Recent diagnosis: Have questions about treatment options?

Hello,
I got the CT Scan diagnosed as Pancreatic Cancer in Aug 2024. Immediately went to MSK in Westchester to get another scan. My surgeon at MSK is Dr Soares and he suggested 3 months of chemo first and then Whipple.
I just finished the chemo and after another scan my cancer has shrunk from 1.1mm to just .4mm. I am scheduled to meet with Dr. Soares in a week to see what are the next steps. I hope surgery followed by 3 more months of chemo. Good luck with your decision about what your next steps are as this whole journey is scary!

This sounds so similar to me--but I'm an 84 year old woman, but like you, very healthy--no medications except for glaucoma. I was sick as a dog with the chemo--never have recovered my weight (almost 2 years--120 pounds to 95). It was the chemo with the FlorETC--I'm not as good with the medical terms as some, but the pump at home 2 nights; had to quit after 2 sessions and went for the Whipple. Like you, my antigen was 153.
THIS IS AN OPTIMISTIC NOTE TO YOU. I never went back to chemo, though strongly encouraged to. One year after surgery I had radiation for a mesenteric mass--now it has decreased as the radiologist said it would. I have been feeling great for over a year and have decided to only do radiation, which had minimal side effects if any. I have read several other positive results from radiation--PLEASE LOOK INTO RADIATION, the new type that targets. I only knew about it as my 85 year old husband had it for prostate cancer, sailed through it for one month driving himself 50 miles for treatment. I was impressed--no return of his cancer, but ongoing tests of course. I kept asking my oncologist about it, but on my own saw the radiologist who did not promise anything--did not want to compete was my impression. But I have read in this group that others have had good results with minimal life style impact.
I like what "marky..." has written you. I say the Whipple first; you will have new information then about lymph nodes, etc. so you can make a better decision about chemo. And look into radiation; not always recommended by oncologists (mine didn't) as they legitimately want to cure and wipe out every bit of cancer EVER. My radiologist did not promise that, but frankly I'm reading many who have recurring cancers after chemo too.
It has been 2 years since my diagnosis and I am having a normal life, feeling good, impressing my friends who thought I would be a goner. But 2 years as an 84 year old with no small children is way different from you--I'm thrilled for these years. I understand you have a life ahead of you--just look into radiation and immunology too. I think they are the future of cancer treatments. Best wishes...you have a good attitude and are facing the problem. You will make it and be there for your family.

@carrie40 I am 80 years old and my doctor told me I probably have pancreatic cancer. He determined this from the results of CT and MRI, a positive ANA titer and elevated CA199. He scheduled me for a EUS to be done on November 27. I called Mayo Clinic and was given a video/phone appointment on November 20. The interview was with nurse Ashley from Pancreas Clinic Pre-Visit. Ashley told me that Mayo would prefer to do the EUS there rather than at university of Chicago. She also said that it was very expensive and my insurance would not pay for it twice so I canceled my EUS appointment and agreed to have it done at Mayo. Ashley told me it would be one to two weeks before I heard when my onsite appointment at Mayo was scheduled. I did contact Mayo a few times to find out about my pancreatic appointment. I was told each time that test are ordered but not scheduled. Today I learned that I am on a waitlist of 2 to 3 months. I was shocked. I wish someone would’ve told me this sooner. I feel like precious time has been wasted. Pancreatic cancer doesn’t waste time However you have given me. Hope when I read your message I thought wow I can do it too. I just won’t be doing it at Mayo. I guess thank you God bless you.

drdoyle, I hope you can get that EUS rescheduled so you can get started. Thank you for your posting--and getting right on this sounds sensible. I dragged my feet--probably some kind of denial--had my diagnostic EUS in November 2022, started chemo in March 2023, quit in April, had the Whipple in May 2023. And things had gotten worse; the mass on the pancreas bigger, but still quite operable. I hope you keep us all up to date on your journey; you sound upbeat and ready for the fight. I'd love to give advice, but most of the people on this website astound me with their knowledge of all the aspects of treatment, drugs, tests, etc. Just so you know there are different ways to handle this diagnosis, especially when we're 80!
The latest discussion has revolved around which should come first: the chemo or the Whipple? I hope you get some of those earlier posts regarding that issue. We are with you, Carrie

I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer.
Yes, surgery is the only curative option and the sooner the cancer is removed the better outcome you’ll have.
I had a laparoscopic preserving Whipple , recovering was easier.
The 12 rounds of chemotherapy didn’t reduce the tumor much but slowed the tumor activity shown on the PET scans.
My surgeon was Dr Kendrick at Mayo

@1954now how long did it take you to get your appointment at Mayo? I have taken family members to Mayo and myself many times in the past everything from brain surgery heart surgery to broken hips never did we have the problems that I’m having this time around. I’m shocked that they seem to care so little that sounds like you are doing well. I’m happy for you