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Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others
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?
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His name is Mark Bloomston. He says he does about 9 nanoknife procedures a year, but he is performing other procedures involving electrode placement, so he's very involved with the technique.
The size of my tumor is similar to yours. My doctor didn't mention any issue with size being a factor relative to nanoknife. My next scan is in early November, and we too are looking for shrinkage. But if none, my understanding is that nanoknife is an option in the near future. Radiation seems to be discouraged if nanoknife is being considered. I'll post an update when new information is available.
Much appreciated. I will look into this.
I was encouraged to do the radiation since the chemo didn't work. Originally it was going to be the 5 1/2 week radiation since the SBRT required metal markers which would rule out the Nano-knife but the surgeon connected me with a radiation oncologist who has done SBRT without markers. So...I have my 5th and final treatment on Monday. Then it's a wait and see for 2 months.
Diagnose 4 month ago riceved a stent 2 months ago and I feel ok for now no kimono or radiation so far
Thanks for that information. I'm seeing my medical oncologist this week, will pursue with her.
@iamhany, welcome. I understand that you have a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and received a stent 2 months ago. What is the stage and location of the cancer? Have you been given a treatment plan?
Who is your NanoKnife doctor?
His name is Mark Bloomston, he's with Lee Health Oncology Group in Ft. Myers, FL.
Hello everyone, I joined this group in early June and am grateful for the information and insights shared here. I'm finally adding my own questions to the conversation:
BACKGROUND: After six months seeing specialists regarding severe back pain, my father was diagnosed in May with inoperable Stage IV PDAC, spread to the liver. He's had 7 cycles of Folfirinox. The first few rounds were very difficult, but for the past two months he's been able to enjoy doing things, like going for walks and working in the garden. His CA-19-9 has steadily decreased from 1297 in June to 568 on September 8th.
He's had two CT scans: the first in April (in which his tumor was discovered), and another on July 17th. The second scan showed no growth or spread, though the tumor didn't shrink at all.
On September 8th, his eighth round of folfirinox was delayed due to elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT and Alk Phos)
We're worried about the ramifications of delaying chemo, though I understand it happens sometimes for a variety of reasons.
QUESTIONS: If anyone here has had a similar experience with elevated LFTs, I'd be grateful if you could share your experience. Also, should we be asking my father's oncologist to consult with a liver specialist? Should we ask for more scans to make sure there aren't any blockages in the liver?
One other detail: he's in the Seattle area.
I'd appreciate any insights or resources to help us navigate this!
Thank you!