Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis

Question: Pancreatic Cancer - whats the prognosis??

Answer: Hello Cyanara It's not good im afraid. Carcinoma of the pancreas is known as one of the 'silent killers' At diagnosis, unfortunately, only about 5% of patients survive (UK stats) Cancer of the pancreas develops slowley and produces no symptoms at all, and it is only when it is really advanced it produces symptoms, usually retrosternal pain, that it is discovered. Surgery and chemo/radio therapy produces a hand full of survivors buts thats it im afraid. If there is a history of pancreatic cancer in your family, yearly abdominal scans may be helpful but I think that would have to be via the private route.

Question: Prognosis for stage 2 pancreatic Cancer? My mother who is 37 years old has been diagnosed with stage 2 active pancreatic cancer She is just starting radiation. I looked up as much info about this cancer as i could find, and the outlook doesn't seem well. At most i read she'll live up to five years. But Its generally 3 years. I want to know if she will face death. If i will? i cant do this. My mother cannot die. But something inside me burns everyday..wondering if she'll make it. Or if i need to understand now that its going to kill her. Please i need some legit info!

Answer: There is only a stage 2A and 2B for pancreatic cancer. However, even at stage 2A the disease is locally advanced and cannot be completely resected and this is necessary for cure. The patient’s age is not a factor in prognosis and the statics include everyone diagnosed with cancer regardless of their age. Less than 20% of pancreatic cancer patients survive the first year, 3% survive 5 years. If your mom does not have lymph node involvement and receives chemo and radiation she will probably be in the 20% that survive the first year. I have seen very few long term/potentially cured patients with this disease and they are always diagnosed incidentally. I am so sorry. I wish I could have told you something much better. Bless you both.

Question: Do you know anyone with pancreatic Cancer, Read below? I am a cancer researcher working with an awesome Dr who might be able to help. http://www.nj.com/morristown/index.ssf/2008/03/new_hope_for_pancreatic_cancer.html Email me if you need help. Pancreatic Cancer as it stands is a 6 month death sentence. Not anymore, this Dr with a team of other doctors in his group has shown to prolong life upto 6 years. I am NOT A HOAX or promoting something wrong. Pancreatic Cancer is the 4th leading cancer in the USA and it gets the least funding in all cancers in terms of research because of bad prognosis. I want to help in changing that. http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/living-1/1204734914302360.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

Answer: patrick swayze!! save him!!

Question: Patrick Swayze has pancreatic cancer!!!!? I just saw that he has cancer and the cancer has spread. The prognosis for this type of cancer generally is not good. I'm going to be shocked if we lose Patrick Swayze!! How about you? According to the reports it has been confirmed that he has cancer; it was just misreported previously on how severe his condition was. http://omg.yahoo.com/patrick-swayze-fighting-pancreatic-cancer/news/7209

Answer: It's so sad because he is a good man. He has been loyal to his wife and he was great in some of the old movies.

Question: Pancreatic cancer....do you know anyone personally? who has had it? If so......... 1. What were the symptoms of this person (I know you don't always see or feel them). 2. After diagnosis, how long did they live? I know for a fact that it is one of the most deadly of cancers that is not curable............ 3. Do you know a "survivor" of pancreatic cancer?? I doubt it though............ How can we explain to the world that Patrick Swayze smoking a cigarette isn't going to make him better? It's not going to make him worse OR better -- one way or the other..... I WORK IN A HOSPITAL - THE PROGNOSIS IS NOT GOOD. We all know this........... so back to the questions above...........

Answer: My granddad, was told he had it last Sunday (9 days ago). He thought he had a kidney stone and went to the ER, his symptom was just abdominal and back pain. He is expected to pass on any minute now. We thought he was going on Sat but he is hanging on for some reason. He walked into the hospital but had to be brought home by ambulance. Right now he is in a DEEP Sleep, not eating or responding, yesterday he was in a state where he was reliving his past. I personally dont have an opinion about Swayze now

Question: Pancreatic cancer questions? A friend was diagnosed with pc 5 weeks ago after suddenly turning yellow. Already he has been told it is inoperable and has spread. He has lost all body weight already and has zero strength and unable to stand un assisted. Chemo has not been mentioned as yet it seems and he is in a lot of pain since a stent was fitted and failed. apparently this tumour has also invaded his oesophagus. Appetite is zero. This is so quick it is un real. Is this normal for this type of cancer and what is usual prognosis. I am still in shock and really hope that he can be helped even though he was told that it was in- curable.

