Aa
What to do/expect?
My grandpa is in his mid 80s and he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last week. In this one week period he has lost a lot of weight, sleeps more often than usual, and seems to get a lot weaker by the day. The oncologist has suggested that a tube be put into him to clear the jaundice and that chemotherapy be done. However, I was wondering, if both are not done, about how much more time does he have? Also, will he continue to get weaker and weaker? Is there anything we can do to make him feel better?
Thank you for your help.
Hi again.
Did the surgeon discuss how the tube will be inserted? I believe there are different ways like placing it percutaneously, endoscopically, or open surgery. I think you should discuss this with his doctor.
The risks would depend on the surgical procedure that will be done, as well as the presence or absence of co-morbid conditions. The benefit of doing the procedure should outweigh the risks involved.
One suggestion in improving his nutritional status is by placing a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube. His food can be delivered through that route. Another would be by using parenteral nutrition. This is most applicable in the hospital setting.
Good luck.
Did the surgeon discuss how the tube will be inserted? I believe there are different ways like placing it percutaneously, endoscopically, or open surgery. I think you should discuss this with his doctor.
The risks would depend on the surgical procedure that will be done, as well as the presence or absence of co-morbid conditions. The benefit of doing the procedure should outweigh the risks involved.
One suggestion in improving his nutritional status is by placing a nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube. His food can be delivered through that route. Another would be by using parenteral nutrition. This is most applicable in the hospital setting.
Good luck.
Thank you. I appreciate your time. Sorry, I have one more question. What are the risks of putting in the tube if he is extremely weak now? Also, how will it help him? Strong enough to walk and possibly begin to gain wait? I'm really worried.
Hi.
It will be hard to tell exactly as to how much time your grandfather has should the plan to put a tube and do chemotherapy are put on hold. Patients with pancreatic cancer can continue to get weaker by the day.
I believe you should have a family conference to decide on your grandfather’s management. There is always a dilemma as to how aggressive the management would be in an elderly patient with pancreatic cancer. Patient’s comfort is of utmost importance if there will be no active intervention that is planned. Adequate nutritional support should be provided.
Take care.
It will be hard to tell exactly as to how much time your grandfather has should the plan to put a tube and do chemotherapy are put on hold. Patients with pancreatic cancer can continue to get weaker by the day.
I believe you should have a family conference to decide on your grandfather’s management. There is always a dilemma as to how aggressive the management would be in an elderly patient with pancreatic cancer. Patient’s comfort is of utmost importance if there will be no active intervention that is planned. Adequate nutritional support should be provided.
Take care.
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