo is to see if I can handle the chemo, not to determine the dosage. Dosage is determined by my oncologist after each visit. I have stage 4 non-operable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. I guess I am different from some in that my metastasis is to my lungs. I also have the KRAS12D gene and the TP53 gene. Have you been tested? I will have my 81st chemo on Thursday this week! Once I had a time out for 4 months but my CA19-9 went up in the 300s & I had to get back on chemo! Do you know what your CA 19-9 number is? How often do you get CT scans? I like to write my questions down, so I don't forget what I want to ask my oncologist. I am 75 and was diagnosed June of 2022. I just developed 4 blood clots in my leg in Sept and am now on blood thinners. I find that the neuropathies are the worst of my problems. Keep up with the fight; be a warrior in this battle! & Having your husband by you side is a great help! My husband is a positive influence on my fight.
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9 Reactions@199 81 treatments. You are amazing, tough, and really upbeat. I know very little of the things I should know by now, and really appreciate your comments—gives me a handle on what to ask with the new doctor. Thank you for all that. Hugs to you. Noralyn
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1 Reaction@bradthompson88 You are a huge help in shaping things I should know. Mmmm. Looks like homework.
I am lucky to be in an “upbeat” town, when I often have interesting folks to get to know—fascinating stories of their lives, or common thoughts, or many unexpected interesting things. And sometimes it just helps to remember interesting things in your own life—your son’s marriage, events in younger life, challenges you met, happy moments. It is all pretty interesting stuff.
And thank you for that reference. You have been a big help, and as I am getting a new doctor I will be able to get a fresh start on info. Thank you so much, and keep up your challenging work. Warm wishes. Noralyn
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3 ReactionsNoralyn, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has great info on what to ask your doctor. They emailed me all sorts of information after speaking with one of their reps. There are many survivors/warriors on this site who know much more than I and I love reading their posts!
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3 Reactions@199
Thank you so much for that reference. I think it will make a big difference, especially starting with a new doctor in November. As they say here—Hugs!!