My father-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. How long does that usually give someone to live?

Question

My father-in-law is 54. Relatively healthy aside from the cancer. They did a CT scan today and said that it is cancer and the mass is 5cm. It has attached itself to a blood vessel so they can't operate. At this point they are usure if it's spread. How long does someone live with pancreativ cancer?

Answer 1

I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Pancreatic cancer is almost always fatal within 3-6 months. Some people have a longer survival time depending on treatment, etc. But if they can't operate, the prognosis is usually not as good.

Answer 2

This is very unfortunate. Pancreatic cancer is very very bad. In virtually all cases it is terminal. The problem is that it is not diagnosed in the very very early stages where it is much easier and better to treat. The symptoms often mask themselves as indigestion, heartburn, or other problems that cause a delay in seeking treatment. I have had a family member and a close friend who were diagnosed with it. The family member lived maybe an additional 3 months, however, the close friend was diagnosed on the first of March, 2006, and by the 31st he was dead from it. So you can be sure that if it advanced and just diagnosed, it has spread. He will experience pain, and a noticeable decline in his health as the cancer spreads into other internal organs. There is no real treatment for the advanced stages - only in the early early stages. I am very sorry about this and my prayers will be with you, even though I do not know you, God does.

Answer 3

I am sorry to say but the prognosis for pancreatic cancer is not that good. There are usually no symptoms and by the time it is found it is usually too late. I guess the survival rate would depend on the treatment, whether or not he does chemo. I am sorry for your family as this a horrible cancer.

Answer 4

Do not focus on how long he has, instead concentrate on the quality of life. No one knows how long someone has to live and there is always hope.

You might want to locate support groups for pancreatic cancer and talk to other people (patient, families, caregivers) who are facing this disease. They usually have more current information to share.

PanCan
http://www.pancan.org/Patient/pals.html

The Pancreatic Cancer Support & Information eCommunity
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/pancreas-onc.html

Answer 5

That is a hard question to answer. Give him an alternative, tell him he can take emu oil gel caps. Emu oil kills cancer cells and is safe to take. I would suggest 3 tabs a day. One should always consult their doctor before trying anything new.