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Suggest Treatment For Pancreatic Cancer

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Posted on Sat, 17 May 2014
Question: Dear sir,
moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of pancreas. tumor measures 1.5 cm.
t1n0m0.
whipple procedure done on 30th January 2014.
tolerated well. Discharged after 2 weeks.
chemotherapy started on 1st February 2014.
drug is gemzar. 6 cycles to be given.
2 done tolerated well.
ultrasound of abdomen done report normal on 20th April 2014.
patient having a good diet.
consuming 2500 calories a day. 2 litres of water.
what is the outlook in this case.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

Fortunately the cancer was found at a very early stage. As you probably know most cases of pancreatic cancer are found in a metastatic stage. It looks like a very good surgical procedure has been performed and at this point you're proceeding with good systemic chemotherapy to further increase the chances that the pancreatic cancer will never come back.

there is still a small chance the cancer might come back but at this point it looks like with the treatment you are receiving the chances are real that we may be in a situation where cure is possible.

it is extremely important to work on maintaining a very healthy diet and exercise regimen during the course of systemic chemotherapy. I realize chemotherapy can be very debilitating but at the same time it has a very significant overall effect on prognosis.

I strongly urge you to further discuss considerations regarding treatments with the medical oncologist who is managing the chemotherapy.

Thank you again for sharing your healthcare concerns with us. It is truly an honor to review your considerations.

Dr Galamaga.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (3 hours later)
How long do I need to wear the belt to avoid hernia.
I am wearing from 3 months. according to doctors wound is healthy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
three months should be adequate.

It is also important that you focus on maintaining good muscle tone in your core muscles. You should ask your doctor what types of exercises he might recommend to strengthen your abdominal muscles.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (8 hours later)
ca 19 9 before surgery was 118.
post resection 44.
after 1 month 13.
after 3 months 31.
what does this mean.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
thanks for the additional information.

This tumor marker sometimes helps us find early evidence of disease recurrence. What will be important is the next laboratory test. If the next laboratory test reveals continued increase in the tumor marker level then the doctors might request additional studies including CT scans.

These markers are not perfect laboratory tests but again they do help us in guiding continued disease management and surveillance for disease recurrence.

I would predict that the oncologist will suggest continue laboratory monitoring. This is something you need to discuss in detail with the treating physician.

Dr. Galamaga
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Pancreatic Cancer

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. Fortunately the cancer was found at a very early stage. As you probably know most cases of pancreatic cancer are found in a metastatic stage. It looks like a very good surgical procedure has been performed and at this point you're proceeding with good systemic chemotherapy to further increase the chances that the pancreatic cancer will never come back. there is still a small chance the cancer might come back but at this point it looks like with the treatment you are receiving the chances are real that we may be in a situation where cure is possible. it is extremely important to work on maintaining a very healthy diet and exercise regimen during the course of systemic chemotherapy. I realize chemotherapy can be very debilitating but at the same time it has a very significant overall effect on prognosis. I strongly urge you to further discuss considerations regarding treatments with the medical oncologist who is managing the chemotherapy. Thank you again for sharing your healthcare concerns with us. It is truly an honor to review your considerations. Dr Galamaga.