how much time?

Question

My Grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Sunday. She was severly jaundiced (not sure if I spelled it right). She had surgery this afternoon, called a bypass,(not related to the heart bypass). She was not a candidate for the whipple surgery, nor chemo or radiation. she is 90 years old. My father is being very vague about the time she has left, although i haven't come right out to ask, i have danced around it, he knows what i am trying to ask. All he said is that the doctor is optomistic. All the reasearch that I have done on this type of cancer said that the median range of survival for this, and this type of surgery giving her only comfort measures that it is only about 6 months. Anyone have any information to help. Thanks so much.l

Answer 1

I am a 5yr ovarian cancer survivor and have cared for others. from the things you posted it sounds like you are more real about this than your parents who sound like they are in partial denial.

What I would suggest to you is that you use the time you have as well as possible.
ask you grandmother about her life and write some of it down.
I asked mine what she remembered getting for Xmas and at first she demured saying they didn't celebrate it big then like we do now but eventually she confessed that she got a pair of roller skates at age 8 so now I picture her as a half grown girl on rollerskates.
also do up a family tree. and ask her to tell you all that she remembers from the past the things that stand out... whatever she reveals you will be glad to know.
all you can do now is to keep living till the end. Make as many special moments as you can.
tomorrow I will be finishing and painting ceramic bowls with my mom on my birthday and the things we will make will go to my daughter. making them on my birthday will be part of the story.
so just make things and do things and know she may be droopy and tired allot.
no one can predict the length of time but loving stimulation usually stimulates the immune system so all I can suggest is to love her and visit as often as possible.
the more everyone says all they need to say the easier the grief will be.

Answer 2

At your grandmother's age the prognosis isn't exactly wonderful. Part of the reason she can't have the other pocedures done is that she is so aged along with being very very ill. I would feel it's safe to say, based only on the infor you have provided, that six months is a good time frame. When the doctors are saying they are optimistic, that generally means they feel the procedure will go well and that she will survive the surgery itself. It' is not necessarily a prognosis for her overall health, but rather her health specific to this operation.

Answer 3

You are correct, 6 months is usually the norm. However many people who are strong willed do fight and live a little longer than this but usually no more than a year. Please take each day with your grandma you have left and make it extra special for both of you. Let her tell you stories about days gone by, share what is going on in your life but mostly just be there, if you are doing nothing but holding her hand. Your dad will also need you to be strong. I will say a prayer for you and your family.

Answer 4

my sister in laws mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in december and passed in May.....she was given 6 months.....unfortunately this type of cancer is one of the worst....seing that your grandmother is 90 treatment would be difficult........enjoy her for now....and spend as much time as you can with her......and try not to daunt on how much time she has....she has today....cherish it

Answer 5

They finally diagnosed my dad when he was really tired and jaundiced. He died about 5 months later. :-(

Answer 6

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