Andrew’s Story

• June 27, 2014

Andrew was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The tumor was too large to be removed by surgery, so he was started on chemotherapy to try to shrink the mass.

The diagnosis of cancer was extremely upsetting to him and his family. Faced with a life-threatening illness, he was deeply sad, had a hard time sleeping, and worried about his wife and child. He also had severe pain.

Andrew came to see the palliative care team for pain control and to help him cope with the stress of his illness. He was treated with pain medications that made him much more comfortable. He also spent a lot of time talking with the doctors and nurses about how to manage his illness. He learned ways to talk with his daughter and stay hopeful throughout his treatment.

Throughout this time, Andrew has been receiving chemotherapy; his cancer is responding well.