Hi All,
We saw Dr. Knost, the oncologist, today. It was not a very encouraging
visit. Patients with pancreatic cancer usually die within 12 to 18
months of diagnosis. Those whose cancer has spread to the liver die
within a year. Jerry has ascites, fluid in his abdomen. This is
indicates a poor prognosis, and also is an indicator that he is less
likely to have a beneficial response to treatment. The doctor expects
that it will only be 3 to 4 weeks before Jerry will be so sick that it is
not compatible with life. That he will become weaker, his liver will
fail, and he will go into a coma and die.
The only currently accepted treatment for pancreatic cancer is a drug
called Gemzar (gencitabine). This drug does not cure the disease, they
do not even claim that it lengthens life, but only that it may improve
the quality of life. The drug is not effective for the majority of
patients. Only 11 % of those treated have a significant decrease in the
size of the tumor. A slightly higher percentage, about 15%, have a
subjective improvement; they say that they feel better. Dr. said that
with the treatment Jerry's ascites might improve and he might feel
better. It is also possible that he will have serious side effects from
the treatment, severe diarrhea, mouth sores, etc and feel worse. It is
also possible that his ability to fight off infection could be so damaged
that he might have a sudden overwhelming infection and die.
Jerry decided that he wants to try the treatment. They drew blood today
for a number of tests. He will have a CAT scan Wednesday to set a
baseline. The chemo will be started on Thursday. He will have a pattern
of chemo once a week for 3 weeks, then a week off, and then start the
cycle again.
Paul is here. Louise picked him up at the airport and they arrived at
the oncologist's office while we were still waiting to be seen. Paul
went into the doctor's office with us.
Right now we are trying to make Jerry as comfortable as possible and see
that he is able to do as many things that he wants to do as he can.
Doctor said that it is good for him to be up and around, but that what he
feels able to do is probably all that he should do. I asked about
aquatic exercise and he said he didn't think that is a good idea. He
said that any strenuous exercise is likely to create more waste products
than his liver can handle.
Jerry is quiet and doesn't say much about the situation. Please pray for
us.
Love, Mom/Colleen
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