Has anyone been able to have surgery for tumor in the tail?

Posted by vlny2018 @vlny2018, Jul 3 12:08pm

Has anyone been able to have surgery for tumor in the tail of the pancreas, stage 4, metastasized to the lymph nodes. My husband's oncologist says that sugery isn't an option ever for him. Just chemo every two weeks until folfirinox doesn't work or becomes too toxic. Then some other chemo mix, then … Is this true? This is so discouraging. If the tumors shrink, can't they do more? My husband has had the cancer go into his lymph nodes close to his kidney and the pressure was closing the tube connecting to his bladder, and now has a stint in place to keep kidney function, which it has done.

We have an appointment with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in August. My husband just had his 4th treatment and will be having a PET scan the end of July. Other than this, he has been extremely healthy, no bad habits, exercises everyday, and eats clean. This is just a huge punch in the gut, as I'm sure is everyone's experience.

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

In some cases the chemo will cause the tumors to shrink and even become necrotic.
Just now, since found in lymph nodes, they may feel it’s in his system so doesn’t accomplish a cure to remove tail of pancreas.

However, you should still see a pancreatic surgeon than can tell you what goals you would need to meet for them to operate. Example-normal tumor markers/Signatera tests; no further spread, etc

When my cancer was found I was stage IV. Fulfurinox worked extremely well and got me to pancreas and liver surgeries. It can happen!

REPLY

You are on the right track, with your scheduled appointment with Mayo Rochester in August.
They will be able to answer your questions.

REPLY

Thank you both for your responses. I'm keeping hope.

REPLY

August……that is a long time from now…..I would look into getting in sooner to any facility that specializes in Pancreatic Cancer. To answer the original question….I had a 2CM tumor removed in May 2023 that was on the tail of my pancreas….initial biopsy was a PNET but after the surgery biopsy revealed a MiNen…a mixed Neuroendocrine and Adenocarcinoma tumor….1 lymph node was positive. Every case is different….time is of the essence….I wish you and your husband good luck going forward…..

REPLY
@billyfeet

August……that is a long time from now…..I would look into getting in sooner to any facility that specializes in Pancreatic Cancer. To answer the original question….I had a 2CM tumor removed in May 2023 that was on the tail of my pancreas….initial biopsy was a PNET but after the surgery biopsy revealed a MiNen…a mixed Neuroendocrine and Adenocarcinoma tumor….1 lymph node was positive. Every case is different….time is of the essence….I wish you and your husband good luck going forward…..

Jump to this post

Our appointment is the first available at Mayo. Thanks for the information, that give us hope.

REPLY

I had a 5.5 cm tumor removed at MSK. Originally thought it was pre-cancerous however pathology showed 1.5 cm cancerous and one lymph node. Stage 2b. Clean margins after surgery. Starting chemo 7/15. I would recommend second opinion with a surgical oncologist specialist.

REPLY

My husband has the same experience large tumour in pancreas, spleen. Liver Tumour markers 120,000. We are told no surgery. Only chemo ever 2 weeks. I’m afraid he will be really ill?? Any comments appreciated

REPLY
@yliddy

I had a 5.5 cm tumor removed at MSK. Originally thought it was pre-cancerous however pathology showed 1.5 cm cancerous and one lymph node. Stage 2b. Clean margins after surgery. Starting chemo 7/15. I would recommend second opinion with a surgical oncologist specialist.

Jump to this post

Thank you. I'm really hopeful the Mayo Clinic can have better options.

REPLY
@shelleyderish

My husband has the same experience large tumour in pancreas, spleen. Liver Tumour markers 120,000. We are told no surgery. Only chemo ever 2 weeks. I’m afraid he will be really ill?? Any comments appreciated

Jump to this post

A competent oncologist will give meds just prior to infusion of chemo recipe. These are designed to reduce nausea and other symptoms. But, he will be tired for se real days and possibly have GI issues. The nurses should talk through all of this with you and supply prescriptions to help with some side effects.

Often chemo will shrink the tumors and stop the spread . Think positive and be tolerant of his need for rest and perhaps his change in taste when it comes to appetite. Most importantly, think positive and see grace all around you!

REPLY

7/8/2022
My husband gets very tired after chemo. Some nausea, but hasn't had any vomiting or diarrhea. His Oncologist prescribed Olanzapine for him because the steroid medication that they add to the mix in the Folfirinox cocktail gives him the hiccups.
After his first treatment he had the hiccups for 6 straight days, non stop. That was horrific and put him in the hospital. The olanzapine also makes him hungry, so he has a better appetite, helping him gain some weight back. He also tries to walk and exercise to try and keep his strength up, its pretty hard. Our biggest hurdle with all of this is the depression and hopelessness he feels.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.