Pancreatic cancer stage 4, should I bother with 6 months of chemo at all?

I'm so sorry to hear of the updated findings of your examinations. You must be so very distressed and despondent. It doesn't seem to include the other words I heard with my brothers diagnosis. "Palliative" chemo. Which I think gave him impression it was well spread and yet would give him time. My bro went for chemo pre covid he was 76. He had little symptoms. Tiredness was all he felt lasting 3 days but was up on his feet again after that. Covid lock downs he let his chemo appointments slide and finally decided at feeling his very best didn't want any more. It may have been a fear in continuing. It's got to be such a pers decision. 

I've read that meds are given, prev nausea and tailor applied. So many have wrote positively. Given them confidence to carry on. A good chat to your specialist on "if it were you, what would you do" may get the response and confidence or assurance better 

So many on here, I have read about chemo which has shown great results and diminished sizes etc. Some have had chemo treatment for years up to 5 years I recently read, and they write still on this site,  still with active live. 

Some going thro whipple then recovery. As did my bro did. I often think if he had stayed with chemo he would have had longer, as his chemo really didn't knock him for 6 as we all had believed. In my bros case 21 months, up to last four weeks he was still daily active too. 

I hope some will append their thoughts. 

The answer to that is  (who really knows). I can only tell you our journey but then every journey is different. My husband has inoperable pancreatic cancer and he decided to go ahead with  treatment. His decision was on the basis of (lets see if I can tolerate this treatment). I wont pretend the diagnosis didnt spiral us both into unimaginable shock and pain. Then that shock turned into treatment and that treatment turned into routine and that routine into acceptance. Ultimately that whole journey opened up a  whole new perspective through meeting others on their chemo joiurney. He is now on his 11th cycle of chemotherapy and their are times when he is incredibly tired and weary, but also he has bee pain free and has no other symptoms. We have learned to manage our expectations and whist the cancer has not shrunk ,it also has not grown.We continue because the chemo has been managable  but thats not the case for everyone.Phsyically who knows if this is going to be effective. Mentally through this journey he has met staff and patients who have inspired him and helped him through difficult times. I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I know how hard that news is to absorb but the journey you choose has to be yours alone but whichever route you choose you will not be alone

Minnessa

Im  hoping you and your you your husband have a peaceful new year and thanks for your reply . 11 rounds of which drug regime can I ask ? Is that every two weeks ! Can he still get out and about ? Walk and enjoy life ? It’s tough  on you . I am worried for my daughter that she can’t cope looking after me and seeing me so ill! It doesn’t seem fair in her to put her through all the appointments etc xx

Hi my husband has been on Folirinox as part of a chemo regime, every 2 weeks. Its a regime some people tolerate and others not so well. After each of his chemo rounds he has been given anti sickness medications and thankfully he has never had any nausea or vomiting. He has had the odd episode of diarrohea but its quickly rectified with medications. The hardest thing has been for about 4/5 days after the chemo he feels dreadfully tired and lehargic, but that means he rests more. We go out for walks and drives and still enjoy that,  but we are mindful of how he is feeling. He is not as active as he was before chemo, but we always looked at the bigger picture knowing  that chemo will finish at some point. We only have 1 more round  now. I think a good thing to consider is that we have a review every 2 weeks with the Oncologist who talks through any side effects,  sometimes the blood results have been worrying and the Oncologist has delayed the chemo to allow time to recify those issues.Another time we asked for a delay as we were going away a week and wanted to enjoy that time without side effects.  Most important of all is that you are in control and if you decided that chemotherapy is not for you then its totally your choice.I completly understand your worries about your  daughter. Our daughter has been an amazing support to us but I am always mindful of how she feels. I think being totally honest with each other about  worries or concerns helped. The start of this journey was by far the hardest and was dictated by  hideous fear and shock at the diagnosis.My heart goes out to you because I know how scary everything must still feel. You are never alone, their are so many supportive organisations out there.Do reach out to them because they are a wealth of knowledge and more important than that its being able to freely express your fears and having someone listen. That is priceless.I hope  that in time you will naigate a way forward but you will have lots of support from the Oncolofist on your way. My thought are with you.

I moved in with my bro on his diagnosis, not knowing how much 'care' he would require. 

He was give 6 month plan of " Gemcitabine" applicable to his age (76) and his first one (after having 3 months recovery on, from his Wipple op. He was at his appointment with lovely reassuring nurses around him. His blood test gave him the ok to have it. He was examined and questioned on his health how he felt etc /condition. He came out fine, weary, but no nausea no sickness. Toileting fine. He just was tired. Flopped around for few days. By day 4 he attended his normal 2 hr weekly dancing class. 

The other 3 appointments (following months),  were the same. One app was knocked back due to his blood test on the day.  It has to be very mentally anxious too, the whole process. The system has much improved now than it was 26 years prior (when our parent had "chemo"). 

One session no5  he came home shivering all night. Felt very hot. High temp. No sickness. I spent most of my assisting preparing his meals. Did huge researches on foods, vitamins, etc gained lots of knowledge on ths site. He was taking pancreatic tablet supplements with food (4)- with each meal to assist his digestion.

He was lethargic - floppy, but good again after day 3/4. Back to his dancing class/driving, socialising. 

Covid arrived and halted the next app. With Covid lock downs then he was content and decided, he didn't want any more chemo. 

Each day the Dr's find new approaches. (YouTube Kay Kays pancreatic cancer video describes her treatments) 

The results of treatment are diff for each person. 

Stay positive. Stay on the site. It's valued by those involved with this trauma. 

Thanks guys, you experience is helping me make  to choose and does offer support

I know everything must feel huge and overwhelming  for you right now. If Im honest I think I began grieving right at the moment of hearing the diagnosis. When you get a  diagnosis of cancer it is huge and it takes time to even just absorb that. When it is inoperable it takes more time to just absorb what that really means. If Im honest there are days that are really hard but with time  there is a level of acceptance. We dont ask for things like life expectancy because even doctors can never be accurate. We decided to try treatments offered and accept that chance if it was tolerable. It really is a road no one wants to travel, but travel you must and on that journey you will find route best for you. During my partners chemotherapy there have been times when its felt almost healing just being able to share our experience with others and hear their stories. Give yourself time just to absorb the news you have been given. Then taqke the time you need to find the best way forward.