1. < Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer recurrence: Anyone else?

Posted by sadiegrace @sadiegrace, Apr 29, 2021

Hi, my name is Trish, I had pancreatic cancer 7 years ago. This reoccurrence was a surprise since I had a CT on March 9th, with no sign of anything to a .5mm stricture of small intestine caused by a mass that is malignant. Just had a stent put in to on Monday to open the intestine and I am feeling much better. Will see my oncologist on May 6th, and maybe find out what stage it is. Because I haven’t eaten very well for the past few weeks and have lost almost 20 lbs, it’s left me feeling weak and tired.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 7, 2021
In reply to @sadiegrace "Hi @hopeful33250 It’s been a month and I am completely recovered from the procedure to open..." + (show)
@sadiegrace

Hi @hopeful33250

It’s been a month and I am completely recovered from the procedure to open my duodenum that was constricted with the maglignancy. The stent is working well and I am back to eating most everything with no problems.

I am feeling so good so far, except that I have noticed I tire more easily. I am having no symptoms and I’m back to doing all of my normal activities.

I lost a little over 20 lbs when I was having digestive problems because of the stricture, and although I am eating much more these days, I am not gaining any of the weight back.

The hospice nurse is coming in once a week and so far all my vitals are fine.

I’m not sure what to expect. I’m sleeping well and the only thing they’ve put me on is a daily dose of Miralax so I won’t have another blockage like I had after being released from the hospital. I still don’t understand that since I was on clear liquids for almost 2 weeks.

I thank God for all the good days I am having and the ability to get “all my ducks in a row.” So my kids won’t have so much to do when I pass.

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Hello @sadiegrace

I so appreciate hearing from you with an update. I think that your fatigue is to be expected since you did lose 20 pounds. Yes, Miralax is a good plan to keep blockages from forming. I think that everyone with upper digestive tract problems has to deal with this. Since I've had three surgeries for carcinoid cancer in the duodenal bulb I've been using Miralax on a regular basis. It really does make a difference.

I have also had weight loss and even though my appetite is better and I can eat more, my weight is still low.

How wonderful that you can resume your normal activities, now. That has to be very encouraging!

I enjoy hearing from you. I admire your courage and persistence in making your life as full as you can. Will you keep in touch and let me know how you are doing?

REPLY
leighs2011 | @leighs2011 | Jun 16, 2021
In reply to @wrolsen "You will be in our prayers. I'm 9 1/2 years out from original diagnosis and whipple,..." + (show)
@wrolsen

You will be in our prayers. I'm 9 1/2 years out from original diagnosis and whipple, had a reoccurrence in 2015 and a possible reoccurrence in 2018 (had 2 failed biopsys) so was radiated just to be safe. At this point I'm cancer free, there is hope.

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Hi I'm wondering if you could share your treatments. Ive had a recurrence and now doing a drug trial to rev up immune system.I never heard in literature or on cancer connect, if anyone recovered from recurrences. Thank you for the new hope! Ive got mets in lungs, some ablations but now too many to ablate and too small. I got radiation to pancreas and will be scanned in two months. Thanks again!

REPLY
1 reply
leighs2011 | @leighs2011 | Jun 16, 2021

I'm sorry to here you got a recurrance too. I had 3 years NED until a year ago and now in lungs. I'm doing a drug trial at UCLA. I hope you get good news by now and let us know. All good wishes

REPLY
sadiegrace | @sadiegrace | Jun 29, 2021
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @sadiegrace, I am truly sorry that there are no more treatment options available for you...." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello @sadiegrace,

I am truly sorry that there are no more treatment options available for you. I'm glad that you are feeling good now and that you are at peace with your decision to enter hospice care. It is a decision that many of us will have to make at one time or the other and I appreciate the grace and peace you have about this transition.

Wishing you peace. Hospice is very helpful at keeping their patients comfortable. Please post as you continue your journey,

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Hi Teresa, just wanted to update you on my journey of my transition to hospice.

