Connect
← Return to Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer
Discussion
Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer
Cancer | Last Active: Jun 18, 2023 | Replies (508)Comment receiving replies
Tomorrow I go in for radiosurgery on my pancreas.
When I was first diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, I was told that I was not a candidate for surgery or radiation. However, the cancer responded to Folfirinox/Folfiri treatments. The nearly two dozen tumors in my liver are resolved, and the 2inch tumor in my pancreas is a fuzzy haze on the scans. I'm slowly buying back time.
We are going in to zap the original source of the cancer and hopefully kill of a few more cancer cells.
My oncology teams said we are in uncharted territory, and there is a 2% chance the procedure could be fatal. There is also a chance that we could damage my small intestine. However, the benefits far outweigh the risks. We are trying to stay on top of the cancer.
I am 45, and I am fighting for my life. I'm both nervous and excited about this procedure. I'm also nervous about skipping chemo for a month. What if the cancer starts to grow somewhere else while we zap the pancreas?
Here's going into the big unknown.
Replies to "Tomorrow I go in for radiosurgery on my pancreas. When I was first diagnosed with stage..."
@nogginquest am thinking of you...Good Luck...sending a prayer
@windwalker I visited the Mayo once for a second opinion. They recommended the radiosurgery.
I was very impressed.
Finished first round of radiation, and I am almost as sick as I was when I first started chemo.
The toilet and I are becoming reacquainted.
Your whole battle is like flying off into new, uncharted territory! Keep fighting, every single day. Mayo works miracles and if there is even a small chance to beat this I guarantee you they will have your back and do everything humanly, technologically and spiritually possible to help you! Stay positive and my thoughts are with you!
Connect
@nogginquest Hi there. I am a mentor for the mac/bronchiectasis group (lung diseases). Occassionally, posts from other groups cross my path and I read them. Your post caught my attention. You are an incredibly corageous person to chart your way through your illness the way you do. It sounds like you are making some good progress. Are you getting treatment at the Mayo Clinic? I wish you continued success with your treatments. I hope you stay in touch.