The most common type of pancreatic cancer is an exocrine tumor called adenocarcinoma. About 9 out of 10 people with pancreatic caner have this type of cancer and this is what Larry was diagnosed with in July. About 7 percent of pancreatic tumors are neuroendocrine tumors (pancreatic NETs or PNETs), also called islet cell tumors. They often grow slower than exorine tumors and the prognosis is better because they are treatable.
Today we received some very shocking news. We have waited eight very long years for a correct diagnosis of Larry's condition and reason for his acute recurring pancreatic attacks. We FINALLY received a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer. Even though this was a horrible diagnosis, at least we finally had conclusive answers.
As we have not had the greatest experiences with oncologists, we were both pretty gun shy about going to one again, but we both recognized the importance of having them monitor our cancer markers and assist with pain meds and other health related issues. I recently met a friend in Pocatello (where we do our shopping and our weekly treatments) and I learned that she too was battling stage IV pancreatic cancer. I ask her about her oncologist and she really thought we should give him a try.
A few weeks before our meeting with him we had sent in to have Larry's biopsy sequenced because we were interested in looking at doing some clinical trials and that was one of their requirements. Miraculously, about 30 minutes before our meeting with the new oncologist, Dr. Anderson, Larry received a phone call giving him the results of his biopsy testing. His diagnosis had been changed from adenocarcinoma to neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. In traditional medicine this is a HUGE deal in terms of treatment. Adenocarcinoma is not very responsive to chemo and that is why we were only given a 2% change of it extending Larry's life for six months, whereas, neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer is still not great, but it responds very well to chemo.
As frustrating as it is to learn about his correct diagnosis four months later (one month after the time period he was given to live), the blessing is that we were able to go to Hope4Cancer and get all of the incredible treatments and education that we have. We really believe if we had received the correct diagnosis in July we would have not made the effort to go to Mexico and went straight to chemo. Because he was in such bad shape at the time, we believe that he likely would not be here with us today.
As we have had four months now to build up his immune system and heal his body, he is more prepared to deal with the rigors of chemo.
We are scheduled to go to Mexico next Monday the 29th and are very anxious to get a report from them. Our plan as of right now is to go to Mexico and get an assessment from them and then meet with Dr. Anderson next week to start the chemo. Dr. Anderson has also agreed to put a gastro feeding tube in Larry so that he can get that stupid tube out of his nose!
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