Pancreatic Cancer Support

Question: Where can I find a good online support group for caretakers of pancreatic cancer patients?

Answer: to be honest, I'm not sure, but i have had experience with dealing with a close relative with pancreatic cancer, so feel free to get in touch to chat, on sproutly.chick@virgin.net

Question: My Mom's 13 y/.o. chihuahua was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. What kind of support can I offer her? Buddy doesn't seem to be in pain right now. However, he's lethargic, likes to sleep, doesn't eat much, although ate a bit more than usual once home from the vet today. What could we expect?

Answer: I'm so sorry about your situation. Pancreatic cancer can affect a pet quickly. His appetite will likely worsen, and he may start to vomit frequently. I guess your veterinarian would have the best answers for you as far as what you can do for supportive care at home. I know that euthanasia is something you don't want to think about, but know that it is a very humane thing to do when our pets are ill and suffering. They will try to hold on as long as possible, they are so much better at hiding the pain than we are. Think of it as a gift we can give to them. And it may be you will have more time than expected with him. You will know better than anyone if that is something that will have to be considered in the future. Take care and my thoughts are with you.

Question: Pancreatic Cancer: Does anybody make personal checks that support it?

Answer: There are many Pancreatic Foundations that support research for this type of cancer. Personal checks are welcomed. Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation http://www.rolfefoundation.org/ Confronting Pancreatic Cancer http://www.pancreatica.org/ Lustgarten Foundation http://www.lustgarten.org/ Hirschberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research http://www.pancreatic.org/

Question: How can I support my husband who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2.5 years ago? The median is 12 months? He is currently in good health although we visit the oncologist every two months. He is pushing me away and is telling me that he cannot cope with the responsibility of my feelings I love him dearly but I dont know what to do. I try not to aks him how he is feeling but its really difficult and by asking him I realise |I am putting too much pressure on him. I know that I am losing him but I want him to be happy and if that means that we split up then so be it. I dont want him to be unhappy yet he has so many regrets, the lack of children being one but not the only one. I feel so helpless and am probably feeling sorry fpr myself too!!

Answer: Richard's feelings and yours are normal. He has a lot to deal with (as you do) and he may be feeling that he's living on borrowed time. You, yourself, may need to see a therapist so that you can learn how to cope with your own feelings about his prognosis. He may feel overwhelmed and may be struggling to accept what he's facing. Allow him room to do this. He may need to come to terms with this first. It may be asking too much from him to deal with with your feelings and fears as well as his own. He may have to go through anticipatory grieving first. You're an adult. Take care of your own feelings with some help from a therapist. Then show Richard you love him and support him by the things you do for him. But don't crowd him with words or actions. Look around and see if you can find a support group. This could be a tremendous help to you. Offer Richard the opportunity to be a part of it. If he declines, don't press him. Support groups aren't for everyone and he may not be ready for one anyway. I'll keep you both in my prayers.

Question: Poll~What was your reaction when you read about Patrick Swayze's pancreatic cancer? "Patrick Swayze is fighting pancreatic cancer, a rep for the actor has confirmed to Access Hollywood." "Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment," a rep for the actor said in a statement released on Wednesday. "Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects. The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family."

Answer: I was saddened and in shock by this news! I love ghost,dirty dancing and many other of his roles Why so many good looking young healthy people dying this year all of a sudden? Its sad and i know the more we live the more deaths we see, but this is not a death i want to see anytime soon I hope somehow he makes it through! i have heard of people who survive this, the more i read about it the more i see people are hopeful as theyve known people who survived for a long time or were completley cured. Hes only 55, its not fair he should live to at least 80! but life isnt fair for everyone. I hope as they say 5 yrs at least, they say is how long most sufferers live, but i hope by then some new research has been done Patrick, i want you to make it through i want him to keep strong!

Question: My father has Stage III Pancreatic Cancer- I need suggestions. Serious answers only please.? My father's mental stage has gotten worse by the day here lately. He is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He is pushing people out of his life- including me and my 2 year old daughter- the only person he wants is his wife (my mother). He is terrified to be alone- and his mental function is rapidly declining. It seems like all he is focusing on his death. I can't imagine how scared he must be, but I can't just sit back and let him go on like this. I want to help him as much as possible. There are no local support groups here, I would love to start one, but I don't know if I am qualified to do that. I feel like I need to help him with his suffering. If we are going to lose him, I want it to be as peaceful as possible. I want to improve his life while undergoing treatment- help him have some happy times. We don't know many details about how advanced the cancer is- we wont know until he finishes the round of treatments. I believe his life is in God's hands. We don't know what's ahead of him or us, but I can't stand the thoughts of his possible last days with us being miserable and tormenting for him if I can help it. Has anyone dealt with this before? What suggestions do you have? Thankyou.

