Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Dec 3, 2019

Welcome to the Pancreatic Cancer group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with pancreatic cancer or caring for someone with pancreatic cancer. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with cancer, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

I’m Colleen, and I’m the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you’ll to be greeted by fellow members and volunteer patient Mentors, when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Volunteer Mentors on Connect.

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Pull up a chair. Let's start with introductions.

When were you diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? What treatments have you had? How are you doing?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

dalegantous | @dalegantous | 4 days ago

In reply to @hakanb "Hello, I was treated with a liver tumor, ablation operation" + (show)

Was it histotripsy - ultrasound? Did it destroy the tumor? How did you feel? Where did you receive the treatment?

Thank you so much for your insights!

bzabeli | @bzabeli | 4 days ago

In reply to @bradthompson88 "How do I even know what to ask?" + (show)

Hi Brad
I was diagnosed over years ago and was fortunate to find the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - https://pancan.org/. They are a terrific resource for newly diagnosed patients. With an email or a phone call, they'll send you a kit that includes questions to ask and a lot of other information you'll find helpful.
I've been donating to them ever since.
Good luck.

rlmbjm Beth | @rlmbjm | 4 days ago

I was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer July, 8th 2024. I have my second appt with the surgeon tomorrow, Wednesday, June, 4th, 2025 to hopefully schedule the whipple surgery.
My tumor was wrapped around the artery when 1st diagnosed. My last scans the end of May show it is now against the artery but not wrapped around it.
I did chemo treatments July, 2024 to the end of May, 2025.
I’m currently receiving medical care at KU Medical Center in KC, KS. I’m on a waiting list to be seen by an oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. for a 2nd opinion.

56pan | @56pan | 3 days ago

In reply to @bradthompson88 "How do I even know what to ask?" + (show)

All good advice from 199. I'll add asking your oncologist if you have ductal cell pancreatic cancer or acinar cell pancreatic cancer. Acinar cell is rare, but from what I've learned, a little less aggressive than ductal cell.

denam1 | @denam1 | 3 days ago

Hi, I’m Dennis A.

Been through a lot this past 7 months and would offer any of my insights to anyone interested. My experience has been positive but not without some pitfalls along the way.

Have high hopes for a few really good years to come still having aggressively gone after this disease as soon as it was apparent.

hakanb | @hakanb | 3 days ago

In reply to @dalegantous "Was it histotripsy - ultrasound? Did it destroy the tumor? How did you feel? Where did..." + (show)

Hello, he destroyed the tumor, detected it with ultrasound. I just wanted to give you some advice. It was done in Turkey. I know it's done in America, you stay in the hospital overnight, it's an easy operation. Translate deepl

denam1 | @denam1 | 3 days ago

Hello!

My diagnosis came about last August. I had some strange things going on bodily and went to my doc to see what was going on and we started with a blood work up on a Friday and on Monday I was moved along to Savannah Memorial Hospital where two more days of testing occurred with the end game being dealing with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. My medical team did a few more procedures in the following couple of weeks then said they recommend a full removal of my pancreas and a half a dozen other organs to go along with it for good measure. My wife and I agreed as we really liked and trusted our surgeon, Dr Russell Kirks.

I’m a 70 yo, non smoking otherwise healthy male. The adjustments we’ve made since the surgery have gone ok. Had a ct scan yesterday and the results as posted this morning showed no progression of the disease anywhere. I’m feeling very blessed.