Hello lovemymom77,
Glad you found this thread. You will receive excellent responses from those with a variety of experiences with pancreatic cancer. My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 25 years ago and it was scary. For myself, I started noticing symptoms at 64, got a proper diagnosis at 65 with stage 2, had surgery, then chemo and currently am on maintenance chemo with stage 4 since January 2024. I lost 50 pounds by the start of my first chemo sessions in 2023 but have gained almost all of it back. I live in Southern California. It sounds like your mom is receiving good care; but never hesitate to get a 2nd opinion. From the link sent by Teresa I hope it recommended you to go to a center of Pancreatic Excellence. Your knowledge, the caliber of her doctors, your mom’s age and health condition, her cancer stage, her mutations, and prayers will be the determining drivers in fighting this disease. It’s overwhelming at first, but your mindset must be that of a warrior with strength to fight as hard as you can. I think your mom did the CA19-9 or tumor marker? The upper limit of normal is 35 or 37. Are there biopsy results yet? Drs should be running a pathology on samples to know her mutations which will drive the treatments she will receive. Where was the stent placed? intestines, pancreatic duct, etc? What is the stage of cancer (very basically it should be between 1-4)? You will be getting a lot of responses much more technical and knowledgeable than mine (and I have a slight medical background from my college days!) they will be delivered information that is clear to understand. Stay strong and the course and I’m praying for you and your mom!