It’s been two months, and praise the Lord, I am feeling great. No distressing symptoms, no digestive problems. The stent is doing it’s job and I’m back to eating pretty much what I want to. My weight has stabilized, not gaining but not losing either. I was pretty tired after being in the hospital for the stricture, but now my energy has returned. The nurse comes once a week and all my vital signs have been excellent. I thought it would be a gradual slope, but she says it’s more like you feel alright until you don’t.

I thank God for the good days He’s given me, and pray I’ll be just as thankful for the not so good days to come.

In the meantime, I’m tying up loose ends.
Planned and paid for my funeral, updated my will, and have been enjoying seeing family and friends who live far away.

So many people don’t have the chance to say “goodbye” and I am blessed that I do.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 29, 2021
In reply to @sadiegrace "Hi Teresa, just wanted to update you on my journey of my transition to hospice. It’s..." + (show)
@sadiegrace

Hi Teresa, just wanted to update you on my journey of my transition to hospice.

It’s been two months, and praise the Lord, I am feeling great. No distressing symptoms, no digestive problems. The stent is doing it’s job and I’m back to eating pretty much what I want to. My weight has stabilized, not gaining but not losing either. I was pretty tired after being in the hospital for the stricture, but now my energy has returned. The nurse comes once a week and all my vital signs have been excellent. I thought it would be a gradual slope, but she says it’s more like you feel alright until you don’t.

I thank God for the good days He’s given me, and pray I’ll be just as thankful for the not so good days to come.

In the meantime, I’m tying up loose ends.
Planned and paid for my funeral, updated my will, and have been enjoying seeing family and friends who live far away.

So many people don’t have the chance to say “goodbye” and I am blessed that I do.

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Oh, @sadiegrace, what an encouraging, upbeat report! I'm so glad that you updated me on your progress.

You have chosen to see the good in the life that you are living now and that is a wonderful testimony. I have a feeling that you have lived your life with a positive attitude and with faith.

If you don't mind sharing more, what do you think has brought about this appreciation for all aspects of life? Your experience might be encouraging to all of us!

REPLY
1 reply
sadiegrace | @sadiegrace | Jun 29, 2021
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Oh, @sadiegrace, what an encouraging, upbeat report! I'm so glad that you updated me on your..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Oh, @sadiegrace, what an encouraging, upbeat report! I'm so glad that you updated me on your progress.

You have chosen to see the good in the life that you are living now and that is a wonderful testimony. I have a feeling that you have lived your life with a positive attitude and with faith.

If you don't mind sharing more, what do you think has brought about this appreciation for all aspects of life? Your experience might be encouraging to all of us!

Jump to this post

I’ve been walking with the Lord for 42 years and He’s seen me through the good times and the not so good.

When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, He told me “You’re OK, I’ve got your back.” I knew it didn’t mean I was healed, just that whatever happened I was going to be OK. Then He gave me a peace I never knew before and He took away all fear. I could look at this as another phase in my life, “walking through the valley of death” with Jesus at my side.

That was in 2014. Even though the doctors at Duke said I probably wouldn’t make it to Christmas, the Lord in His Grace and mercy gave me 7 good years.

Now, once again the I find myself in that valley, but the sun is shining, and my hand is in His and I am at peace.

I can appreciate each and every day and not fear the future. If we can bring glory to God in our life, then why can’t we in our death?

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 29, 2021
In reply to @sadiegrace "I’ve been walking with the Lord for 42 years and He’s seen me through the good..." + (show)
@sadiegrace

I’ve been walking with the Lord for 42 years and He’s seen me through the good times and the not so good.

When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, He told me “You’re OK, I’ve got your back.” I knew it didn’t mean I was healed, just that whatever happened I was going to be OK. Then He gave me a peace I never knew before and He took away all fear. I could look at this as another phase in my life, “walking through the valley of death” with Jesus at my side.

