Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Hi @cmkalmes, I can imagine you're frightened to start chemo. Have you had your first treatment? Do you have someone to drive you to and from the appointment?

That is good! Chemo before surgery is most advised now. You can help him by trying to keep him strong in prep. For surgery. Walk when you can, eat protein in all its various forms, hydrate, and most important; help him have a positive attitude! There are many survivors out here. Attitude is very important!! Thank you for walking this with him. It’s not easy for you either.

Hello @rperry123 and welcome to Mayo Connect. It sounds as if your husband is working through the first stage of treatment for pancreatic cancer. Could you share what symptoms led to this diagnosis.

Has he had many side effects from the chemotherapy?

@rperry123, just checking in. How are you and your husband doing?

@betsteff, the virtual pancreatic cancer support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Arizona time. The next meeting is November 26. Here's more info:

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group Meeting https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/pancreatic-cancer-support-group-28/

See all meetings in the Events section: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/events/

I’m so sorry. S as far as a support team you’ll need someone to drive you to chemo

Hi allow me to introduce myself mchris327. I’m diagnosed with pancreatic cancer yesterday. So overwhelming! To say the least. What next? PET, radiation, chem and surgery. I live in a very small town ( unincorporated 250 +, and that two hundred and fifty! What next? No know cancer besides my brother with liver cancer. He’s been struggling with it for quite a few years. I do have Cirrhosis but not liver cancer. Don’t know what stage my cancer is, but have read that normally not diagnosed until you have symptoms which could mean your cancer is beyond stage one. And info would be greatly appreciated. And I have to say I’m sorry that anyone has to endure this disease.

Hello mchris327,
Am sure you are in shock. It’s a difficult diagnosis to accept, esp. if your symptoms have been minimal.
I was diagnosed almost 3 years ago stage IV and I’m still here! Be encouraged!!

But-no matter how much you “like” your doctor you must have second opinions. From a pancreas center of excellence. Find pancan.org and call them. They can direct you to the closest location.

There are great things finally happening with this disease. But you must get to the right people! Pray that God leads you to them. He will!

mchris327,

Please immediately go to a pancreatic center of excellence. You only get one chance - do not remain with local care - it is not equivalent.

I was diagnosed October 2022. Went through 12 rounds of Folfirinox And 15 rounds of Radiation. New tumors were found in February 2024 and I went through Cemcitibane and Abraxine. I couldn’t tolerate it so Dr put me on Lumikras. I’ve been on it since July and pet scan last week shows the tumors are shrinking! It’s an experimental drug used for those with genetic mutations KRAS And G12C. I’m pretty excited!