Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis

Question: what is the survival (rate) for pancreatic cancer with metastasis to liver?

Answer: doesn't sound good. unfortunately the survival rate for pancreatic cancer is very low especially if it is getting to the liver.

Question: My husband has Pancreatic cancer and with the doctors terminology I am so confused.? My husband has pancreatic cancer that has metastasis to his sternum. he has been taken gemzar for 3 months now and his cancer is shrinking. on his latest P.E.T. uptake between his right clavicle and the right scapula soft-tissue density on the scan. uncertain vascular uptake or potential nodal metastatic disease. Then has persistent hypermetabolic malignancy residual is still present in the pancreatic body and the sternum. New small focal increased uptake in muscles in right upper lateral chest near shoulder joint is likely nonspecific. Interval new finding of focal FDG uptake in the right shoulder area is most likely nonspecific muscular uptake. Nodal metastasis is less likely. I am so confused and scared of losing him. The doctor says that he'll be on chemo indefinitely. he was diagnosed 9/11/08 and he is in so much pain. He's taken oxy and vicodin. Does anyone know what are these medical terms mean? Is he getting worse? Does he have Nodal metastasis? His arms hurt him so bad and the doctor just tells him that he doesn't understand why he'll hurt. Please help me. My nerves are shot but I need the truth. I am thinking of getting hospice to help him with his pain. I want to thank everyone for being so supported and caring. I know now that I have a long heavier load to carry and I need to continue being strong for him. Sometimes he is so hateful but I just look at my purple braclet and then I understand to stay calm. God Bless You all

Answer: First let me say that I am so sorry. Unfortunately when there is metastasis comfort is the main concern. As for all the medical terms you have to ask the doctors to explain things so that you can understand. Don't let them off easy. You need answers and they need to provide them. As far as the chemo you have to look at quality of life. If is is really only making him sick and not doing anything for the cancer then you have to consider stopping it and then go with Hospice. You have to stop all treatment to go on Hospice. It is a hard decision to make but it sounds like that is where you are at. Hang tough. Hospice is a wonderful program that will help to manage his pain and will also help with all the emotional stuff for you and your husband. The fear of loosing a loved one is hard to swallow. Spend quality time together because memories last a lifetime. I will say a prayer and God Bless.

Question: Husband has pancreatic cancer and his ankles are swelling? My husband has pancreatic cancer that has metastases to his sternum liver and has fluid in his right lung and his heart is getting fluid in it. He is in hospice right now they have predicted him gone for the last 2 weeks but he's a fighter he's getting 25mcg or 25mg every hour and 20 every 15 minutes. I have noticed that his ankles are swelling pretty bad the Doc at hospice said that it's nothing to worry about. My poor husband is suffering so much. He'll be coming home today. He's had 3 different doctors since he has been in there and each one says something different. I am so confused and so is he. He's looking pretty frail and is weak. How much longer does he have to suffer? I know only God knows that answer. I feel so sorry for my husband.

Answer: I am very sorry to hear of your family's troubles. Fluid retention in the extremities (arms and legs) has several potential causes. Technically known as edema, it is a common problem for cancer patients. Given your husband's overall condition, his kidneys may be overwhelmed, not processing properly, and beginning failure. It could also be the result of medication interaction, but since he is on palliative care this is less likely. Elevating his feet is about all that can be done. I wish there was more to tell you. Link to info on edema below.

Question: Morphine and pancreatic cancer? My husband has pancreatic cancer that has metastases to his sternum liver and the stomach wall. He was getting 22mg evey hr. and 7.5 every 15 minutes of morphine now today they are giving him 30mg and 7.5 every 15 or 30 mins depends on his pain. It's hard to watch him suffer so much. The chemo quit working in January 09 the doc told me to watch his breathing. He's down to bones now and I fill so helpless. How much is to much? I am scared that he may pass while his daughter is watching him. we do shifts and she's still in denial. I do have him on hospice as of 4/21/09 then he started throwing up blood and ended up in the ER. He's back at home and hospice are helping us they are angels. It's hard watching someone you love suffer so much. I feel helpless