Answer: wow im incredibly sorry to hear this.. i dont know what to tell you since i would have no good news.. it doesnt sound very promising.. all i can do is pray for him...

Question: Patrick Swayze has Pancreatic Cancer, and he's only 55, that is too bad. That is basically a death sentence Does anyone know what his prognosis is? or amount of time he has left? http://omg.yahoo.com/patrick-swayze-reportedly-diagnosed-with-cancer/news/7208

Answer: As of today, it is a 6 month death sentence. But I am a cancer researcher working with a team of doctors who can treat it upto 6 years. I am not kidding: Read the articles below

Question: Heard on news about patrick Swayzie has pancreatic cancer!? This is so sad news. Think he's a great actor. Does anyone know his real prognosis. Not saying much on news. I did not say that the press should know everything and agree that this is a private affair BUT human curiosity make us want to know...and wish him well.

Answer: It's a devastasting disease that is extremely hard to treat. It's one of the least curable cancers (along with lung and liver cancer). It's not impossible though. On one of the news programs, they interviewed a man who had it and is now 5 years on. He shows no signs of the disease at present. So there is hope. The cure rate depends on where the tumor is in the pancreas, how large, and whether it has metasticized. (Didn't I read somewhere, though, that his has metasticized? Can't remember.... ) Well, I certainly wish him all the best. He's a decent guy who's been married to the same woman for 33 years (rare in Hollyweird). And no one, good or bad, deserves cancer... no one.

Question: What is a cancer "registrar"? I asked initially what the prognosis was for a person just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I received an answer from someone who referred to himself/herself as a cancer registrar. Is this a person who has an education in the field of oncology, general medicine or what?

Answer: Cancer registrars help maintain databases regarding cancer patients. There are state and national databases of cancer incidence categorized by type, stage, and other characteristics. The databases are extremely important in tracking the epidemiology of cancer and projecting macro-level health care requirements and expenditutres. Cancer registrars are not medical doctors and certainly not oncologists. However, they may have some general health care knowledge picked up during their administrative duties. Yahoo Answers is not a forum of experts. Most of the people here, including myself, have some limited knowledge or experience in a specific area that we are willing to share with others. If you have a serious medical condition, then you need to consult with a physician. No one on YA Answers can substitute for your physician.

Question: B17 Amagdylin Laetrile intravenous cancer injection? Hi there, has anyone had an intravenous injection of B17 / Amagdylin / Laetrile in the UK? I have a relative who's just started chemo and I am hoping she will try laetrile instead, as her prognosis even with chemo is not good. She has pancreatic cancer. The is one clinic in UK which will administer laetrile intravenously in Chester, but I would rather not make her travel. Please can I have any info on personal stories (please don't tell me that it's got cyanide in and can kill you- I've heard it before and it's rubbish coz I've been eating apricot seeds for ages) I said I don't want any negative opinions about laetrile, if I want that I will go onto cancer research's website. Please only personal stories, thanks

Answer: Maybe you need to go look at how its made. Its not the same thing as eating apricot seeds. In the extraction process, it goes through several different chemical changes, and thats were the cyanide and the danger come in. And most of the time it is actually made from bitter almond, not apricot, which by nature contains cyanide. According to wikipedia, the finished product contains 6% cyanide, which is released in the digestive tract by natural enzymes that we all as humans have and can be increased by other chemicals/enzymes that we may have depending on what foods are eaten. I encourage you to spend some time researching the process of how its extracted and what happens to it through that process. You are likely not going to find any personal stories using it to treat cancer for a reason.... it doesnt work!! Some people would claim that the US doesnt want to allow it because you cant patent it. That is incorrect. There is a US patent for a partially synthetic version. It got the name Vitamin B17 because one of the pushers for it hoped that they could circumvent federal laws in the US for marketing of drugs. It actually has no nutricional value at all. So basically the pushers of this invented a name that would make people think it was good for them so that they could sell it unhindered. And the one person in the US who claimed it cured him of cancer, lied about his financial situation when he was arrested in order to get a free court appointed atty. He was arrested for marketing and selling the drug as a cancer cure from his home after being court ordered to stop. There are a couple states in the US where it can be given for a couple reasons, and Mexico seems to have a lot of it. I couldnt find anything in the UK for it. But in the end, if you have been eating apricot seeds for ages and have no problems, why not just have her eat apricot seeds?

