Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Welcome to the Pancreatic Cancer group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with pancreatic cancer or caring for someone with pancreatic cancer. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with cancer, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

I’m Colleen, and I’m the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you’ll to be greeted by fellow members and volunteer patient Mentors, when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Volunteer Mentors on Connect.

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Pull up a chair. Let's start with introductions.

When were you diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? What treatments have you had? How are you doing?

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

@tomdecker1117

Ok yes that’s it. Just wondering how it went. I’m considering making a trip out very soon. Chemo almost over soon. Scans beginning of August. Looking best or other options. Thanks!

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I have met with them twice. My plan is to be there quarterly. I am usually there when I find myself at a crossroads. I have learned that many physicians’egos or schedules prevent them from acknowledging research and studies beyond our border. While they certainly DO NOT advise “one off” solutions they are very willing to discuss what is coming that is positive and also discuss options personalized to your specific case, co-morbidities, etc. I have found both visits to be quite valuable. Both of them, as well as Dr Doug Evans, will be at the Seema Magowitz Foundation event in Milwaukee August 1. Round tables with patients and doctors, as well as with caregivers, are planned.

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Hi, I'm Kelley and just days before Father's Day, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is diabetic and has chronic back pain and he retired a few years ago. The time spent on appointments, scans, and consults and waiting to start treatment has been tough on my father. We still do not know what stage his cancer is, whether the enlarged lymph nodes have cancer as well, or whether they are recommending surgery or chemo first.

He is in a lot of pain in the evenings and of course at this point, I don't know whether it's cancer, his chronic back pain (that has worsened over the years), or a combination of both things.

I know this is a dangerous cancer, but I'm trying so hard to be cautiously optimistic for my dad and mom through this. Any recommendations or ways to help at the beginning of treatment? I want to be there for them as much as I can; I don't live too far from them.

Any other recommended sites, or groups on here or reading to support someone going through cancer? I want to give them space to process everything but know I am here when they need me.

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@asutton0144

Yes…. I DEFINITELY believe in prayer and KNOW GOD got me.

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Thank you so much for your prayers and same to you.

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@spencerk009

Hi, I'm Kelley and just days before Father's Day, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is diabetic and has chronic back pain and he retired a few years ago. The time spent on appointments, scans, and consults and waiting to start treatment has been tough on my father. We still do not know what stage his cancer is, whether the enlarged lymph nodes have cancer as well, or whether they are recommending surgery or chemo first.

He is in a lot of pain in the evenings and of course at this point, I don't know whether it's cancer, his chronic back pain (that has worsened over the years), or a combination of both things.

I know this is a dangerous cancer, but I'm trying so hard to be cautiously optimistic for my dad and mom through this. Any recommendations or ways to help at the beginning of treatment? I want to be there for them as much as I can; I don't live too far from them.

Any other recommended sites, or groups on here or reading to support someone going through cancer? I want to give them space to process everything but know I am here when they need me.

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For newly diagnosed patients as well as caregivers, the following two links provide comprehensive information that is clear, concise and helpful-
.
NEWLY DIAGNOSED
.
https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis/recently-diagnosed/
.
https://letswinpc.org/newly-diagnosed/

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My treat ment complete 8 cemo cycle and 6 cycle tablet,I am tired and weak.my agé 44 years women in india.

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@tharani1960

My treat ment complete 8 cemo cycle and 6 cycle tablet,I am tired and weak.my agé 44 years women in india.

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Hello @tharani1960 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm so glad that you found this forum where others can share their experiences with you. In your post you say that you have completed eight chemo cycles and six cycles of a tablet. Do you know the names of these medications?

I look forward to hearing from you again. How long ago were you diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Will you be having any follow-up scans in the near future?

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@hopeful33250

Hello @tharani1960 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm so glad that you found this forum where others can share their experiences with you. In your post you say that you have completed eight chemo cycles and six cycles of a tablet. Do you know the names of these medications?

I look forward to hearing from you again. How long ago were you diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Will you be having any follow-up scans in the near future?

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This in medicine

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In reply to @tharani1960 "This in medicine" + (show)
@tharani1960

This in medicine

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@tharani1960, I think you may have tried to upload a file or image. Perhaps you can simply type the name of the medicine in a message.

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@tomdecker1117

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February and then going through chemo ever since. I’ve been looking for options and hearing about a doctor Hopf At the hospital in Arizona involving clinical trials and such. I live in Florida and I’ve been being treated at Mayo in Jacksonville Does anybody have any insight about this doctor or clinical trials in Arizona? Thanks

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@tomdecker1117, I might also add Mayo Clinic's Clinical Trial website. https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials

You can search for clinical trials for pancreatic cancer using the search tool on the site. But I think you might appreciate speaking with a cancer trial coordinator. Here's how:

CANCER-RELATED CLINICAL STUDIES QUESTIONS
Phone: 855-776-0015 (toll-free)
Online form: https://www.mayo.edu/research/forms/cancer-clinical-trials

What chemotherapy are you currently on, Tom? What stage is your pancreatic cancer?

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@lovingwifeterry

Hello Deb. I am so sorry for yo both. We are getting ready to contact the Mayo clinic Or MD Anderson for a second opinion for treatment. They finally decided it is bile duct not pancreas cancer. Last chemo was 6- 8 weeks ago and he has had one medical problem after another. and very weak. Hopefully will be able to start Jan 14th with a new treatment. We shall see. Really looking forward to a second team looking at what treatment will be best for him. We live in a small town and feel we need the best to let us know what is going on and the best treatment for him. Wishing the best to both of you. Please let us know how you are doing with Tom's treatment.

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An update on my story. My dear Tom succumbed to the cancer on April 20, 2023. He never recovered from the botched whipple procedure. There was a bad connection (a crimp) and he literally starved to death. I hope your situation is more positive.

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