1. < Pancreatic Cancer

High CA-19 4,500

Posted by crickard70 @crickard70, Jan 25 10:07am

I recently had my pancreas removed and they said all cancer was gone. Follow up pet scan and blood work shows no infection, no cancer but CA-19 is 4,500. My doctor is confused and thinking he wants to do chemo as a preventative treatment. Does anyone think I should get another opinion? During my 3 years of pc treatments ca 19 was never over 600. Thank you

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

gardenlady1116 | @gardenlady1116 | Feb 15 1:59pm
In reply to @crickard70 "You did not offend me, I pray everyday for a cure. Sounds like you are doing..." + (show)
@crickard70

You did not offend me, I pray everyday for a cure. Sounds like you are doing great, I am afraid to take chemo again, going Friday to discuss options. No cancer shows up on tests, just c-19. I had my pancreas and spleen removed in November and I don’t think I have healed from that yet and haven’t got the diabetes under control. Have had days with 3 50’s and kicks my butt! How do you adjust the insulin? I am on a sliding scale and lantus 2 xmdaily. Thank you for sharing and prayers are being sent to you.

Jump to this post

As a retired endocrinologist, I highly recommend continuous glucose monitoring to help with appropriately dosing insulin. When CGM came along, I had all sorts of insights in how insulin is most effectively taken. Adjustments in the timing of insulin before a meal and making appropriate modifications for both the carbohydrates to be eaten as well as premeal glucose levels generally results in more effective insulin dosing. Alarms for low blood sugar are also a great feature of the CGM systems. I won't bore you with long explanations but will give additional information if you are interested.

REPLY
pdacbrca2 | @pdacbrca2 | May 28 2:59am

Is UCLA automatically a “center of excellence” for this if I am not going to the “hirshberg” building but
the cancer center in santa monica?

REPLY
1 reply
marienewland | @mnewland99 | May 28 6:18am
In reply to @pdacbrca2 "Is UCLA automatically a “center of excellence” for this if I am not going to the..." + (show)
@pdacbrca2

Is UCLA automatically a “center of excellence” for this if I am not going to the “hirshberg” building but
the cancer center in santa monica?

Jump to this post

Yes, UCLA is a center of excellence and my first appointment for my UCLA oncologist was also at the center in Santa Monica. I have Dr. Wainberg. Since I live in Orange County, I get my infusion treatments at the UCLA center in Irvine.

REPLY
pdacbrca2 | @pdacbrca2 | May 28 9:55am

Thank you!

That is very reassuring.

REPLY
gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | May 29 8:46am

Lucky that you guys are in LA area. When you are looking for a second opinion, I can highly recommend Dr Osipov at Cedars Sinai. He trained under an incredible pancreatic oncologist at John’s Hopkins. Very knowledgeable of trials. I am in Georgia but I see him periodically when I travel to the area to see my son. Just FYI

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.