1. < Pancreatic Cancer
Moderator

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.

bb21 | @bb21 | Nov 28, 2021
In reply to @cbr1101 "Hi Colleen & Members, thanks so much for reaching out. Tomorrow will be three weeks since..." + (show)
@cbr1101

Hi Colleen & Members, thanks so much for reaching out.

Tomorrow will be three weeks since my diagnosis. I have been on autopilot just trying to go step by step. I haven't allowed myself to take time to absorb everything and I'm not at all prepared emotionally or physically for my surgery next Wednesday, 9/22.

My husband, Tom, will be with me. I don't have children. I have three sisters who are my support system. I would do anything to spare my husband this pain. He is such a good man but he can only understand so much of what cancer is about and what it does to you psychologically. He can only go with me so far on this journey. I will need to go the rest of the way alone.

I have many questions: how much pain can I expect after surgery, how long will it take to be up and about, when does chemo start, what foods will I be able to eat? The questions go on and on.

One of the most difficult aspects of this is that I've never been comfortable asking for help. Unfortunately, this is just too big for me to handle on my own. 😪

I would appreciate hearing about everyone's experiences if you're comfortable sharing.

Thanks so much.

Sincerely,
Catherine

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Not sure of your age. I am 74 and had surgery in February of this year. A wonderful surgeon. We used a spinal block and I would definitely recommend that. It allowed me to get up and walk with less pain and thus out of the hospital in 5 days instead of the expected 7-8 or more. I pushed myself but didn't overdo anything. The spinal made the difference for me. I am now fighting disease progression in the liver as my tumor was rare genotype in 1-2 % only and I had 1 positive node that I think is the source of my metatasis even though my cancer was found early. I am fighting and my medical team is trying many options but we know it is a difficult fight. I too worry about my husband who has already said if I die, he will follow. We have two wonderful children and two grandchildren that need him. We are working on plans of how to keep him positive for his future even if mine is not. Would like to hear others thoughts.
Keep your head in a positive atmosphere, let your family and friends support you in whatever way. I love thee cards they send and positive vibes they pass along. Enjoy every day however you can. Cry if needed, scream and then go to the positive again. The BEST to you.

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 30, 2021
In reply to @bb21 "Not sure of your age. I am 74 and had surgery in February of this year...." + (show)
@bb21

Not sure of your age. I am 74 and had surgery in February of this year. A wonderful surgeon. We used a spinal block and I would definitely recommend that. It allowed me to get up and walk with less pain and thus out of the hospital in 5 days instead of the expected 7-8 or more. I pushed myself but didn't overdo anything. The spinal made the difference for me. I am now fighting disease progression in the liver as my tumor was rare genotype in 1-2 % only and I had 1 positive node that I think is the source of my metatasis even though my cancer was found early. I am fighting and my medical team is trying many options but we know it is a difficult fight. I too worry about my husband who has already said if I die, he will follow. We have two wonderful children and two grandchildren that need him. We are working on plans of how to keep him positive for his future even if mine is not. Would like to hear others thoughts.
Keep your head in a positive atmosphere, let your family and friends support you in whatever way. I love thee cards they send and positive vibes they pass along. Enjoy every day however you can. Cry if needed, scream and then go to the positive again. The BEST to you.

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Hi BB, oh that is an extra concern about your husband saying he will shortly follow if you die. I'm not sure how I would respond to that in your shoes, but I wanted you to know that I read your message and I'm thinking...

I wonder if it might help him to "have a task" from you. By that I mean asking him to do something in your stead like "when I'm not here, I'd like you to continue our family tradition of..." or "it's so important to me that our grandchildren know me through the stories you will tell as they grow older..." Maybe you can assign keepsakes that you'd like him to give them at certain ages. Something like this might give him purpose and direction. Discussing these things might initially be sad, but could also bring joy of memories past and joy of creating memories for the future.

Are those ideas food for thought or not hitting the mark?

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becklynne1960 | @becklynne1960 | Dec 1, 2021

So we didn't get the best news yesterday from my biopsy. It does appear to be cancerous but operable. So hopefully a little good news. They say that I should be scheduled for surgery within a week or two. I am trying to be positive and hopeful but sometimes it's so hard. I have a strong faith in God that I can lean on but our human vulnerable side still comes out at times. I pray for each of you who are going through the same struggles. I would like to remain part of this group and I appreciate all your feedback. thank you and God bless.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 1, 2021

Oh, @becklynne1960 this isn't the news you were hoping for. I know the feelings of hopefulness and sadness that come and go. And the not knowing that comes with the anxiety. Now that you know that surgery will be scheduled very soon does that help? I will share something with you. I was very frightened before my hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in 2019. When I was in the pre-op area a feeling of serenity came over me like no other I'd felt. Everyone who took care of me helped me to feel like I was their only priority.

Yes, please stay a part of our group here and allow me and others to support you. Your wishes for us going through our own struggles here are so appreciated.

Will you please come back and tell us how you are doing over the next few weeks?

Blessings to you.

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susanpmadigan | @susanpmadigan | Dec 2, 2021
In reply to @becklynne1960 "So we didn't get the best news yesterday from my biopsy. It does appear to be..." + (show)
@becklynne1960

So we didn't get the best news yesterday from my biopsy. It does appear to be cancerous but operable. So hopefully a little good news. They say that I should be scheduled for surgery within a week or two. I am trying to be positive and hopeful but sometimes it's so hard. I have a strong faith in God that I can lean on but our human vulnerable side still comes out at times. I pray for each of you who are going through the same struggles. I would like to remain part of this group and I appreciate all your feedback. thank you and God bless.

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Dear Beckylynn
Although you may think that this is bad news it is very good that the doctor says that the tumor is operable. Many times tumors need to decrease a lot in order for the surgeon to operate. So this truly is a gift or blessing if you can think of it like this. Good luck with the surgery and all our thoughts are with you and your husband
Sincerely Susan M

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1 reply
becklynne1960 | @becklynne1960 | Dec 2, 2021
In reply to @susanpmadigan "Dear Beckylynn Although you may think that this is bad news it is very good that..." + (show)
@susanpmadigan

Dear Beckylynn
Although you may think that this is bad news it is very good that the doctor says that the tumor is operable. Many times tumors need to decrease a lot in order for the surgeon to operate. So this truly is a gift or blessing if you can think of it like this. Good luck with the surgery and all our thoughts are with you and your husband
Sincerely Susan M

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Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully we can get surgery scheduled asap.

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4 replies
susanpmadigan | @susanpmadigan | Dec 2, 2021
In reply to @becklynne1960 "Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully..." + (show)
@becklynne1960

Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully we can get surgery scheduled asap.

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That is good news. Keep us posted. Praying all goes well

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susanpmadigan | @susanpmadigan | Dec 3, 2021
In reply to @becklynne1960 "Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully..." + (show)
@becklynne1960

Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully we can get surgery scheduled asap.

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That is a great step forward!!!

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Dec 3, 2021
In reply to @becklynne1960 "Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully..." + (show)
@becklynne1960

Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully we can get surgery scheduled asap.

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That consult is coming up very soon. That is good news. Will you let me know when surgery is scheduled?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 7, 2021
In reply to @becklynne1960 "Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully..." + (show)
@becklynne1960

Thank you so much. Just found out that I have the surgical consult on Tuesday. Hopefully we can get surgery scheduled asap.

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Thinking of you today, BeckyLynne. I'm sure you have much to consider after your surgical consult. I look forward to hearing what you learned when you're ready.

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