Answer: Pamela - You do know that with your husband's widespread cancer he will continue to decline till he passes. It appears that proper efforts are being made to limit his pain which he should not have to suffer. If not already, then the hospital's pain management physician should be involved. Morphine in increasing doses will almost always control pain. Now your daughter and you need to control the inevitable anguish and emotional pain you two feel. Please stay in touch with your religious minister (pastor, priest, rabbi) or hospital grief counselor for emotional support during this very difficult time and even after your husband has passed away and his pain is gone. Yours will, sadly, continue for some time, but gradually lessen as you concentrate on the past good times and love shared.

Question: Have you herd of "ESCOZUL"? Is a natural cancer treatment given in Cuba. I need informantion of Niury Monzon. Niury Monzon is the #1 Escozol patient and Jose monzon is her father. They distribute the treatment from Cuba. I need to know if anybody can give me any information about them and how to get the product directly from Cuba. If any body has gotten the treatment I would llike to get any testimonies. Mi father has pancreatic Cancer with metastasis to other vital organs and I have much hope to get him started on this treatment. Pease help me!! I appreciate any information.

Answer: go to www.escozulmx.org it looks like its in spanish so it might be easier to read with an inturpreter if you cant read spanish. I could not find the info on Niury Monzon

Question: Got the results from the CT on pancreatic cancer? here's the results adenopathy is seen in the left supraclavicular region a 1.5x1.6cm cyst in the right thyroid. several hypodense masses as seen in the liver the largest 1.5x1.6cm in the left hepatic lobe suggestive of hepatic metastases. his pancreas mass shrunk in december 08 to 1.2 now it's 5.6cm mass in the body encasement of celiac trunk and superior mesenteric vein is enceased by the mass. the mass is seen extendedinvolving the posterior wall of the stomache and adenopathy is seen in the gastrphepatic ligament mass is also seen in the left adrenalsuggest metastases. the results mass in the body of the pancreas with encasement of spenic and superior mesenteric vein as well as celiac trunk superior artery Met astatic disease in the liver and left adrenal and post wall of the stomache. They want to start him on ctiapan chemo he doesn't want to any suggestions? if he doesnt do the chemo how much de we have together?

Answer: Chemo is not likely to add much time to his life and right now I think it is more about quality than quantity. You may want to start looking into hospice even if you don’t need it right now. Sometimes things change quickly and in the long run it is easier if you are prepared. At this point he probably has between 2-6 months. I remember your previous questions and it is remarkable how long he has fought this, so he may continue to surprise everyone. I am so sorry. I don’t mean to be blunt and hope this helps you in some way. May God bless you both.

Question: What's the next step when chemo has failed? My husband has pancreatic cancer that has metastases to his splee, stomach, liver and his right thyroid node. The gemzar has failed him and the doc has given him 3-6 months. He refusing to use the cistaplatin with xelodo. Now my husband chest is swelling up on his right side. He's saying that he's whole chest is hurting him. I am beside myself on what to do next. He has also refused hospice. Any suggestions? Thanks took my husband back to the doctor yesterday. There's nothing more they can do for him he has a rare cancer "squamous" all the doc can do now is give him the pain patch fentlyn oxyocidin and vicodin. He's daughter that has been here living for the last 7 months makes our decisions hard. (she's is 27) and taken advantage of her father. I really appreciate all the info and God bless ya'll

Answer: I am so sorry you guys are going through this situation. He should not have to be in pain, if he has decided against any more chemotherapy (which is completely fine, it is his decision) he really needs to get hospice into the picture. Hospice will provide so much support, emotionally and physically for you and your husband. There is no reason he needs to be in pain, they will make sure he isn't in pain. Maybe if someone from Hospice just came out to talk to him he would change his mind.You should not have to take this all on your own and see your loved one so uncomfortable. Please have someone else try to talk to him again about Hospice, I've seen the difference they can make.