Answer: Your father's behavior is understandable considering the circumstances. I like the suggestion of conferring with his Social Worker. Good idea. Your parents may also soon need the services of Palliative Care. The doctors and nurses who choose this path can be of tremendous help when it comes to pain management and learning how to best help your father at this time. Speak to them about your idea for a support group if Social Services isn't aware of an existing one. You, your father and the rest of your family will be in my prayers during the difficult and painful days ahead.

Question: Wondering if anyone can help me find a website for one of my cancer patients? She says it's lilly.org.? I want to order some pins and braclets in support of her. She has pancreatic cancer and she'd really like it if they came from that site. Other sites don't match the colors exactly ect....Thank You! Take Care! God Bless, Bruce

Answer: Hi from what I can find the website is still under construction and will be open soon. It does not give an actual date for starting. Hope this was of some help. Happy New Year

Question: Why just BREAST CANCER awareness? Almost 200,000 women (and men) are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and about 45,000 die from it. However, last year 7.6 million people worldwide died from CANCER, period. So why is it that people are only making an effort to support breast cancer awareness alone and not all cancer in general? I'm not saying we shouldn't care about people who have breast cancer, its affected people I've known too. But my mom died from pancreatic cancer 6 months ago and I just think that October should commemorate cancers of all types, not just breast cancer. inverse mushroom: you raise a good point about my stats. joseph: my mom was very healthy (or so we thought), she didn't drink or ever smoke and went to the gym EVERYDAY.

Answer: many other cancers have a specific month for awareness. For example September is Childhood Cancer Month and April is National Cancer Control Month. October besides being Breast Cancer Awareness month also has National Mammography Day (Oct. 17) International Brain Tumor Awareness Week (Oct. 26 - Nov. 1) and you might be more interested in knowing that November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. For more information about the different months check out the ACS Cancer Awareness Calendar http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MED/content/MED_1_Cancer_Calendar.asp

Question: Is Barack Obama More Electable since he's Supporting Cancer research? Obama's Mother passed from Cancer. I believe that because of this detail, Obama will be known as the Cancer President. I truly believe that he is the "Can do" President that will get Cancer under control and managed and not just a lot of talk from talking heads. We all know someone that is suffering, overcome or died from this Villian. My mother also died from Pancreatic Cancer. And many more of my family and friends. The economy is important, Fighting the wars are important. But if most of our fellow Americans are dying from more than war numbers. What does Fighting War mean? http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/09/21/obama-talks-about-mothers-cancer-battle-in-ad/ http://www.cancerquest.org/?gclid=CIzzsKTmlJECFQ38iAodrAKBGw

Answer: He's more electable because he's not a B word that rhymes with itch.

Question: Patrick Swayze's Cancer.? This isn't a question, but I'd like to say that my heart aches each day with the thought of Patrick with only five weeks to live. I recently heard about his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Patrick has so many fans. He has a family that loves him. He is an amazing, wonderful person. I know that he can make it through this. I'll keep him in my prayers every day. Anyone feel free to post any comments about this. He needs our support. God bless you, Patrick. Excuse my mistake, thank you Lara and Patrick's doctor for pointing out that the five week thing is a rumor.

Answer: Actually, there is no conformation on him having 5 weeks to live. It's quite the big rumor. They caught his cancer at the early stages, and even though previous odds are against him, doctors are still hopeful he will overcome this. It won't be easy; so I send my prayers to him, his wife and the rest of his family. I only hope he can beat the statistics.

Question: How can I best support my friend who lost her father? I would really appreciate some help on this one. I just found out that my close friend (who lives 5 hours away from me) lost her dad to pancreatic cancer last night. I haven't talked directly to her since it happened...although I did send her a message stating that I was sorry to hear of her loss and that I was here if she wanted to talk. I really want to support her in anyway that I can because she has always been there for me in hard times...but I am worried I don't know what to say (we primarily have contact via the phone). I have never dealt with a loss like this in my life (knock on wood) so I worry that I might say the wrong thing? Please help. What do you suggest? BTW...neither she nor I identify ourselves with a specific religion. Therefore, I am not comfortable saying anything about God/heaven when I talk to her.

Answer: Call her up and tell her that if she ever needs someone to talk to, you'll be there for her, no matter what. But some people do like to be left alone in their time of loss, some do need a shoulder to lay upon.

Question: disheartening-breats cancer awareness-please read? Okay breast cancer is one of the most well known & publicized diseases out there & they are always doing walk-a-thons to raise money for a cure. They probably gross more charitable money then any other organization & I just find it puzzling & dis-hearting that to this day there still is no cure for it. I mean there are treatments & in most cases it is survivable but I just dont get where all this money goes. Im not trying to hurt anybodies feeling & I know alot of people have lost a loved one to this & in no way am I trying to minimize how important awareness & finding a cure for this is but like I said it is kind of disheartening that the most well known disease out there has yet to find a cure..how are less known & underly supported disease suppose to find a cure ( i.e. Rett Syndrome, pancreatic cancer, autism, etc...)

