Had whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer, still having diarrhea issues. How to reduce tumor markers?
Patient: My husband had the Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer and still has diarrhea issues 8 months later. He lost 60 lbs and is gaining it back slowly. On TPN food bags for the last 2 months and still on them and I would like to start using a juicer for him but don't know what fruits or veggies to use for this type of cancer. Presently his CA19-9 tumor markers are at 160 after surgery they were at 24. This concerns me. Any ideas to get those tumor markers down? He has already gone through the radiation and chemo treatments.     Thank you.   Dawn Skiba Doctor: Hi and thank you so much for this queryI am so sorry to hear about this persistent diarrhea and the rising tumour markers. The rising tumor markers mean that the tumor was not completely removed and nothing else can be done to address this at this time. It is rather unfortunate but a majority of persons with incompletely excised pancreatic cancer would most likely not be alive after 6months. There is nothing that can be done about this diarrhea as it is due to digestive secretions that flow through especially bile. About starting a juicer, talk to his treating doctor to give his accord.I hope this addresses your query fully. Thank you so much for patronizing our services and please do feel free to ask for follow up clarifications and information if need be. I wish you the best of health.Dr. Ditah, MD.