Question: Is it denial or just keeping a positive outlook? My mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 5 months ago. She still talks about cutting out recipes to make a big meal or is worried about where to store her Christmas sweatshirts for next year, etc. Her prognosis was 6 months and she's doing well at 5, but chances are she won't be here next Christmas. She'll also probably never have the strength to cook a big meal--she's already very weak. Do you think this is healthy for her mentally to think positively like this or is she in denial? I don't want her to be morbid or negative, but wonder if she shouldn't be facing reality a bit more?? What is YOUR opinion?

Answer: She probably does know it, and realizes what the doctors are saying, but chooses not to focus on that part. I have seen someone come back from the brink of death, end stage of their cancer, not thought to make it through, and they are now in remission for over a year, and donig well. I honestly think that maintaining a positive outlook and retaining normalcy and independance in life is a good thing. Half of the battle, in my opinion, is your attitude. This in itself has helped me a great deal in my battle thus far. If she is in denial, as you say, perhaps she just feels she needs to maintain a strong front for everyone. Talk to her about your worries if you feel it would help.

Question: Radiation? w\ chemo after good Whipple procedure 4 Pan cancer? Apparently European modes of treatment regarding radiation differ from the U. S med systems position for pancreatic cancer after a successful Whipple procedure, Why? What are My Fathers chances? The stats are not good that I have seen, However His brother lived 8 yrs after a 6 month prognosis for terminal Leukemia CLL. My Grandmother 88 says Norwegian ancestry resistant? My Grandfather contracted Hep C in 1970 bypass operation & lived to be 88 and only then did it get him in 2006 36 yrs later.

Answer: See my answer on this post: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjxqL8GX9etiLq0NSHdlfrPsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080723183616AAauJhW&show=7#profile-info-mNVHQp8kaa 5 year survival after surgery for pancreas cancer is only about 20% (and I believe that is optimistic). He would be best treated in the context of a clinical trial. Memorial in NY and MD Anderson in Houston, TX are active in this disease. God bless, best wishes

Question: Seniors, I Need Your Wisdom. Thoughts Of Suicide.? Last summer mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the prognosis was not good. One night while mom was in the hospital my sister and brother really went off on me. They screamed for hours, telling me how much they hated me. I was so devastated I almost killed myself. A few weeks later mom told me what it was about. They were trying to drive me to suicide so they could get her estate(mom's ENTIRE estate is probably less then $250,000. I guess that's the value of my life). Mom had told them she was leaving me everything because I needed it and they don't(my brother is a millionaire, my sister would be very well off if she didn't gamble it away). She also told them they didn't deserve it because they didn't help take care of her or our late father. I have been so depressed and angry ever since. I think about suicide constantly. To make matters worse mom is on their side and wants me to maintain good relations with them(she's leaving me everything out of gratitude, she never wanted me and has never stopped letting me know it). How do I deal with this? No preaching please. BTW, mom was misdiagnosed. She had the most curable type of cancer and has been declared cancer free. I am NOT after my mother's money. This is not about money. It's unbearable that so many of you think so.

Answer: Thank you Autumn for your question, I understand you feel things are overwhelming I can see why you would 1st you go through all the pain of accepting you mothers probable death (Thank goodness she will be OK) than all this heavy stuff from your brother and sister. Talk about greed, the thought you have are something you need help with I would not attempt to recover from this on my own. I would try to seek someone who has professional experience perhaps you know of a local Pastor who you can very quietly have a conversation with about the best direction to take. Talking about taking your own life is not something to take lightly you thoughts could be affected to the point that you are not thinking clearly. I wish I could talk to your more you can e-mail me if you like pooky1935@hotmail.com I lost my brother to suicide I wish I could have helped him. I wish you the very best I hope all your dreams come true.

Question: My best friend has just been told he has 6-9 months to live, we are in Belfast is there anyone that can help? He's been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that's spread to his liver the prognosis is very grim but he's playing the cards that God dealt him very well, I just feel that there maybe some organisatons out there that may make things a little easier. is there?

