My husband of 45 years died of Pancreatic Cancer a year an six months ago. He has no family history of PC; his sister had breast cancer (she is 77 and well) and his mother had bone cancer but lived to be 99 years old. His doctor said that he had probably had the cancer for six years when he died. Death was 8 months from diagnosis.

With that in mind the symptoms he experienced and that did not lead to an early diagnosis were: night sweats, additional flatuance that had a new and particular smell, excellerated ageing; loss of stamina and lack of drive to accomplish things later in the disease. He had previously been a hard driven man who exercised religeously. His was mid-pancreas in the mucosa, thus no diabetic or acid overload from proteins not being digested to warn of the Pancreas being involved. The final symptom prior to diagnosis was severe pain when he laid down to sleep that originated in the area just below his sternum and went through to his back. After his doctor did the normal and unnecessary tests for digestive ailments, anuresum and gall bladder he found the Pancreas cancer on a very expensive PET scan. When asked why he did not do this test earlier he sited insurance protocol. We never once asked him to spare us expense in finding out what caused the pain. We could have and would have paid in cash; we finally insisted on the PET and agreed to pay if the insurnace would not. I mention this to encourage you to always make it clear to the diagnostician that you are demanding that he RULE OUT what ever disease you are trying to get treatment for as soon as you suspect that you know what it is, especially if it might be cancer. Early diagnosis is the only card you have to play.

Why is it today, most Dr.’s seem so apathetic? It just seems if you are over a certain age, or your condition is a challenge or for some “mysterious” reason, most Dr.’s don’t want to be bothered, let alone go the extra mile to really help?

My mother ate right, exercised, didn’t smoke, did not have diabetes, saw her doctor regularly, and was a white female. No one in our family has had pancreatic cancer, but she died from it three months and one day after they found an elivated alkilyne level when doing routine blood work.

I’m sorry for your pain and your loss. My wife of 26yrs. died from the disease in 2004, after suffering, and nearly disintegrating for 13 months after diagnosis. Pancreatic Cancer, because of it’s hidden location amongst so many other organs, etc., that the initial pains always seem to be from these other areas, even a backache that Janet had for months. So, not knowing to be agressive (she hadn’t been to a dr. for 17 yrs.), they did useless xrays, ct scans, and even mri’s looking at her back. Needless to say, by the time they realized what they were dealing with, it was wrapped around everything in that area. We were at one of the finest hospitals (Mass General in Boston), and they, at first didn’t know what to do. That particular Cancer is probably the only Cancer that they cannot give success rates. I survived lung cancer in 96, and even that had a percentage of people who survived and beat it. Pancreatic Cancer’s first discussion with the Drs. at Mass General, was simply…we can’t save you, but with intense treatment, maybe you’ll make it 2 yrs. The worst part of it was the fact that they were so casual telling this lady she was going to die. I’m sure we were just one of many for them that day, but they have gotten so cold about it, I was furious. But, at this point, Pancreatic Cancer should get the most financing for learning about it, because they’ll be very honest and tell you they don’t have a clue as how to cure it. A Nationwide, Non-profit group of volunteers should be activated to raise as much money for this as we can. I would be happy to be an organizer and volunteer, and could get a lot of help on this. We just need to know how to be sure that the funds end up at the correct destination. I’m sorry to have taken so much of your time, but when I read your post, having been there,I could feel your pain and anger. And when I started writing, I guess some of my own came back, as you could probably tell. God Bless and carry on. As parents, it’s all we ever wanted for our kids, so take the fond memories and bring them to the front of your thoughts, and we’ll be fine. It is what they would want.
I’m Bob Terrill, and I thank you for listening
robbo4441@yahoo.com

I was diagnosed in November of 2005-jaundice was the clue. Tumor removed in December of 2005. Chemo in 2006, Radiation and chemo in 2007, Another chemo in 2008 (useless) I am now on my 6th chemo (abraxane)which so far is promising. In the past 4 years I have never really felt sick. We travel overseas without problems. G-d and my oncologist have been good to me.Always be proactive in your treatment and never give up.