Pancreatic cancer recurrence: Anyone else?

Will be keeping you in our prayers, please let us know how you’re doing.

You will be in our prayers. I'm 9 1/2 years out from original diagnosis and whipple, had a reoccurrence in 2015 and a possible reoccurrence in 2018 (had 2 failed biopsys) so was radiated just to be safe. At this point I'm cancer free, there is hope.

You are in our prayers.
Husband is six years out from stage four pancreatic cancer. No Whipple or surgery. Questions are:
Can your reoccurrence be treated by ablation?
Have you been regularly checked by your levels of biomarkers? And periodic CT scans?
And have you been careful with your lifestyle changes? Plant based diet, no processed sugar, and regular exercise and stress reduction with meditation or prayer ?
Smoothies made with all natural ingredients, a recipe given by integrative Dr at Mayo was extremely helpful than the horrible nutrient drink ENSURE.
An appointment with your palliative Dr would possibly be very helpful. He may become your best friend in choosing meds that may improve your appetite and your possible pain. Even alternative methods.
Also visiting your favorite dietician would be invaluable in improving your weight loss and helping with your choice of foods or how they may be appealing or appetizing.
Pancreatic cancer is such a frightening disease. The more you enlist people to become your A-team to help you, in your journey, they will prove to empower you to do your best to beat this disease. Especially in times when you have fallen down. You are not alone.
I hope this is helpful.

Could you share recipe for smooth. My husband is getting tired of ensure.

Protein Shake Recipe

2 raw eggs (use pasteurized in Shell (Sprouts) or homogenized eggs in carton)
1/2 C Fairfield 2% lactose free milk
1/2 C Lactaid 2% lactose free milk
1to 1/2 C rinsed canned bottled peaches
I used Costco ( you can use 2.5 T sugar instead in place of)
1/4 to 1/2 t of vanilla powder ( I used Nielsen Massey Madagascar pure vanilla powder from Amazon) Powder vanilla was highly recommended
or 1/4-1/2 C vanilla or favorite flavor yogurt
1 T half and half
1/2 C crushed ice
Optional: Vitamin D drops can be added

Blend in blender till smooth and put in two containers one to drink immediately and ( I used hydroflask) one to keep cold till mid afternoon.
The recipe can be modified to be used as what ingredients are available or desired.
Plant based milk can be substituted easily. Patient loved the taste of the freshness and taste of the peaches like a Orange Julius except this is like Peach Julius
Makes drink 465 calories

This recipe from a patient, Joy, that had obstruction of the esophagus and in chronic pain and was suffering from failure to thrive. She could drink this drink daily and thrive. And this encouraged her to eat other foods. She gave us hope.

Such great tips @dotmoto. You and @wrolsen give hope.

@sadiegrace, I'll be thinking of you as you prepare for your appointment tomorrow and hope you'll share what you learn so we can journey with you.

My oncologist appointment yesterday went fine. She believes the pancreatic cancer has been back for 6-8 months with no pain or other symptoms until it caused the duodenum stricture. I am in stage 3 kidney failure and my kidneys probably couldn’t take the stress of any aggressive treatment, ie major surgery such as a whipple which I refused 7 years ago.
The 2 procedures I had to open the duodenum threw me into stage 4 with creative level at 2.34.
So we decided now would be a good time to call in Hospice to oversee care.
I am at peace with that decision. And at this time I am feeling good.

Hello @sadiegrace,

I am truly sorry that there are no more treatment options available for you. I'm glad that you are feeling good now and that you are at peace with your decision to enter hospice care. It is a decision that many of us will have to make at one time or the other and I appreciate the grace and peace you have about this transition.

Wishing you peace. Hospice is very helpful at keeping their patients comfortable. Please post as you continue your journey,

Hi great post! can you share your recipe for natural smoothie? Greatly appreciated if you can, leigh

Hi @hopeful33250

It’s been a month and I am completely recovered from the procedure to open my duodenum that was constricted with the maglignancy. The stent is working well and I am back to eating most everything with no problems.

I am feeling so good so far, except that I have noticed I tire more easily. I am having no symptoms and I’m back to doing all of my normal activities.

I lost a little over 20 lbs when I was having digestive problems because of the stricture, and although I am eating much more these days, I am not gaining any of the weight back.

The hospice nurse is coming in once a week and so far all my vitals are fine.

I’m not sure what to expect. I’m sleeping well and the only thing they’ve put me on is a daily dose of Miralax so I won’t have another blockage like I had after being released from the hospital. I still don’t understand that since I was on clear liquids for almost 2 weeks.

I thank God for all the good days I am having and the ability to get “all my ducks in a row.” So my kids won’t have so much to do when I pass.