Answer: Firstly, may I say I am so very sorry and bless you for being such a good friend. There should be support available through the hospital...Macmillan nurses or Marie Curie nurses, local hospices will have information on groups etc and district nurses are good support. My dad had cancer and his prognosis was 'a year if you are lucky' so kinda know where you are all at right now. I don't know if you are interested but I had amazing support on line from www.cancerbacup.co.uk which is availble world wide....I had support, advice and understanding from a cancer nurse during dads illness and after he had passed....it was a godsend. There are so many organisations and groups that can help.....ask at the hospital or cancerbacup will help. the best support your friend will get will be from friends like you and family....its hard...devastating but you need to carry each other through this ordeal. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend and his family. If you want to chat more...please feel free to email me....stay strong xxxxx

Question: LOSING HOPE....HELP!!!? Hi! My name is Kennedy and Im 13 years old. Almost a month ago I found out that one of the closest people to me, my grandmother, has pancreatic cancer. I researched the cancer online and this is what I found, "Each year in the United States, about 42,470 individuals are diagnosed with this condition and 35,240 die from the disease.The prognosis is generally poor; less than 5 percent of those diagnosed are still alive five years after diagnosis.Median survival from diagnosis is around 3 to 6 months" After that I cried each night for about a week, but that won't help anything. Praying helps a lot. So I'm taking a stand, but I need dedicated and holy Christians (and hopefully a few reverends and preachers are reading this too :D) I guess you can call this a very specific prayer chain or just a girl asking for a miracle. My grandmother's name is Cleester Miller (First name is pronounced like Clee-Esther) and she is 62 years old. Her whole life she's been giving back to the people around her such as family, friends and even the people she hardly knew. All I'm asking for at least one prayer from each person who is reading this and if you truly care feel free to pray some more if you like. This isn't some annoying chain mail, but it's a prayer chain. It's not a scam either because all Im asking is for prayers. All I need is some help. I've always been close to my granny and I've always loved her and i still do and vice versa. Losing her would be like losing a part of me. Just give me and her both a prayer. -Love, Kennedy

Answer: Give her lots of hugs and kisses,get heaps of photo's together,spend time with her even if it is sitting out in the garden holding her hand and tell her what you are going to do in your future. I'm so sad she has this illness at a young age.I will pray for her. If God does need her for something special, you will have the best memories of her. If you have a video camera take a movie of her so you can show your kids and tell them how special she is. my daughter died when she was nearly 17, I look at her photo's and send her kisses up to heaven and the memories I have, I'm so blessed to have her for those years. make up a board of you and your nan and put it in your room and show here what she means to you. Every time you see her tell her you love her.

Question: Needing hope, faith, Christians, God, prayers and a miracle...Please help? Hi! My name is Kennedy and Im 13 years old. Almost a month ago I found out that one of the closest people to me, my grandmother, has pancreatic cancer. I researched the cancer online and this is what I found, "Each year in the United States, about 42,470 individuals are diagnosed with this condition and 35,240 die from the disease.The prognosis is generally poor; less than 5 percent of those diagnosed are still alive five years after diagnosis.Median survival from diagnosis is around 3 to 6 months" After that I cried each night for about a week, but that won't help anything. Praying helps a lot. So I'm taking a stand, but I need dedicated and holy Christians (and hopefully a few reverends and preachers are reading this too :D) I guess you can call this a very specific prayer chain or just a girl asking for a miracle. My grandmother's name is Cleester Miller (First name is pronounced like Clee-Esther) and she is 62 years old. Her whole life she's been giving back to the people around her such as family, friends and even the people she hardly knew. All I'm asking for at least one prayer from each person who is reading this and if you truly care feel free to pray some more if you like. This isn't some annoying chain mail, but it's a prayer chain. It's not a scam either because all Im asking is for prayers. All I need is some help. I've always been close to my granny and I've always loved her and i still do and vice versa. Losing her would be like losing a part of me. Just give me and her both a prayer. -Love, Kennedy

Answer: Heavenly Father, We come to your throne of grace on behalf of "Kennedy" and her grandmother "Cleester" who has pancreatic cancer. Lord you know the desires of 13 year old Kennedy to see her grandma life extended therefore I pray like King Hezekiah did in 1 Kings 20 when he was told to get his house in order. Lord you listened, healed him and extended his life 15 years. Would you consider doing that again for Clesster and allow her to see her granddaughter do so many things in the near future that she would be so proud of. Father I ask you to wrap your arms around Kennedy and let her know that you hear her prayers and the prayers of her family and friends concerning her grandmother. Please make your presence known to her and Clesster. I believe you are still in the miracle business and that your word says in Isaiah 53:5 "through your stripes we are healed". We believe your word and claim your promises dear God and give you the praise, the honor and the glory! Amen