That was in 2014. Even though the doctors at Duke said I probably wouldn’t make it to Christmas, the Lord in His Grace and mercy gave me 7 good years.

Now, once again the I find myself in that valley, but the sun is shining, and my hand is in His and I am at peace.

I can appreciate each and every day and not fear the future. If we can bring glory to God in our life, then why can’t we in our death?

Jump to this post

@sadiegrace,

Your words were a blessing to me! I had a feeling that your life had a purpose as you face this time with confidence and hope. Thanks for sharing this.

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 4, 2021
In reply to @sadiegrace "I’ve been walking with the Lord for 42 years and He’s seen me through the good..." + (show)
@sadiegrace

I’ve been walking with the Lord for 42 years and He’s seen me through the good times and the not so good.

When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, He told me “You’re OK, I’ve got your back.” I knew it didn’t mean I was healed, just that whatever happened I was going to be OK. Then He gave me a peace I never knew before and He took away all fear. I could look at this as another phase in my life, “walking through the valley of death” with Jesus at my side.

That was in 2014. Even though the doctors at Duke said I probably wouldn’t make it to Christmas, the Lord in His Grace and mercy gave me 7 good years.

Now, once again the I find myself in that valley, but the sun is shining, and my hand is in His and I am at peace.

I can appreciate each and every day and not fear the future. If we can bring glory to God in our life, then why can’t we in our death?

Jump to this post

@sadiegrace, you're so right when you say "So many people don’t have the chance to say “goodbye” and I am blessed that I do." I'm grateful that you are in hospice care and that you've taken the time to share with us. Go in peace and in the comfort that you have shared with many here in the Mayo Clinic Connect community. Your words, support and wisdom live on. Thank you.

REPLY
wrolsen | @wrolsen | Jul 24, 2021
In reply to @leighs2011 "Hi I'm wondering if you could share your treatments. Ive had a recurrence and now doing..." + (show)
@leighs2011

Hi I'm wondering if you could share your treatments. Ive had a recurrence and now doing a drug trial to rev up immune system.I never heard in literature or on cancer connect, if anyone recovered from recurrences. Thank you for the new hope! Ive got mets in lungs, some ablations but now too many to ablate and too small. I got radiation to pancreas and will be scanned in two months. Thanks again!

Jump to this post

When I was originally diagnosed first thing was whipple surgery. A couple of months after surgery I started chemo, I don't remember the entire cocktail. Then after about 4 rounds I started radiation and was on 5fu chemo during radiation, when done with radiation and 5fu went back to original chemo until my body just wouldn't tolerate any more.
Approximately 3 year later spot found on right lung, biopsied and found to be PC, this time cyberknife radiation and chemo.
Approximately 3 years later again returned to right lung again but this time just cyberknife radiation again, have been NED since.

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 2, 2021
In reply to @sadiegrace "Hi Teresa, just wanted to update you on my journey of my transition to hospice. It’s..." + (show)
@sadiegrace

Hi Teresa, just wanted to update you on my journey of my transition to hospice.

It’s been two months, and praise the Lord, I am feeling great. No distressing symptoms, no digestive problems. The stent is doing it’s job and I’m back to eating pretty much what I want to. My weight has stabilized, not gaining but not losing either. I was pretty tired after being in the hospital for the stricture, but now my energy has returned. The nurse comes once a week and all my vital signs have been excellent. I thought it would be a gradual slope, but she says it’s more like you feel alright until you don’t.

I thank God for the good days He’s given me, and pray I’ll be just as thankful for the not so good days to come.

In the meantime, I’m tying up loose ends.
Planned and paid for my funeral, updated my will, and have been enjoying seeing family and friends who live far away.

So many people don’t have the chance to say “goodbye” and I am blessed that I do.

Jump to this post

Hello @sadiegrace

I was thinking about you and wondering how you are doing? Please post when it is convenient for you. I would enjoy hearing from you.

REPLY
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