Cancer Support
Related: About this forumMy sister was diagnosed with stage4 pancreatic cancer.
The Internist who first diagnosed her said 2 - 4 months. She has had 2nd and 3rd opinions. She tried chemo, but 5FU was as bad as it sounds. Its been less than one and a half months, today they used the word hospice. So Ill be going up to see her next week, for what probably will be her last birthday. She has no appetite, and doesnt like the taste of wine anymore. Cant think of a thing to give her, but wish it were more time. She lived such a clean life, I dont think she even drank a glass of wine until she was 50. As a breast cancer survivor, youd think Id have a clue, but all I can think to do is just be there. If anyone has experience with this cancer and knows what might work for appetite or even liquids she might enjoy, please comment.
still_one
(96,314 posts)through
cate94
(2,880 posts)SummerSnow
(12,608 posts)I gave her a veggie and fruit diet, whole grains and kept her hydrated. I also gave her small meals , no greasy foods or heavy foods. Mostly foods that were easy to digest. im truly understand what you are going through. So sorry for what your sister is going through. (((hugs)))
cate94
(2,880 posts)Going to look for recipes that might be tasty. I know it isnt much for the long run, but might helps little bit.
SummerSnow
(12,608 posts)Ill check it out!
sheshe2
(87,164 posts)Just give her a hug and love for her birthday.
cate94
(2,880 posts)sinkingfeeling
(52,962 posts)are available for that type of cancer or not, but I do know that hospice will allow your sister to leave this world in peace and dignity.
I'm so sorry for her and you.
cate94
(2,880 posts)Ill do some research. I think it may be too late, but Ill give it a look. Thanks.
ploppy
(2,176 posts)Being with your sister is the greatest gift.
I hope it makes a day or two a little better.
gay texan
(2,833 posts)cate94
(2,880 posts)SCRUBDASHRUB
(7,258 posts)cate94
(2,880 posts)Liberty Belle
(9,608 posts)Pancreatic cancer is usually a poor prognosis but some beat the odds including Ginsburg.
Good luck to your sister.
cate94
(2,880 posts)And if RBG did it, it might give us all some hope.
cpamomfromtexas
(1,324 posts)MuseRider
(34,346 posts)If I was in her place that would be all I wanted, a family member with me.
My experience was my dad but it was in 1973 when I was 19. He turned jaundiced one day, was dead in 14 days. Nothing could be done back then. He had apparently not felt well for a while and had not told anyone. There are more things they can do now, I am certain they will offer what they can.
I sat with my brother for a month as he died. He was so grateful and I was as well to have the honor to see him safely out of this world. It is not easy and I am so sorry you have to go through this. I am also sorry she does as well.
Take care of yourself as you go through this.
cate94
(2,880 posts)Fortunately, her kids live nearby and they are adults. They will be there, even when I cant be...and my experiences have been similar to yours, so I know your words are true. I appreciate your support and good thoughts.
I dont want to lose another sibling, knowing it is inevitable, I hope my sister has the least pain possible. I think the thing that freaks me out the most is the speed this has progressed and she didnt drink at all until she was in her 50s, and never excessively. Seems so unfair. Sorry, Im rambling.... Ill do the best I can for her and my nieces.
MuseRider
(34,346 posts)and all your family.
About the drinking, my father probably did not drink 5 drinks in his life. He did not handle alcohol well and was not all that fond of it anyway. His was exposure to chemicals.
You have this but I would certainly listen if you need to talk to someone outside of it all.
Take good care of yourself.
LoisB
(8,501 posts)central scrutinizer
(12,439 posts)It was about the only thing my wife could tolerate. She had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Ice cream plus methadone gave her a couple extra quality months. I know how hard this is.
cate94
(2,880 posts)I have wondered if milk shakes might work.
Im sorry for your loss.
central scrutinizer
(12,439 posts)Buy the richest, most delicious and be ready for 2 AM trips to the kitchen.
LisaM
(28,522 posts)Her time from prognosis was about 9 months, which she lived to the fullest, but it wasn't enough. It's a terrible cancer. I hope you can find some food she'll eat.
Adding: that Im sorry for your loss. I know it is hard losing a friend. sorry for my thoughtlessness. Probably to early for me to be responding...
LisaM
(28,522 posts)If you said anything "thoughtless" (doubtful) I missed it.
cpamomfromtexas
(1,324 posts)We found a book that said being in ketosis and fasting before chemo helps avoid side effects.
The book that references this is the longevity diet.
Today his doctor told him he doesnt look like he is in chemo. But he needs to stop losing weight.
cate94
(2,880 posts)She hasnt been able to eat anything much for sometime. Im glad your husband is able to tolerate the chemo, I hope it stays that way for him. Good luck.
alfredo
(60,132 posts)Ive been using it for going on 3 years, but mine goes through a tube.
My Brother in law died from Liver cancer. They gave him palliative care.
cate94
(2,880 posts)She was pissed at first, but it gave her some freedom for a couple of weeks. Hospice got her a wheelchair she didnt have time to use. That quick and she is gone. Its fast was one of the last things she said to me. Too fast. Too damn fast.
cpamomfromtexas
(1,324 posts)Now doing alternative. We are medical refugees outside country. Results are good.
We are going to start Fenbendazole
Look up Joe Tippens at this website if it interests you. They are about to start trials on it.
cate94
(2,880 posts)She tried 5fu. It didnt work for her and it was too late for the whipple procedure. She died in December. I wish you the best.