Pancreatic cancer

I have a family member diagnosed with Pamcreatic cancer and just started Folfirinox. Hoping if it works to have Whipple surgery. Loperamide not doing a great deal to stop the loose stools just slowing them down. He is also very tired. We are a week into the two week cycle. Is this normal?

  • Hello I-am-groot, 

    I am sorry to hear about your family member's pancreatic cancer diagnosis. There is information on our website on Folfirinox including on the possible side effects you might encounter and it is worth flagging the loose stools and tiredness to their medical team so that they are aware of how the treatment is affecting your family member. Do ask as well whether it is normal to experience these issues a week into the two week cycle and if you want to talk things through at any point with one of our cancer nurses, you can get in touch with them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that you will hear from others here who have had the same treatment and suffered similar issues and if your family member was to have surgery, you might be interested in reading the information we have on our website on surgery for pancreatic cancer. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator