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Help with ascites

Posted by asingh90 @asingh90, Jul 14, 2023

Hello everyone, my mom is an advanced pancreatic cancer patient. She had the whipple in July 2020, but the cancer came back a few different times starting in Dec 2021, but we were able to handle it through surgeries. She recently left an immunotherapy trial that targeted her particular genetic fusion. Unfortunately, it didn’t work and she began getting ascites during the trial. Since April, she had to get drained once every three weeks, but now it is 1-2 times a week. Does anyone have any advice on the best way to handle this? She has not received chemo and will he staring her first course very soon. The ascites is making her very symptomatic, but she feels a lot better once it is drained. I’ve heard some things about the at home catheter. Thank you for your advice

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ncteacher | @ncteacher | Sep 7, 2024
In reply to @julia725 "He had genetic testing and there were no gene mutations identified for clinical trials that would..." + (show)
@julia725

He had genetic testing and there were no gene mutations identified for clinical trials that would be more beneficial than the chemo plan but I agree with you that it should be revisited for next steps if/when chemo stops working. Thank you for pointing out the need for palliative care in conjunction with his current chemo plan. I will discuss this with the oncologist to have it on board when needed. I appreciate your comments and suggestions.

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Re the palliative care, I was referred to a palliative MD immediately upon diagnosis back in April 2023. I've seen him regularly since then. I remain in active treatment. Palliative care, at my cancer center, manages side effects. They provide prescriptions, but also massage, psychotherapy, music therapy, craft sessions, PT/OT, nutrition and all sorts of other support services. The practice even has an infusion room, separate from the regular infusion centers, where patients can get fluids as needed without a previously made appointment. The palliative doc stays in touch with the oncologist to coordinate care. I highly recommend palliative care.

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julia725 | @julia725 | Sep 7, 2024
In reply to @julia725 "My husband recently developed ascites. Can anyone share their experience with this?" + (show)
@julia725

My husband recently developed ascites. Can anyone share their experience with this?

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Thank you, this is good information. I’m glad to hear palliative care provides so much and has been beneficial to your care. I will definitely pursue this option and find a palliative MD.

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luciad | @luciad | Sep 10, 2024
In reply to @julia725 "My husband recently developed ascites. Can anyone share their experience with this?" + (show)
@julia725

My husband recently developed ascites. Can anyone share their experience with this?

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My husband ( stage 4, mets to liver) developed bloody ascites just one week before he passed away. He was treated with fulfirinox, then gemcitabine and since going for third line had entered a Ph1/2 immunotherapy study the week prior to his passing. While hospitalized they tapped him 3 times ( MWF) before he passed on Sun. Does anyone have knowledge of immunotherapy treatment and bloody ascites?
Thank you you any feedback.

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