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CA19 increase, gaining weight and feeling better - Confused
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: May 11, 2025 | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
Thank you for this posting; I plan to start the Gem/Abrax and would LOVE to gain 15 pounds! I lost 25 (from 120, not overweight) after a brief Foflorinax treatment and the Whipple--almost 2 years ago. I am getting even skinnier now--so need to do something while waiting for a clinical trial. Your posting helps ameliorate my fears....Carrie
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Regarding weight loss, was a fecal elastase-1 test ever ordered to measure the output of digestive enzymes from your pancreas? If not, that is a starting point in determining if the weight loss is due to Exocrine Pancreas Insufficiency (EPI), a common sequela of having a tumor in the pancreas and also in those having the Whipple procedure. If the value of elastase is 200 micrograms/gram stool or less, it indicates impairment and treated with Pancreatic Enzymes Replacement Therapy (PERT). If you are on PERT pancrealipase product, it may need to be optimized. This on-line dosing calculator will make the process easier-
https://digestthis.ca
If the weight loss is due to cancer Cachexia, that is a metabolic-based cause requiring a clinical trial drug now undergoing registration with the FDA. It is called Ponsegromab.
https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-presents-positive-data-phase-2-study-ponsegromab