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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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@kakalena
Will keep you posted. Next scan is in November, might have a plan at that time.
@grams2015
So it sounds like you're not on chemo? Or maybe things have changed since the 10th?
I was diagnosed 1.5 months ago with adenocarcinoma, well-differentiated, in the tail of the pancreas, 2.7 x 1.4 cm. I was hoping for immediate surgery but now they're saying the mass has encased the splenic artery and surgery may not be possible. Disappointed and confused. But I meet the surgical oncologist tomorrow at OHSU in Portland, OR.
How are you doing? Have you had more surgery? Hope things are moving forward for you...
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3 Reactions@reme51 Good luck tomorrow. Please keep us posted. We all learn from each other's experiences. Thanks.
@reme51 don’t give up! Many have seen masses shrink and provide for surgery. Meanwhile, stay as healthy as possible to endure the systemic treatments! Keep moving, eat balanced and be optimistic! It makes life so much more enjoyable, no matter what we are going through.💜
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1 Reaction@reme51 I have surgery scheduled October 9th they will remove the head of pancreas, some of small intestines, lymph nodes at least per my CT it had not spread so I’m hoping when he gets in there it remains true then I will have chemo once he states I’m ready.
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4 ReactionsMy husband was diagnosed in August this year. He had his port placed last week and starts chemo this week. He is stage 1 or 2. Do they every remove the cancer without having to do the whipple?
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1 Reaction@pat32755
Yes. It’s dependent upon where the mass is in the pancreas.
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1 Reaction@grams2015
So you are having surgery before starting chemo?
That's what I'm hoping for but the doctor at OHSU wasn't in agreement. He has a "tumor board" meeting next Wednesday and will then tell me his plan for treatment. If I don't want chemo, he says he will refer me to a different surgeon 🙁
He didn't really give me much hope or information, stating that only 4 out of 10 will live 5 more years! And as far as treatment, he needs to meet with the board next week before giving me more information.
Good luck on your surgery!
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1 Reaction@reme51 No matter what you have to stay positive and if your doctor seems negative I would switch doctors to one that gives hope. Mine said surgery is the best and I was lucky very few actually qualify for surgery first most have to do chemo to shrink the cancer so they can do surgery. So know even if they start with chemo that is not the end there is a chance after 5 or so treatments it will improve for surgery then you will resume chemo after.
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4 ReactionsJust a note-
Doing chemo isn’t the most awful thing now. A good doctor can prescribe pre-meds to begin infusions. I plan my life around a few days to stay close to home during infusion weeks but I always have plans to get up and out after those days. Even if I am not at “full speed”!
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