1. < Pancreatic Cancer
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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.

maryvallis512 | @maryvallis512 | Aug 1, 2020

Hi, my name is Mary. I am a 62 yr old women who was diagnosed last week while out of state visiting my daughter. Thought I had a gallbladder attack and through a series of events and tests it was quickly diagnosed I have AdenoCarcinoma of the pancreas. I am devastated. My husband and I just retired and had plans to spend more time with our grandbabies and to travel. I’ve always ben extremely healthy and have always lived a healthy lifestyle. This diagnosis has taken away all my hope and I am devastated.

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susan2018 | @susan2018 | Aug 1, 2020

My husband is the one who received the diagnosis, but the feeling of devastation you describe is familiar and understandable. No matter the treatments and outcomes, life will never be the same. We’re a year out from surgery at Mayo and six months of chemo. Now back in Rochester for tests after a worrisome scan. Let the emotions be for now, your action plan will soon occupy you, but you’ll be better prepared if you allow yourself to process your grief. You aren’t alone and your story isn’t done.

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maryvallis512 | @maryvallis512 | Aug 1, 2020

Thank you for replying Susan. The waiting to get started is so hard. We have our first appt next Wednesday in Rochester. I have such a hard time being hopeful.

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susan2018 | @susan2018 | Aug 1, 2020

May I ask who your appointments are with?

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3 replies
colorado19 | @colorafo19 | Aug 1, 2020
In reply to @maryvallis512 "Hi, my name is Mary. I am a 62 yr old women who was diagnosed last..." + (show)
@maryvallis512

Hi, my name is Mary. I am a 62 yr old women who was diagnosed last week while out of state visiting my daughter. Thought I had a gallbladder attack and through a series of events and tests it was quickly diagnosed I have AdenoCarcinoma of the pancreas. I am devastated. My husband and I just retired and had plans to spend more time with our grandbabies and to travel. I’ve always ben extremely healthy and have always lived a healthy lifestyle. This diagnosis has taken away all my hope and I am devastated.

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My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 after thinking he was having gallbladder issues. We immediately called Mayo Rochester for a second opinion. He had chemo, radiation and a Whipple. There is hope for you! My husband is still here and doing well. He has had a couple of set backs but he is here and enjoying life!!! Prayers to you!!!

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maryvallis512 | @maryvallis512 | Aug 1, 2020

Thank you so much! I found it very hopeful! I need to read stories like your!

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maryvallis512 | @maryvallis512 | Aug 1, 2020
In reply to @susan2018 "May I ask who your appointments are with?" + (show)
@susan2018

May I ask who your appointments are with?

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So far Dr Pearson. They said they will make more appts as it gets closer.

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maryvallis512 | @maryvallis512 | Aug 1, 2020
In reply to @susan2018 "May I ask who your appointments are with?" + (show)
@susan2018

May I ask who your appointments are with?

Jump to this post

Dr Pearson

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1 reply
susan2018 | @susan2018 | Aug 1, 2020
In reply to @maryvallis512 "Dr Pearson" + (show)
@maryvallis512

Dr Pearson

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Same for my husband. Initial evaluation was with his nurse practitioner, then scheduled further. I’ll be thinking of you.

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debsid | @debsid | Aug 1, 2020
In reply to @marvinjsturing "Hi, everyone. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on May 9, 2014. My Whipple was performed..." + (show)
@marvinjsturing

Hi, everyone. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on May 9, 2014. My Whipple was performed by Dr. Farnel at Mayo in Rochester on June 5, 2014. The surgery took 8 1/2 hours. The doctor removed most of my pancreas, part of my stomach and my duodenum. What was left of my pancreas was so bad that the doctor didn't even connect it back into my digestive system. I was Staged at 2b because cancer was found in 1 of the 64 lymph nodes that were removed. Surgery was followed by 6 months (18 infusions] of gemcitabine or gemzar. My last treatment was December 30, 2014. I was looking forward to a new year with out any treatments only to discover that I had a very rare reaction to the chemo and developed atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. I spent the next 10 months going to Mayo for treatment. By the time they got the aHUS under control, my kidney function was down to 15%. In order to be listed on the kidney transplant list, I had to be cancer free for 5 years. That happened last June. My sister had offered to be a donor for me. Two weeks before she was scheduled for her testing, she was diagnosed with mantel cell lymphoma. She has now finished her chemo and is working on getting a stem cell transplant. I am not yet on dialysis. As far as I know, I do not have anyone working on becoming a donor so I am now waiting for a deceased donor. At this time I am grateful just to be alive. The biggest issue I deal with on a daily basis is fatigue. I typically need a nap in the afternoon. Because in essence I have no pancreas I am treated as a Type I diabetic and have to take Creon every time I eat. Other than that, I have a pretty good quality of life. I often tell people that other than diabetes, pancreatic cancer and chronic kidney disease, I am in perfect health!

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Boy, you and your family have been through the ringer. Praying a kidney donir if found and it helps the fatigue. We are getting closer to a whipple but it will be a new way of life. How exciting to contemplate years rather than months though. Blessings to you! Believing in healing.

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