Welcome to Cancer Chat Kaz although I'm sorry to hear about your parents and the situation you find yourself in.

I know you're looking for others to chat to so I've had a quick look around the forum and have found some members - [@elly60]‍ , [@Angela13]‍ and [@Sarah.ss] - who have joined recently that are in a similar situation and now that I've tagged them in this post I'm sure they will pop by when they get a chance to say hello and offer their support and advice. 

You can also join in on previous discussions about pancreatic cancer by using the 'search 'forum' option above.

Best wishes to you and your family, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi ,

My mum is 70 and was diagnosed in December with pancreatic cancer that has spread to her liver.We were told that her only option was chemo,but that in most cases this will only give her an extra couple of months.She decided not to have the treatment as she wanted to enjoy the time she had left and didnt want to feel poorly. She had a stent fitted which has help keep everything working as it should.She originally lost 2 stone and were were worried that this would be what stopped her living her life it she kept losing.Her pallative care nurse put her on a low dose steriod about 5 weeks ago and this has changed everything.she eats loads now and has lots of energy,she hasnt lost any weight in 5 weeks and is back to the mum she was.she doesnt have any pain either.Her nurse ring s regular to see if she needs anything,and is at the end of the phone if we need her.We dont know how long she has,but we have discussed life after she has gone and funeral arrangments.she feels better for sorting everything out,and i help my dad but taking mum out so he can going fishing and have time away from the "C" word.

If you every need to talk ,please dont hesitate to message me.

Angela x

hi my mum is 86 she hasnt had a definite diagnosis from the oncologist but our gp did tell us that was the problem

she went into hospital on her birthday with arm pain and jaundice,they did a ct scan and a ultrasound and found a blockage on her pancreatic head, they tried ercp to fit the stent but couldnt because the blockage was in the way so they had to do ptc(through the skin to fit the stent that way

her appetite is poor also, i give her small meals, and add cream and butter to everything and full fat milk

she has lost a stone so far but its only been a few weeks

the gp was great she put palliative care in place and they came and talked to us and then sent OT to get us what we needed to make her life easier, she now has a electric bed which is great no more straining my back to get her up x

Hi Angela,

My husband was diagnosed Jan 17 with duodenal cancer which we have been told is similar to pancreatic. He is 68, married for 45 Years with two sons.  He was given 2/3 months without chemo. He had a terrible few months, losing nearly 3 stone in weight and having three emergency hospital admissions. He, too, had a stent fitted.He started palliative chemo in February. 6 cycles planned  and he's just had his fourth. He had a recent scan and while the cancer hasn't spread any further it hasnt grown either, so we took that as good news. We knew He had mets to liver.

He has been on a fairly low dose (2mg) steroid for 4 weeks now and it has been like night and day. He's back to his former self and has put on 2 stone , is eating really well and has boundless energy. It s been amazing! However, from this week he is being weaned off them because of long term side effects- I'm dreading to think how he'll be with this.

The rollercoaster ride continues. I'm so glad you're mum is doing well , too. Best wishes to you xxx

HI,

The steriods are amazing,im not sure if there take mum off them as she isnt having any treatment we know that she only has limited time,so long term effects shouldnt really make any difference to her.They did say to her if you find there not working as well,stop them for a day or two then start again as this could give you a boast again,so far she hasnt had to do this.She is eating as much as she did before the cancer,there isnt any weight gain yet and im not sure if there will be any but we hope for a little.but all in all things are good at the moment.fingers crossed is stays this way for a while.

Im glad your husbands treatment is going well.and the weight gain will at least give him more power to fight and help deal with chemo.

keep well xx