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Joined: 3/19/2009
Posts: 2
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My mother in-law was diagnosed w/stage 4 pancreatic cancer in April of 2007. The did a duct by-pass at that time, and she opted for no treatment. She was told in 02/09, that it is now in the liver and her cancer has changed and probably become more aggressive.
She has been very healthy except for bowl problems, they say from the by-pass. The only change in her diet has been an herbal drink called XANGO. She has done exceptionally well for the past 2 years. She has chosen not to have anymore CT's, could CK help her?
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Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 928
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It is unlikely that CK could be of much help although it is possible that one or more of the liver metastases could be treated. I would have her films and records reviewed at a CK facility near you for an expert opinion as to whether there would be any role for Cyberknife or other forms of intervention. Most likely she should receive chemotherapy for systemic disease.
Jerome J. Spunberg, M.D., FACR, FACRO
CyberKnife Center of Palm Beach
jspunberg@radiationoncologyinstitute.com
(561) 799-2828 Radiation Oncology Institute
10335 N. Military Trail, Suite C
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 624-1717
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Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2347
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Certainly several scans would be required, so if she if of a mind to not undergo any more scans, CK treatment would be impossible
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org
Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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Joined: 3/19/2009
Posts: 2
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I told her and she is opting no chemo, so thank you for the input,
She said she has had a very healthy 2 years from diagnosis and no treatment is probably going to do much good with 2 years time passing for the cancer to eat at her body.
I guess it was our big reach for a miracle. Again, thanks for your quick responses.
Patti
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Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 928
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Sometimes enough is enough...
Jerome J. Spunberg, M.D., FACR, FACRO
CyberKnife Center of Palm Beach
jspunberg@radiationoncologyinstitute.com
(561) 799-2828 Radiation Oncology Institute
10335 N. Military Trail, Suite C
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 624-1717
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Joined: 5/28/2009
Posts: 8
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Amen to that. I'm no doctor but watching what happened to my husband through his chemo would make me want to opt out too.
Diane
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Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 928
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Amen to that too.
Jerome J. Spunberg, M.D., FACR, FACRO
CyberKnife Center of Palm Beach
jspunberg@radiationoncologyinstitute.com
(561) 799-2828 Radiation Oncology Institute
10335 N. Military Trail, Suite C
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
(561) 624-1717
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Joined: 10/10/2008
Posts: 2347
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You should not throw out the baby with the bath water. Gemzar is an probably the single most effective chemotherapy option for pancreatic cancer. It is generally well tolerated, and in fact is frequently cited as one of the preferred drugs for the infirm and/or elderly because of its toxicity profile. However, a small number of people (<5%) will have serious hematological toxicity. For those patients, Gemzar is bad. For the other 95%, it is good. Unfortunately, we have no way at present of picking in advance who is going to have problems. So people who are considering Gemzar (or other chemotherapy) for pancreatic cancer (or any cancer) should be informed of the risks, but should not be overwhelmed by them. They should weight the value of prolonged life versus the risks of serious toxicity and make an informed decision, not a decision based on fear or anecdotes.
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
St. Anthony Hospital Cyberknife Center
(405) 272-7311
buddy@swrads.org
Mail to:
Clinton A. Medbery, III, M.D.
Southwest Radiation Oncology
1011 N. Dewey Ave. #101
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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