u/mszhails

I apologize if this post is all over the place. My mother is now stage 4 one month post whipple. It started as a tumor on the head of the pancreas 4.5cm, positive margins and spread to 14 out of 21 lymph nodes, Lymphovascular invasion, Extensive perineural invasion. She is 54. We just spoke with the oncologist who gave us the news that it has spread to her lungs, 3 nodules to be exact that have grown since Feb 25. 6mm from 3mm previously, 11x14 mm from 4 x 7 previously, 10mm compared to 5mm previously. The oncologist advised that she wait to start her chemo when symptoms start to get worse because it will “eventually stop working” and the cons would outweigh the benefits— in simpler terms. Obviously it is up to her but we just don’t know what to do. She was supposed to start via picc line on the 4th of May but has been postponed until we make a decision. Has anyone had a similar experience with being advised to wait for chemo? Or had any family members/your own experience going on it straight away? My mother loves life and wants to fight as long as she can, but of course quality of life is important to us as well. Currently looking into a second opinion but I wanted to ask other folks who might have personal experiences.