Answer: Cancer is a tough one because it involves unregulated or disregulated growth of the body's own cells. It is unlike a bacterial disease, where there is something clearly "foreign" to target. Actually, treatment of breast cancer has improved tremendously over the past decade or so, compared to years past when it was always a sentence to disfigurement and/or death. Maybe some day treatments will be found that also apply to other types of cancer.

Question: Where does all the money really go-breats cancer awareness? Okay breast cancer is one of the most well known & publicized diseases out there & they are always doing walk-a-thons to raise money for a cure. They probably gross more charitable money then any other organization & I just find it puzzling & dis-hearting that to this day there still is no cure for it. I mean there are treatments & in most cases it is survivable but I just dont get where all this money goes. Im not trying to hurt anybodies feeling & I know alot of people have lost a loved one to this & in no way am I trying to minimize how important awareness & finding a cure for this is but like I said it is kind of disheartening that the most well known disease out there has yet to find a cure..how are less known & underly supported disease suppose to find a cure ( i.e. Rett Syndrome, pancreatic cancer, autism, etc...) Dizedd, supposing you do have two autistic kids (something tells me you're a fibber though) then you would know its a pretty wide spectrum ranging from mild to severe. Rett Syndrome being one of the most severe on the spectrum. Look it up, instead of ranting & trying to make me look bad & then tell me seeing what this horrendous syndrome does to these girls you dont think they (& they're families) deserve a cure you should be ashamed

Answer: I think the movie, Lorenzo's Oil, gives a good example of what is going on in most organizations that are saying they are looking for cures, etc. Don't worry about autism, they are already more than decades above the rest. There are gobs of people already recovering their children from autism, so they can live independently. I can't imagine why anyone would want their children to stay disabled. I personally would not want to be disabled. You can find these gobs of people all over the place. My children no longer have autism. And by the way, one was not treated till age 14, recovered at age 15, and no, he does not want to go back to what he describes as living in a fog and also being mistreated by teachers and students. He is making college plans, etc. and is very happy that he can now live independently. There are so many places you can go to learn about it. Yahoo Groups on autism has gobs of forums. There is probably even one for parents who just want to complain that others should not speak about recovery around them. But, if you are looking for an understanding of health, politics, causes and effective treatments for autism, you will find it.

Question: I was looking for advice or support.? My boyfriend's stepfather has been diagnosed with type 4 pancreatic cancer. He had many complications after the surgery but he's home now and finally eating again! He's also starting chemo soon. We're all routing for him and love him. I was thinking... if there's someone out there who has been through the same thing and could give advice on how to get through all the emotions he's probably going though and on how to overcome and not give in, maybe contact with another who's been through it and is fighting it would boost his spirits and let him know that he's not alone in this disease. And possibly give him the strength he needs to fight this. Please contact me at Kelly1982Ann@Yahoo.com...I'm trying to help in any little way I can.

Answer: you can help yourself -buy "an artist way "by julia cameron and step thru the exercises with your boyfriend....this will help you both in being extra caring towards him... introduce him to xooma - www.xoomaworldwide.com/energise..I have heard people with cancer have overcome the illness with this product

Question: Not a question, just looking for moral support? My mom is in Hospice House with terminal pancreatic cancer. I'm having a hard time watching her go downhill. She's down to 50 lbs and looks like a skeleton. She's still eating (abit) and drinking. There's now a pressure sore on her tailbone that won't heal, and she has open leg ulcers on one leg. Yesterday the nurses changed the bandages, and mom cried. I've never seen her cry...ever. She's also getting extremely weak, to the point she can't get out of bed. She tries though, and has fallen twice in the night trying to walk 10 steps to the bathroom. The nurses have told us if she won't ring for help, then they will have to sedate her, so she doesn't break anymore bones. I'm finding this really hard to deal with. I never thought I'd see my fiesty little mom like this.We are hoping the end is near, but believe she will fight this as long as possible. Thanks for letting me vent

Answer: first let me say how sorry i am and how lucky she is to have such a loving daughter. i also watched my dad struggle and finally give in to cancer. I know how hard it is to see someone who is so strong waste away to nothing. My prayers are with you and especially for your mom. If you ever need to vent or someone to listen you can contact me by going to my profile and send me a message there. Take care!!

Question: Does anyone know how I could get an email to Patrick Swayze? Our babysitter's husband would like to be in touch. He has battled pancreatic cancer 4x's in 4 years, which is apparently pretty unusual as most people usually die with their first bout. His doctors are always having newly diagnosed patients call these folks as they are about the only pancreatic survivors in the region around St. Louis,MO. (the've been featured on the local news) They would like to offer their support and asked me to find an email since they are not tech-savy. But I can't find any actual email or contact info on the web. Thanks!

Answer: i don't think you can actually e-mail Swayze personally, but you can send him a letter through his fan site (has the address) - http://www.patrickswayze.net/ that's all i know of, sorry ]: good luck to you.