Adenocarcinoma

Hello, I just joined HW.com in the hopes of getting a better understanding of what my husband is going through and what I can expect to care for him. Briefly, approx. 1-yr ago during our yearly physical, we were sent for stress tests to get a picture of our heart under stress to use as a baseline for the future. My husband's tests came back well, but the xray picture showed a funny spot in the background. This triggered CAT Scan, then PET Scan and then biopsy of his sterum and finally a pathology report identifying the sterum as extremely busy cancer cells rapidly multiplying and moving on. Node on his lung that indicated lung cancer. Diagnosed as Metastized Adenocarcinoma. Two oncologists were seen, one said 6-12 months and the other 5-11 months prognosis. No radiation because there is no pain, no surgery because there is nothing to remove, no tumors. Told this is one of the fastest moving cancers with approx. 98% death rate within 1 year. I am caring for him at home and we are doing quality life care. He has suddenly become extremely weak over the past month, and sleeps 20 of the 24 hours per day. I don't know what to expect, and I'm afraid everytime he falls asleep he won't wake up. Does anyone have any information as to how long someone can exist in this condition. I just want to be there when he passes, so I'm afraid of falling asleep. I still work to keep up the insurance and earn money, but I can't be home all the time. One of the children has moved in to help, but it is so difficult to judge. The doctors tell me it's apparent his liver is failing, and he may need to go to the hospital for a few days, but would be able to come home. Any information would be appreciated.

Hello Sadlee,
Adenocarcinoma is cancer that has developed in a gland. As Tony has stated it can have many origins as there are numerous glands in the body (even the sweat glands are prone) from which this cancer can develop. If your husbands adenocarcinoma originated in his prostate a prognosis of 6-12 months seems unlikely. Tony may be correct in his assumption that it has its source in his pancreas and if so then it is a very serious situation. Others recently diagnosed with this type of cancer have been Steve Job and Patrick Swaze.
I am sorry to read that this has happened to you and your loved one and I hope other members may be able to offer more information.
Bill

Thank you so much Tony, and Billy-Mac for responding so quickly. You both have enlightened me with sharing your information and your strength. One thing to add to my original note is the doctors found this at stage 4, and said that he had only had it for a couple of months. I didn't believe that at first, but now see the possibility as Dick's change over the last 6 days has proven the quick spreading and all consuming disease has brought him to his final weeks. This morning he has complained of inability to breath well, suddenly can't lay down in bed without help, etc. I think it is time to call in hospice, which I had setup at the onset because I knew I wouldn't be emotionally equipped to apply common sense to his needs. I'm so happy he has no pain. I just want to do the right thing.