u/jewwwels

Hi, my mum just had her oncologist appointment and was told she would be on gem/abrax for 6 months (3 weeks off / 1 week off).

She's had a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy mid May, recovered really well although very tired.

I've done so much research since then and was so certain she would be put on Folfirinox. I'm not sure if I feel relieved because the side effects might be less intense, or worried because Folfi has better survival outcomes.

I'm not sure what I'm after by writing here... maybe some reassurance than gem/abrax can have good success outcomes after surgery, or that it's still possible to go on Folfi if there is reoccurence, or that it was actually always to be expected for a 73F with hypertension and overweight....

I think I'm feeling a bit lost, as I had researched so much on Folfi and now feel as scared again as I was at the start...

One day at a time.

(I should add that she is in France)

Edit: sending warm thoughts and love to those who can't get surgery. I do know we are so lucky she could get surgery, and that many can't. Best wishes to everybody ❤️

My mum is due to start chemo in early to mid July and is still awaiting to know details of her specific treatment.

She is 73, had a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy mid-May with no complications, was back home after 6 days at the hospital, very very tired but is now getting better. She is overweight with high blood pressure (on medication for it), but otherwise in good health, no diabetes.

I've done a fair bit of research and it seems like Folfirinox may have better results when looking at research trials and data, but that's it's also very difficult on the body and mind. I've also read from research data that completing the 12 cycles is better, even with breaks or reduced dosage, rather than stopping it.

Although she is in relatively good health, my mum is not very active, doesn't walk much and doesn't work out. I've read some really bad experiences about side effects, etc. Just wondering if anyone has some less scary feedback on the treatment for a patient around the same age and condition as my mum, and if not, if they have any advice on how best to tackle it. I don't tell mum about everything I've been reading to not scare her before it actually starts, but i want to be super prepared to know how to best support her throughout. Also to prepare my siblings, so we can all be there with her as informed as possible.

Thanks in advance and best wishes to everyone ❤️

My mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year and had a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy on 12 May. Her tumour was 3cm and they removed 8 nodes, the biopsy found 1 of them positive. She is due to start chemo mid July for 6 months, not sure yet of the exact treatment (it will be every 12 weeks). I did a bit of research and found that the recommended minimum is 12 nodes to be removed. I was a feeling a bit more hopeful knowing only 1 node was found positive, but now realise it's probably not representative as only 8 nodes were removed.

We're still at the start of the journey and my mum is hopeful so far. I've read too much already and feel much less hopeful, but I don't tell her of course.

Wondering if anyone has any feedback on the number of nodes removed for the biopsy?

Thank you!