Mayo Rochester oncologist referral for pancreatic cancer

Hi @lml, As you may know Mayo Clinic experts provide comprehensive care for people with pancreatic cancer and work together as a team. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20355431

While members, like @kjrita @julie2018 @marvinjsturing @chemobile and @colorafo19 can certainly tell you about the oncologists they recommend, you can rest assured that no matter who you see, the oncologists are working together.

Thank you. If this was an inappropriate question I hope you are able to remove it.

@lml, not an inappropriate at all. It's a great question. I just wanted to assure you that you will have a team of oncologists working with you, no matter who you may meet in the consultation. When do you start chemo?

Thank you. My situation seems to be unusual. The distal procedure was intended to be preventive so it was a surprise when tiny 1mm size Adenocarcinoma was found within the cyst. Since my cancer was removed so early (margins clear, low CA 19-9, lymph nodes clear) there was disagreement within oncology about whether or not I should have chemo. There is not enough research yet on patients in my situation to guide this decision so I was given a choice and opted for monitoring only. Very painful decision to have to make. I may have recurrence a few years out but I have my physical health (no diabetes, no neuropathy) now. By choosing monitoring only I am gambling that the surgery occurred before microcells were released, understanding I may face recurrence. I need to start monitoring at 6 months (April) and would like to work with an oncologist who is comfortable with my choice. My primary care doctor may be able to help with this. I will see her Friday.

@lml now I understand better. Watchful surveillance (monitoring) can be a tough decision, but it is YOUR decision. Do you have an appointment scheduled in April already? What tests will be done for monitoring?

@lml Officially, my oncologist was Dr. McWilliams. In fact, I saw Dr. McWilliams before my Whipple and 5 years later when I was finished with being evaluated. I had PET scans every 6 months. The results were reviewed by my team of doctors and nurses. I always met with my oncology nurse who presented the test results She was very knowledgeable about my situation and could answer almost every question I had.

Thank you. Much appreciated.

I have my first monitoring scheduled for later this month. CT scan and blood tests (CA19-9). I feel good/hopeful about the oncologist I’ll be seeing. Thank you so much for the replies and support.