Pancreatic cancer

My husband has been told folfirinox chemo hasnt worked and that his pancreatic cancer is aggressive and he has ‘spots’ on his liver . What does this mean and what can we expect?. They have suggested Palliative care and said 3-6months. It has been such a shock when we were originally told surgery could be an option.

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am so very sorry to hear about your husband, this must be such a difficult time for you both.

    I can be devastating to be told that treatment hasn't worked as expected and there is nothing more that can be done. Trying to process this news and what it means can take time.

    From what you have said it seems the cancer has continued to grow and spread to the liver whilst having the chemotherapy.

    Palliative care is about both controlling any symptoms a patient has and making sure patients have as good a quality of life for as long as possible. Sometimes there are palliative type treatments also available to try and prolong someone's life a little longer.

    If you haven't already had a discussion with the specialist team involved in your husbands care about other treatment, do just to make sure no stone has been left unturned.

    It can be difficult for anyone to predict how long someone may have towards the end of life. It is very individual and based on the stage and extent of the cancer as well as the general health of the person. A rough time frame can sometimes be given but this is usually based on the doctor experience of other patients who have been in a similar position.

    Likewise it is difficult to say exactly what will happen to your husband or what to expect as everyone really is different. Symptoms towards the end will be dependent on which organs are affected. Pancreatic Cancer UK have a page of information about symptoms at the end of life you may find helpful to read.

    I hope you are able to speak with one of the doctors or nurses directly involved in your husbands care soon.

    Please get back in touch if you would like to or if you prefer give us a call o 0808 800 4040, we're here weekdays 9-5.

    Wishing you both all the best

    Take care

    Naomi