Stage III Pancreatic Cancer

My spouse is 62 year old and was diagnosed with T3 unresectable pancreatic cancer. His first round of treatment was 6 weeks of radiation (M-F) and 24/7 5FU. His latest scan showed no change. He will begin Gemcibine (Gemzar) next week. He is aware of the side effects, but wants to try the treatment and promised me he would quit taking it if he could not withstand the side effects. The biggest question I have is although the oncologist told me he will never be cured, why bother? I know everyone is different, but I would like to have an idea if this treatment does nothing to cure the cancer, approximately how long does he have? This has been a question that the oncologist has not answered directly and, in fact, told him that he could live for "years". I know this is not true. What can I expect while he is on Gemzar? He still smokes, yet he really believes he's going to beat this. I have no support system and have had thoughts of suicide several times.

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Anonymous

Hi PattyJo,

I am very sorry to heat about your husband. There is quite a bit of information regarding pancreatic cancer and I will provide you the links here. Since everyone is different, please follow up with his treating physician to better understand what his life expectancy is. Here are the links:

http://www.cancercenter.com/pancreatic-cancer/?source=MSNPPC&channel=paid%20search&c=paid%20search:MSN:MSN%20-%20National%20Core%20Terms:Cancers%3A+Pancreas:pancreatic+cancer&OVMTC=e&OVKEY=pancreatic%20cancer&timestamp={msimpts}&url_id=129630295&creative=1195605&adcid=4787437

 

http://www.medicinenet.com/pancreatic_cancer/article.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/pancreatic_cancer/article_em.htm

Another thing, suicide is also life altering not only for you but for those around you. Please take this information and talk with someone immediately.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Many thoughts are with you and your husband.

Missie

August 25, 2013 - 6:31am

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