Contribute to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in memory of Lawrence

In memory of

Lawrence "Larry" Carl Carlson

Kent, WA

May 8, 1947 - August 11, 2022

May 8, 1947 - Aug 11, 2022

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Right before Easter in April 2022, my father stopped by my home for a visit as he and my mother usually did every week or so. When my dad arrived, he had a yellow glow about his skin. At first, I couldn't tell if it was more from the glow of the sun shining that day or he literally was yellow. As we sat and visited, I finally insisted this was not normal and for peace of mind we should visit my local urgent care. We were immediately sent from urgent care to the ER for further tests. We found that my father indeed had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Up until that point, the only other minor symptoms my father experienced was some indigestion and a bit of lost appetite. Upon this diagnosis, we established care with an oncologist who let us know the only option at this point was to start chemo therapy once his Bilirubin levels were low enough. His first chemo appointment started on May 25 which would be a rotation of 1 treatment a week for three weeks and one week off...repeat. After first couple of treatments, he started to already experience extreme side effects including dehydration. With that his weekly appointments often turned into having hydration treatments instead of the chemo. The chemo treatments and side effects were too much for his body and on July 25th I received a call from my father that he could not get up out of his chair because his legs were so weak. We immediately went to his place and took him to the ER expecting he would need a few days stay in the hospital to rehydrate and gain strength. It ended up being a 5 day stay in the hospital where he seemed to be getting better. But his mobility still was not stable so it was decided he should continue rebuilding strength in a skilled nursing facility and chemo would be paused. While at the nursing facility, my father began to decline again with extreme weakness and struggles breathing. It was discovered he had pneumonia and he was transferred back to the ER due to low blood pressure and difficulty breathing. After much effort by the staff, my father was still not responding well to treatment. His blood pressure would not improve even after medication and his oxygen levels were very low. Comfort care was put into place for him. On August 11 at approximately 3pm, my father took his last breath. We cannot believe how quickly this disease took my father's life once he was diagnosed. Our hopes are that others out there can be diagnosed earlier to have more of a fighting chance. Contribute to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

About Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. In our urgent mission to save lives, we attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. Our effort is amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. We are determined to accelerate progress and improve patient outcomes.

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What is your mission?

Founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. In our urgent mission to save lives, we attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. Our effort is amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. We are determined to accelerate progress and improve patient outcomes.
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Please check out our impact report here: https://www.pancan.org/about-…
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