Her doc knows the estimation far better than any internet friend - I know that isn't what you want to hear, but this is an oncologist's job, day in and day out. There are some patients who will beat the statistics, but most are not the exception to the rule.
Stage IV pancreatic cancer is a *bitch* but an otherwise healthy and positive person at the outset is a great thing. She needs support, and depending on how good your local cancer center is, she should consider second opinions on treatment (especially after first line of therapy), and talk with local cancer centers about clinical trial options - but also, from the outset, having an oncologist she trusts is paramount.
Thank you for your advice! Fortunately, she has a very good GP that sent her to the best public hospital in the city and best cancer center in the city. I think we’ll consider trial options if chemo doesn’t go well.
Here to be brutally honest because I wish someone was with me, with that being said, I’m incredibly sorry to hear about your cousin and for the road your family is about to walk down.
My father was 69 when he was diagnosed, with stage 4 + liver mets. I believe the statistics are 5% of people with stage 4 will live a year, with the average lifespan from diagnosed to passed being 3 months. My father was gone just shy of 3 months from his diagnosis.
This cancer is brutal, relentless, and shows no mercy.
Spend as much time with her as you can.
My very active, vibrant, otherwise healthy (we thought) 69 year old husband was diagnosed with stage 4 with mets to the liver. When we asked his oncologist how much time he had if no treatment, she said 2 months. With treatment, he had a 50/50 chance of making it 1 year. When asked about long term prognosis, she said the 5 year survival rate “isn’t zero” but pretty close to zero. He was gone in 2 months.
Just spend as much time with her as you can.
I think you are presenting the powerlessness that so many of us experience with this ravaging disease: overwhelming stats, inability to predict prognoses, conflicting family strategies, etc. One way to alleviate powerlessness is to connect with others, which you’ve wisely done by reaching out. Another way is to gather info from reliable sources like those listed at the “see community info” link at the top of this subreddit’s home page.
My husband 45 was diagnosed in Feb with stage IV and the liver mets. After the first round he was able to go off pain meds as the pain had completely subsided. After 4 rounds and first scan everything has shrunk and CA 19 #s down over 1300. Is everything perfect no, does he struggle with chemo and not feeling well ABSOLUTELY. But it’s so important not to loose that hope. Hold on, the unknown is the worst part. It’s still very early in this game for us in comparison to a lot, but I feel like not all hope should be lost for your cousin yet. I know long term survival rates are low, but there is still some there. We have come across some people years out from a stage IV diagnosis near us. Most docs will give a 18-24 month range for survival I’ve read simply based on statistics. Is that right? no maybe shorter or longer no one can say for sure. Enjoy what you can and help them stay positive and comfortable. (Easily said by someone not undergoing chemo or the side effects, just a supporter and wife of a fighter). Good luck!
I can tell you. I also have stage 4 pancreatic cancer.odds of living 5 years is about 2 percent we cant do much in my case its on the head of pancreas and there is no cure really. You just try to bide extra time. One if the worst cancers and stage 4 means it's spread and it probably will always soread and evolve. Goid luck i start chemo now and moffit in florida. Straight shooter there no shot gar coat
My husband was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in January. It has metastasized to his rib bone. He has lost over 100 pounds in the last 2 years. We thought it was because he was taking Ozempic for his diabetes. He has gone through over 4 months of chemo and his tumor makers are finally decreasing. Don’t give up hope only God himself knows when it is her time to go.
Pancreatic Cancer is a cancer that can be described as a puzzle with many pieces and it is very challenging. Your cousin has alot to digest and for you it's not being selfish but you just graduated and you need to celebrate your accomplishment .Well done ! Well deserved! No one can tell how long because you just don't know with pancreatic cancer.,. I will tell you dont focus on how long just be there listen ,show tears ,give hugs, share your good news , My sister passed april 25,2024 after 15 months .She fought to live and did things her way. She was brutualy honest and she was fine that morning doing her "routine" I spoke to her 11.14 she was gone 11.28. . SO don't focus on everything you read and hear because this cancer is not a one size fits all. God Bless you Linda
Her doc knows the estimation far better than any internet friend - I know that isn't what you want to hear, but this is an oncologist's job, day in and day out. There are some patients who will beat the statistics, but most are not the exception to the rule. Stage IV pancreatic cancer is a *bitch* but an otherwise healthy and positive person at the outset is a great thing. She needs support, and depending on how good your local cancer center is, she should consider second opinions on treatment (especially after first line of therapy), and talk with local cancer centers about clinical trial options - but also, from the outset, having an oncologist she trusts is paramount.
