Pancreatic Cancer ?

My sister was dignosed on 7/20 with this disease. She had the Whipple Surgery, just finished chemo and is starting 5x a week 5 week radiation. I really do not know how to ask this question and not sound weird. She is stage 2.5 she is doing GREAT, no pain, no side effects from the treatment. Everything that I have read, this disease is fatal. The doctor gave her 22 months. I know no one has a crystal ball, but with this type of cancer, is there any pain, when should I have her come live with me to take care of her, I love my sister very much, she feels that Chemo cured her and this state of mind is great, but I am more of a realist and need to know what to expect and how to plan.... Any help or experiences with this cancer will be greatly appreaciated. I guess I am just asking for help with what to do.....

You are thinking clearly and trying to help - that will be a real blessing in helping your sister.

At this point, why not join a pancreatic cancer support group - either on-line or in your city. You don't have to take your sister, but you can learn a lot more about the disease from other families going through it. There are a bunch of them listed on the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance web site along with a lot of other good information.

If the cancer spreads, you may need to look into palliative care to help if you take care of her at home. Start checking around your area to see what is available then you will be ready if she needs it.

Whatever you do, don't do anything to discourage your sister's attitude. A postitive fighting attitude will go a long way to prolonging her life however much time she has left.

Good luck and God bless you for wanting to help your sister this way!

a few of my friends have had the operation you talk about..........at sloan and at northshore........................
One is still around after thirty months.........the others made about 20 months..............it is a tough one,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the longer you stay around the lower quality of life becomes........
The hospital has nurses who are specialists in the quality of life part....contact them ..they should help you.........
write down your questions ahead of time...big emotions equal forgetful............good luck

Tags

　　Parasitic Diseases 　　Paranasal Sinus Cancer 　　Paralysis 　　PAP Smear 　　Panic Disorder 　　Pancreatic Diseases 　　Pancreatic Cancer 　　Pancreas Transplantation 　　Palliative Care 　　Painkillers 　　Pain Chest 　　Pain Relievers 　　Paget Disease

Related information

Do you know anyone with pancreatic Cancer, Read below?

patrick swayze!! save him!!

...

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?

Hello, The symptoms that you indicate your husband has - abdominal discomfort, gassy, heartburn, indigestion - are considered medically non-specific, and are very common in the general populatio...

Information on Pancreatic, Liver and Kidney Cancer?

I am unsure what you are asking . . if your grandmother has pancreatic cancer than it is pancreatic cancer cells that are invading the liver and kidney . .it's called metastasis and is conside...

Pancreatic cancer? Is it possible to cure stage IV pancreatic cancer?

STAGE IV means just before terminal position and in my opinion cure may not be possible at all. If your doctor is assuring cure in 6 months, then there is nothing like that and you have to go wit...