A little over four years ago my father (Darrell) was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. My entire family was in shock. My father comes from a very healthy family whose parents are still living. My Granddaddy is about to celebrate his 90th birthday on September 1st, and he is still driving, working and communicating! How can this be, how can someone so healthy be diagnosed with the fourth leading cancer killer? Just because.
My father was lucky he found his case early. He was able to undergo the Whipple Surgery and six months of chemotherapy. The surgeon came out of the operating room and said “We got it all, there is nothing left!” He was very optimistic that this would be the end of our journey. After six months of chemo my dad’s blood levels were great, he was above average. No signs of cancer anywhere. We all rejoiced.
Three years later the cancer came back with a vengeance. A small tumor was found on his lungs. A biopsy confirmed it was pancreatic cancer.When pancreatic cancer spreads to a distant organ it is said to be Stage 4B Cancer, which is the absolute worse stage. However, Darrell showed no other signs of cancer, his blood levels were not too bad and the tumor was quite small. the Doctor said he would classify Dad’s stage as being a 2. Whew, that’s good, right?
Since the tumor is pancreatic cancer removing it would not kill the cancer. Dad’s treatment was another six months of chemo and a study drug followed by radiation. Those six months were the hardest. After the radiation we were told the tumor had shrunk and was no longer defined and his blood levels were doing well. Everyone took a deep breath of relief. We felt as if we could conquer the world. Take that Pancreatic Cancer!
Fast forward five months. Dad has been coughing, pneumonia caused by the radiation, and his blood levels are elevated again. A CT scan shows no new tumors; however, the “undefined” tumor on his lungs is now defined. Damn!
We are past the point of asking “why”. Another six months of chemo started last week and the study drug he started a few weeks ago has already put him out of commission.
We need all of the prayers we can get right now. Let’s beat the odds! We can conquer this with faith. Darrell is a very strong man and has put up a great fight, it’s not over yet!
I agree with you – cancer sucks, especially pancreatic cancer. Your dad is quite a fighter and I hope and pray he continues to win his fight. We need more pancreatic cancer survivors.
My mom lived 349 days from the day she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer until the day she died. Her tumor could not be removed because of where it was located. She underwent several surgeries to “rewire” things and help relieve some of the side effects of the cancer, as well as radiation and chemo. I miss her and started a blog in her memory (http://peace4me521.wordpress.com).
I wish more could be done for pancreatic cancer. My family is walking for a second year in a row to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. So far our team has raised over $1,000. Last year I met a survivor and I hope to see her again this year. When I walk next Sunday, I will be thinking of your dad too.
Kathy