The nightmare so far....

[PCUK Nurse Jeni]

Hello AndAde,

Thank you for posting an update concerning your husband.
I am sorry to hear that the appointment was not positive for you both.

Can I ask whether he was commenced on anything for his appetite then? Although I appreciate you said it was only in the past few days which it has decreased - so it might not have been apparent then.

Certainly, AndAde, there are some options for his appetite - has he ever had steroids? If he is not diabetic, then steroids such as Dexamethasone are very good for a reduced appetite - they cause you to feel hunger. They are also very good for inflammation and pain, also nausea, and they also boost energy levels. So, its very likely that he would benefit on a number of fronts from some steroids.

Certainly, this is something which you can ask your gp about - and its possible that he will feel a lot better on these.

I hope that this is helpful? Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us - details are in the signature below.

Kind regards,

Jeni.

Jeni Jones
Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse
Support Team
Pancreatic Cancer UK
email: nurse@pancreaticcancer.org.uk
support line: 0808 801 0707

[Didge]

Hi AndAde, sorry to hear things are not good. I do hope some of the suggestions bring an improvement and he is in the percentage that the 2nd line chemo works for. I feel for the dog too! He must sense that his master isn't well. How sweet! Xx

[AndAde]

Adrian had steroids a couple of months ago. They worked brilliantly , and kick started his appetite again. He hasn't had any for about 4 weeks. He was very sick last night, so today I spoke to his palliative care nurse, who had been delighted with his progress, and she said he had to see our GP. The GP called this afternoon, she gave him a thorough examination and put our minds at rest. She thinks he might have a water infection or a problem with his salt levels, so we have nurses coming tomorrow to take blood, she's taken a water sample and wants a stool sample next time he goes!

This evening he seems to be improving, he ate some fillet steak and a few chips then sat downstairs with me for an hour, so I'm hoping its a bug that he is now recovering from, I'll let you know in the next few days xx

[Didge]

That roller coaster again. Fingers crossed things continue to improve x

[AndAde]

Good news on the chemo front, Adrian is coping well with the new regime.

He was weighed after the first cycle and he'd gained a pound so I was delighted!

The consultant is arranging another CT scan after 3cycles to see where we are. I just hope and pray its having a good effect for him.

I've had some technical issues, so I haven't been able to post for a while, but I have been reading the forum when I can. It keeps me sane xx

[PCUK Nurse Jeni]

Hello AndAde,

This is great news to hear - also good to hear that he has gained weight - its often a boost to patients.

Wishing Adrian great success for the CT scan.

Kind regards,

Jeni.
Jeni Jones
Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse
Support Team
Pancreatic Cancer UK
email: nurse@pancreaticcancer.org.uk
support line: 0808 801 0707

[AndAde]

Adrian has coped really well with the 2nd line chemo. So much so Dr Doom prescribed another 3cycles and said he had amazed her!!!

Today we've been for another scan. We're seeing Dr Doom tomorrow before chemo on Thursday, so we'll discuss with her when we can have the results.

Adrian is taking it all in his stride, I am far more worried than he is. But that's quite normal.

I'll keep you all posted xx

Andrea

[Veema]

Great that he's coping with the treatment, hearing these positives helps those new to the forum to understand that chemo isn't always that bad.

Good luck with the scan results, I felt that was the most anxious time waiting for results.

Vx

[AndAde]

What a mad few weeks we've had.

Adrian was admitted to hospital with an infection. He had intravenous antibiotics then was discharged with 3weeks of tablets. The day after he was discharged we had to go for the scan results, we were braced for bad news, but were amazed to be told the tumours in his lungs have shrunk and his lymph nodes were back to normal size!

This was the best news we could have hoped for, so we've had a pleasant Christmas, despite Adrian having a few 'not so good' days. Its all we can ask for.

Sending good wishes for the new year to all.

Andrea xx

[Didge]

That’s great news Andrea. Happy New Year! X

[Veema]

That's great news...at least you feel like the chemo is doing its job...makes it easier to put up with the rotten days.

Hope it continues.

Vx

[Wife&Mum]

Andrea, happy new year wishes to you and Adrian too!

May you have plenty more good news and good days in 2018.

Hubby and I were also blessed with many good days over the holidays. Back in the chemo suite today for another round of Gem/Abrax.

W&M xx

[sandraW]

That's great news Andrea, and great that you had many good days too W&M love sandrax xx

[AndAde]

Sorry I haven't posted for a while.....believe it or not we've been enjoying an almost normal life!!

Adrian had a scan in February. When we saw his oncologist she said she was amazed by Adrian, she wanted to stop treatment last summer, but he tolerated thee 2nd line treatment far better than the gem\abraxane, and his weight has gone from eight and a half stone up to ten stone! His reward has been 3months off chemo, which has been wonderful. He'll be scanned again in May, then we'll get the results 22nd May to find out what the next few months hold for us.

I still remember 8th December 2016 when we were told his cancer had returned and was considered palliative, never in my wildest dreams did I think he would still be here, but he is, and looking and feeling better than he has throughout 2017.

I hope this post offers a crumb of comfort to anyone who needs it xx

[Veema]

Lovely news...fingers crossed for the scan.

Vx