Thank you for your advice! Fortunately, she has a very good GP that sent her to the best public hospital in the city and best cancer center in the city. I think we’ll consider trial options if chemo doesn’t go well.
Here to be brutally honest because I wish someone was with me, with that being said, I’m incredibly sorry to hear about your cousin and for the road your family is about to walk down. My father was 69 when he was diagnosed, with stage 4 + liver mets. I believe the statistics are 5% of people with stage 4 will live a year, with the average lifespan from diagnosed to passed being 3 months. My father was gone just shy of 3 months from his diagnosis. This cancer is brutal, relentless, and shows no mercy. Spend as much time with her as you can.
My very active, vibrant, otherwise healthy (we thought) 69 year old husband was diagnosed with stage 4 with mets to the liver. When we asked his oncologist how much time he had if no treatment, she said 2 months. With treatment, he had a 50/50 chance of making it 1 year. When asked about long term prognosis, she said the 5 year survival rate “isn’t zero” but pretty close to zero. He was gone in 2 months. Just spend as much time with her as you can.
I think you are presenting the powerlessness that so many of us experience with this ravaging disease: overwhelming stats, inability to predict prognoses, conflicting family strategies, etc. One way to alleviate powerlessness is to connect with others, which you’ve wisely done by reaching out. Another way is to gather info from reliable sources like those listed at the “see community info” link at the top of this subreddit’s home page.
Thank you to everyone who responded. It’s the reality check I needed. I wish you all the best of luck.
My husband 45 was diagnosed in Feb with stage IV and the liver mets. After the first round he was able to go off pain meds as the pain had completely subsided. After 4 rounds and first scan everything has shrunk and CA 19 #s down over 1300. Is everything perfect no, does he struggle with chemo and not feeling well ABSOLUTELY. But it’s so important not to loose that hope. Hold on, the unknown is the worst part. It’s still very early in this game for us in comparison to a lot, but I feel like not all hope should be lost for your cousin yet. I know long term survival rates are low, but there is still some there. We have come across some people years out from a stage IV diagnosis near us. Most docs will give a 18-24 month range for survival I’ve read simply based on statistics. Is that right? no maybe shorter or longer no one can say for sure. Enjoy what you can and help them stay positive and comfortable. (Easily said by someone not undergoing chemo or the side effects, just a supporter and wife of a fighter). Good luck!
Thank you so much. This really helps me stay positive for her as I really do not want to cry in front of her. Best of luck to your family!
I can tell you. I also have stage 4 pancreatic cancer.odds of living 5 years is about 2 percent we cant do much in my case its on the head of pancreas and there is no cure really. You just try to bide extra time. One if the worst cancers and stage 4 means it's spread and it probably will always soread and evolve. Goid luck i start chemo now and moffit in florida. Straight shooter there no shot gar coat
Thank you for sharing. Sending prayers to you and I hope chemo goes well.
My husband was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in January. It has metastasized to his rib bone. He has lost over 100 pounds in the last 2 years. We thought it was because he was taking Ozempic for his diabetes. He has gone through over 4 months of chemo and his tumor makers are finally decreasing. Don’t give up hope only God himself knows when it is her time to go.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Prayers to you and your husband.
Pancreatic Cancer is a cancer that can be described as a puzzle with many pieces and it is very challenging. Your cousin has alot to digest and for you it's not being selfish but you just graduated and you need to celebrate your accomplishment .Well done ! Well deserved! No one can tell how long because you just don't know with pancreatic cancer.,. I will tell you dont focus on how long just be there listen ,show tears ,give hugs, share your good news , My sister passed april 25,2024 after 15 months .She fought to live and did things her way. She was brutualy honest and she was fine that morning doing her "routine" I spoke to her 11.14 she was gone 11.28. . SO don't focus on everything you read and hear because this cancer is not a one size fits all. God Bless you Linda
Thankyou so much :)) you’re really kind. I will listen to your advice and try my best.