My daddy has pancreatic cancer

Hi There

 

Does anybody have any experience in pancreatic cancer? My dad was diagnosed in September, He had chemo for 3 months, his tumour of less than 2cm reduced in size by 20% but the surgeon still said he has 12 months left to live, and 18 months with surgery which he is not willing to give daddy as he said his tumour is too close to a main artery, The cancer is less than 2 cm I dont think its fair that they are condemming him so soon,

Oncologists are more positive telling daddy not to give up hope & are putting him on a course of radiotherapy for 5 weeks and chemo combined they will then re-scan him to see how hes doing, but i just want to know why are surgeons so blunt with the "you have no hope" conversation, when the cancer hasnt spread its so small, & dad is fit and there are options to further reduce the tumour, I am very upset over this I Cannot lose my dad, Should we get a second opinion? thank you any advice on pancreatic cancer is so welcome. Are there any survivors out there that got through this without a surgery? At the minute I am praying for a miracle.

  • Hello powerfairy,

    While waiting for someone to respond who may have direct or indirect experience of pancreatic cancer, I just wanted to welcome you to our lovely forum.

    We also have an information page on pancreatic cancer which you may find helpful. But if there is anything you want to ask, don't hesitate to ring our nurses' helpline. It's a free number 0808 800 4040 and their line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I can understand why you are feeling worried and if it helps you to ask for a second opinion, then you are definitely entitled to get one.

    Hopefully others with experience of pancreatic cancer will be along soon to share their own story with you!

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

     

  • Hi Powerfairy

    I don’t have pancreatic cancer but have been recently been looking into various procedures as a result of spread to my liver (I have advanced breast cancer).  The thing is that it is possible to use a procedure on the pancreas involving Nanoknife and this can be done close to arteries. The NHS don’t fund it – NICE have looked at it and it is clear it won’t become available any time soon.  You might like to google Nanoknife to read about it, there are also a few press articles.  It involves an overnight in hospital and is regarded as a safe procedure.  I hope this helps.