Pancreatic cancer with secondary liver cancer

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Hi I’m really asking a question that we know the answer to but need clarification of how quickly my dad will go worse.

He had pancreatic cancer diagnosed March 22, whipple procedure June 22. We then found out sept 23 that it had spread to the liver. He has had 13 rounds of chemo now and has started with pain in his stomach, travelling to his back and shoulder. Increasingly tired and lethargic. He can on odd days go out and isn’t losing weight at the moment.

i know that there is no timeframe but would like to know if we are getting towards the end, we know there is no cure but a timeframe of how things work would maybe give my mum some piece of mind.

any help would be appreciated

Michael H Macmillan over 1 year ago

Hi Pabs

Thanks for getting in touch.

My name is Michael, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

Here at Macmillan, we can give general advice and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records so can’t give personalised information.

As you have mentioned a new physical symptom of stomach pain, travelling to his back and shoulder, you need to reach out to his clinical team or GP for advice and support immediately. Please contact NHS 111, if they are not available.

I am so sorry to read about your dad’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis. It sounds like he has been through a great deal with his surgery and chemotherapy.

I imagine that coping with day-to-day life with advanced cancer is difficult and will have an impact on relationships.

It is only natural to want to know how long your dad may have to live, but unfortunately, we cannot comment on his prognosis, as everybody is an individual. We do however have general information on physical and emotional changes during the last few weeks of life that you might find helpful.

If your dad does not have access to a Macmillan palliative care nurse we would suggest asking for a referral to one from his cancer team or GP.

We also suggest asking for a family appointment, with either his consultant, clinical nurse specialist or GP to discuss your concerns and to explore what other support is available. They are best placed to discuss individual timeframes with you.

Sometimes talking with others in a similar situation can be helpful too, and we have 2 forums that may be supportive. The one for patients is the living with incurable cancer forum and we also have our family and friends forum.

You may find it helpful to talk to one of our nurses on the support line. Sometimes giving us a call can help. It’s a free phone number on 0808 808 0000 and we are here 7 days a week, 8am-8pm or email us.

I hope this information has been helpful, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Best wishes

Michael- Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: MH/SS

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Pancreatic cancer with secondary liver cancer