When pancreatic cancer spreads to another organ

[Dakota06]

My dad had Whipple surgery in May for pancreatic cancer.  At the time, he was informed that his cancer was Stage I.  He later had a CT scan and was told that it had spread to the duodenum and that he was now in Stage II.  He then successfully completed chemotherapy treatments without any illness or side effects and was actually out riding his motorcycle, mowing the lawn, and doing various additional activities around the house.  He also looks very healthy.  He just received the results from another CT scan and was told that his cancer has now spread to the liver and that there is a possible spot on his lung.  In addition, he was informed that his cancer is now Stage IV and that he is going to die.  He has opted to begin Gemzar treatments; however, he does not have much hope that it will help, particularly considering the doctor's diagnosis.  Is there any medical treatment, aside from Gemzar, that could prolong his life?  I am a Christian, and I know that God can heal my dad; however, I am wondering if there is any medical treatment that can help prevent the cancer from spreading further and causing him pain.


This discussion is related to Pancreatic Cancer that has spread. Continue treatment?.

[CalGal]

Dakota, at this point in time, I believe Gemzar is considered the appropriate method of treatment. But you may want to contact the GI unit in the nearest teaching university hospital to see if there are more updated protocols, or even experimental trials he may want to consider. Unfortunately, by the time cancer has spread into the lungs it means that it's been 'around' for awhile and has used numerous routes within the body to spread.

Pancreatic cancer is a notoriously very tough cancer to try to treat.

[CalGal]

Dakota, I don't know whether this 'fits' your dad, but look for an article in Reuter's Health Wire tha came out today with the title:" New Adjuvant Regimen Extends Survival After Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma."