Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer

Dr. Sheba Roy is the Naturopathic MD. She's located in Michigan. Our oncologist at Henry Ford Hospital recommended her. Maybe your Mayo oncologist has a local recommendation. I'm not sure but maybe Dr. Roy would see patients remotely. If you're interested her web-site is https://www.aimnatural.org/.
Recently, I listened to a series put on by Hay House called Radical Remissions. Kelly Turner is the driving forced behind Radical Remissions. She has studied patients, most are cancer-related but not all, to determine what factors led to their surviving and thriving when the statistics aren't promising. When the patient has a low survival rate under 5 years. She found many factors including as you would expect exercise, diet, nutrition, and supplements to be important. But also other factors too. Maybe check that out for hope and inspiration. I'm always looking for that myself.

@nasagia36- Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad that you found us. It must be very, very difficult for you to watch your dad fighting Pancreatic Cancer. Are you his caretaker? How are you doing yourself? Are you living in his home so that you can be with him? I know that COVID-19 is a huge scare for people in treatments for cancer. You might be interested in this link too:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pancreatic-cancer/
Here is one on alternative treatments for Pancreatic Cancer: https://pancreatica.org/pancreatic-cancer/pancreatic-cancer-alternative-complementary-holistic-treatment/

That is good news,@marciakaye! My husband, also has inoperable pancreatic cancer and is in “chemo for life” at Mayo, beginning month 20 and holding his own. Is your husband’s naturopathic M.D. at Mayo?

My husband was initially borderline resectable one year ago. Over the next 9 months, he did chemo and radiation. The final determination in December is he is not a candidate for surgery. The tumor is too close to a blood vessel. A 2nd opinion at Mayo confirmed that and also found small tumors on his lungs. So he is on chemo for life (and there's more to that story) but we also added a Naturopathic MD to his medical team. He has been taking Low Dose Naltroxene (LDN) and adding supplements to his conventional regimen (chemo). His blood work numbers are the best they've ever been. So conventional and alternative are definitely important in my experience.

Dear Dan ,

My Dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer stage III, 8 months ago .He has not yet tried any alternative treatment such those you mentioned. If you proceed with those , please share your experience.
Yes I think you should Find an oncologist that you trust and like and who is more familiar with pancreatic cancer. Also check radiotherapy. Stereotactic options might be helpful! I heard some very good results in some cases for stereotactic options. Regards Anastasia

Merry Christmas to you as well😘

Thank you so much, kathleenkin, for being a wonderful inspiration to all of us! Merry Christmas to you!!!

I have had five cancer surgeries since 2012. My last was Dec 6th. I lost my right lung and it is now in my left lung. I feel extremely blessed to still be alive and to enjoy Christmas. I know that in a couple of years cancer will win. I have chondrosarcoma and it is very rare and there is no treatment for it. I enjoy each and every day. I am a very positive person. Cancer is what I have, not who I am. Don’t let it steal who you are and your joy. It may take my body some day but not my spirit. Be positive, be grateful, be you. Go live life. Merry Christmas

That warms my heart and I'm glad! Merry Christmas!

A very important tool should also be friends and sometimes family. At times we forget that there are people in our lives who do care for us and they don't see your problem as a burden but an opportunity to help, regardless of what you think. It can be difficult to ask for help but if it is offered don't push them away. Good luck with your cancer and remember cancer doesn't define who you are.