Has unresectable pancreatic cancer, tumor encompassing celiac artery. On radiation and chemo for 6 weeks, due for CT scan.  Prognosis?
Patient: My husband has unresectable pancreatic cancer toward the tail of his pancreas.  The tumor has encompasses his celiac artery.  He has had 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy.  He will have his CT scan next week to see if anything has changed.  I know the chances of it being resectable are unlikely.  His oncologist will probably put him back on chemo using Gemzar.  His previous chemo was 5FU.  What would you say is his prognosis?  Could the cancer have spread during his "rest" period?  Is his life expectancy measured in months or years and will Gemzar be worth taking rather than living a better quality of life?  Thank you. Doctor: Hi and thank you so much for this query.I am so sorry to hear about what your husband is going through right now. It must be a very difficult moment for him and the entire family. Take heart and accompany him as he battles this cancer.His life expectancy is measured in months. This cancer has a very poor prognosis. The decision to treat or not will come from him depending on what he prefers. I understand it is a very difficult decision to make but then, tough times call for tough measures.Treatment should be focused on relieving him of his pains and ensuring good nutrition> Discuss chemotherapy/radiotherapy and the decision to treat with his physician.Hope this helps. Wish him the best of outcomes.If you have more questions, please feel free to ask us.Dr. Ditah, MD