Hello, I was diagnosed with an adenoma at the head of the pancreas in Sept. of 2021 with SMV involvement. I received 6 rounds of Folfironex, and afterwards, the tumor was resectable. The Whipple was preformed April 26, 2022, with the tumor described as being stage 1 B, no margins, and no lymph nodes. All was well until April of 2025 when a shadow was seen on a CT that looked like a mass was forming in the operative bed, betweem the SMV and SMA. At that time, the CA 19-9 had not budged from the reading, as it first appeared post Whipple, as less than 2.09, where it has remained to this day. (At diagnosis, the CA 19-9 was 320.) I also received 6 more rounds of Folfironox post Whipple.
I have receive several pet scans and cts this past year along with 2 Signatera tests, both negative, and an endoscopy. The endoscopy yielded no new information due to 'artifacts'. The original shadow has enlarged during this past year and now the 'mass' appears to involve both the SMV and SMA. The situation has been described as 'difficult' and unresectable. It is not being considered for a biopsy because of the negative blood tests as well as being my being asymptomatic.
I will be receiving another ct test next week and have an oncologist meeting shortly thereafter.
Does anyone have any advice on what to ask my oncologist? He has said that he does not want to treat me.
I'm in San Diego County CA under the care of two qualified pancreatic specialist physicians using one of the better hospitals. My case is reviewed periodically by the 'tumor board'.
Thanks!