Two Years...and counting! Update on Dad.

Two years ago yesterday was the worst day in my immediate family's life.  February 12, 2013 my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the liver.  The tumor in the pancreas was 6cm x 4cm (about the size of a lemon) and the lesions in the liver were "too numerous to count".  The doctor, with regret, let my parents know that my dad was not curable.  They would try chemo to extend his life and hopefully that would buy him some time.  When my dad asked how much time he was looking at, the doctor told him it could be as little as 3 to 6 months.  The average survival is 9 months.  If he was REALLY lucky MAYBE 1 to 2 years.  It was such a shock.  Dad was one of the healthiest people we knew.  He had run a 1/2 marathon 4 months before and placed 3rd in his age group.  His only symptoms were some back pain and abdominal discomfort.  We never dreamed it would be anything like this.  If you're  reading this, then you probably know all too well how that moment feels.

Well, check out dad drinking a margarita in Mexico on his 2 year anniversary from diagnosis!  We just got the latest scan results last Monday.  They can't see any cancer on the scans.  Anywhere.  His CA 19-9 was 6000 at diagnosis.  It now is at 12.  Dad looks good and feels good.  And we are extremely thankful!!!

Dad's doctor strongly believes in keeping dad on chemo and not giving the cancer a chance to grow back.  Over a year ago, they dropped out the nastiest drug of the Folfirinox combo, Oxalipilatin.  Without that one in the mix, the chemo is very tolerable for him.  He just finished round 49 and then took off on vacation the next day.

I started this blog after dad got diagnosed because I googled "Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Survivors" and came up with nothing.  From then on, it was my goal to make this the first site that would pop up when others did the same search.  And my secret wish, which has come true, is that eventually I would be able to post Dad's story here.  I am so grateful.  Truly, truly grateful to share this with you. There are survivors out there.  There is VALID reason to HOPE!

Dad has kept a great attitude the whole time.  In addition, he takes a number of supplements (email me or leave your email in the comments and I'm happy to send you the list).  He also does acupuncture twice a week, which has GREATLY helped with his chemo-induced neuropathy.

So CHEERS, Dad!  I love you!  Where are you going for next year's anniversary?


UPDATE:  I've posted all the supplement info here:  http://stage4hope.blogspot.com/2015/02/my-dads-supplement-regimen.html