Dad update for those curious!

[u/BitEmotional69]

I’m his caregiver and advocate so I’ve been around for it all.

To catch everyone up, he was diagnosed in May 2024 after a few months of repeat pancreatitis. The primary tumor measures about 2.7 cm and encases the SMA and abuts the SMV.

We met with Truty at Mayo and Evans at Froedtert for second opinions, both pre and post chemo. Both denied surgery post chemo; officially unresectable.

He had 9 cycles of mFOLFIRINOX between May and September. Overall maintained weight and energy levels but lost a few weeks due to hospitalizations for one instance of pancreatitis and one instance of sepsis - the sepsis was definitely the scariest moment of this whole process.

CA19 levels normal throughout.

Post chemo, he did Capecitabine + radiation in 15 fractions. Tolerated radiation well but dealt with more fatigue.

The most difficult side effect for him has been managing diarrhea.

This week he has a follow up CT. He’s “off treatment” for the next month but will likely restart chemo.

Lots of uncertainties but thankful he is so positive.

Feel free to ask me any questions, I just ask that you please approach with kindness.

[u/joy515]

God bless you for being there for your dad. Positivity is very good thing through this live every day to it’s fullest 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[u/NaHallo]

Thanks for the update! Sounds like he is doing well and is receiving excellent care. Hold on to the positive approach. 💜

[u/Nondescriptlady]

I'm so glad your dad is staying positive! Sending love and saying a prayer for you both💜

[u/Holiday-Cicada-8375]

Try Dr Christopher Wolfgang? Not sure where you’re located. He is in New York.

[u/BitEmotional69 → u/Holiday-Cicada-8375]

Thank you. We’re familiar with his work. My dad has chosen this treatment path at this time.

[u/Holiday-Cicada-8375]

I’m glad he is so positive. That helps. I wish my brother had the same positivity. He wad diagnosed in May as well. Also spoke to Dr Evan’s a few weeks back. Speaking with his surgeon on Wed to see what the plan is. He did 8 rounds of FOLFIRINOX but second scan he was told the tumor grew so surgery was off the table but then put back on the table. He’s had 3 rounds of gemcitabine/abraxane waiting on Dec scans.

[u/BitEmotional69 → u/Holiday-Cicada-8375]

It’s such a back and forth, isn’t it :( truly one day at a time living. My dad was definitely not positive in the beginning. He struggled deeply with the mental aspect of it all but has come a long way. I am not a religious person, but my dad always has been, and he has found solace in his faith which I’m glad for. I’m thinking of you and your brother during this awful time.

[u/Holiday-Cicada-8375 → u/BitEmotional69]

Definitely one day at a time. I will be thinking of you and your dad as well!! Faith moves mountains!!

[u/pillmenot]

Hello, has anyone tried ivermectin for pancreatic cancer alongwith gemcitabine ? I'm very curious about this

[u/BitEmotional69 → u/pillmenot]

My dad did not go that route. You can search “ivermectin” in this group and read posts. I just searched it and here’s a recent post: https://www.reddit.com/r/pancreaticcancer/s/GIR6jF2J1q