I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It’s not a cancer you want to have—not that any cancer is. You didn’t give much info about the specifics, which is OK.

I was 70 and diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2023. Luckily, it was a small tumor with no apparent involvement with lymph nodes. My primary oncologist was in my home town (Minneapolis) and I got a referral to Mayo for surgery—so I’m also being followed by Mayo’s oncology department. The plan was to have 12 rounds of Folfirinox followed by radiation followed by the Whipple procedure. But, as you may find out, it’s not a journey that goes clickity clack down a straight line track. Things will change. That can be the hardest part: uncertainty.

I ended up having 8 rounds of chemo, a month off, Whipple and, after six more weeks off, 4 rounds of Folfirinox, though at an ever decreasing dose due to side effects (nausea and neuropathy). Treatment ended at the beginning of 2024 It took most of the year to get back to normal. At this point the cancer is at bay and my life is pretty much back to what it was pre-diagnosis. I have minor neuropathy and have been able to stop taking pancreatic enzymes. I do need a second surgery to repair a hernia at the incision site. It’s scheduled for April

My suggestions are similar to others: try to put a support system in place, find a center of excellence with high Whipple volume, ask questions and be ready to advocate for yourself if needed. Be aware this journey will be unpleasant and difficult. There will likely be pleasant surprises and, hopefully learning and moments of joy. Cultivate kindness whenever possible. It will probably be hard on your loved ones.

I think what was most important to me was to avoid (or let go of) fantasies and projections of pain and horror. They are just fantasies. Try to find enough joy in each day. Each day as a precious gift.

This site is a good resource. Stay away from the internet for informatikon other than those that are well known and reputable.