THE JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
Pancreas Cancer Web
JAMES (MY WIFE JOYCE)
My wife, Joyce, is 59. Between us we have 5 kids and 7 grandchildren (one of
whom we raised and is now off to college). She was dx in Nov. 98 with
nonresectable PC, evidence of mets to the lymph nodes. She started on Gemzar
almost immediately, but was unable to keep on weekly treatments, so was put
on an every other week schedule. She also started a complementary treatment
of aggressive diet and supplements recommended by the Block clinic near
Chicago. A Ct scan in April showed no change in the tumor and no evidence of
further mets. The side effects of the Gemzar increased over time, affecting
her quality of life to the point that she decided to quit chemo. Her last
chemo was 5 weeks ago (today being 8-1-99). Right now, the pain level has
been increasing, and that is scary. Joyce is more afraid of the pain than
she is of dying. Her first husband died at the age of 42 to brain cancer,
and those images haunt her. And, of course, she worries about the effect of
this on the children and grandchildren, especially if she declines.
Otherwise, she is upbeat and optimistic, hopeful of beating the odds (in some
ways even 9 months is beating the odds), and relying a lot on prayer and
scripture -- as well as diet and supplements. Her energy level has been very
low, but she has been able to do a lot of the things that she loves to do.
And I have become the cook in a big way. Thankfully, I have a lot of
flexibility with my job (my boss is very understanding) so I am able to spend
a lot of time with her and taking care of things at home.
Posted 08/01/1999 01:02 pm by james
E-mail Address: jamavin@aol.com
Return to Main Message List
Responses
No replies on file.
*DISCLAIMER: This page is an unmoderated forum, and the opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Patients are advised to consult their personal physicians before making any medical decisions.
FULL DISCLAIMER
Pancreas Home |
Surgical
|
Medical |
Basic Sci |
Docs |
Registry |
FAQ |
Appts |
Chat
Feedback | Pathology Home | Oncology Center Home Copyright © 2021 The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MarylandLast Modified: 11/11/2002 10:50 am