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Moderator

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.

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rosebella | @rosebella | 12 hours ago
In reply to @joealp1 "@californiazebra My procedure was done "off label", in other words, not covered by insurance. Histotripsy for..." + (show)
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@californiazebra
My procedure was done "off label", in other words, not covered by insurance. Histotripsy for the pancreas is in a clinical trial in Barcelona, but it's a procedure that can be performed, just needs a surgeon trained in the procedure and with access to the equipment. My surgical oncologist is Dr. Mark Bloomston, with Lee Health, 239-343-7400. He's in Ft. Myers, FL. By his estimate, the tumor was shrunk by about 50%, and it's possible that what's left is dead.
The procedure took a little over an hour in the operating room. My tumor was large, 6.9 x 4.8 x 4.2 cm. Doc had to reposition the device for three separate applications; normally, it's only a single set up and the time in the operating room is closer to 45 minutes. Hardest part was the prep, much like prepping for a colonoscopy.
Hope this answers your questions.

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@joealp1 That is a large tumor. Has the tumor affected the SMA or SMV (artery or vein)? I was curious if histotripsy could be used near the blood vessels.

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