Pancreatic cyst

I was reading with interest the reports on pancreatic cysts. I have one that is being watched(MRI every 2 yrs) but recently have been having more diarrhea, at least one to four movements daily. My gastroenterologist did a VIP blood test which presented with higher numbers and now I have a US endoscopy scheduled for early January. This will be my 2nd one.
What should I be watching for, very nervous about the findings. Thanks for any help!

I was reading with interest the reports on pancreatic cysts. I have one that is being watched(MRI every 2 yrs) but recently have been having more diarrhea, at least one to four movements daily. My gastroenterologist did a VIP blood test which presented with higher numbers and now I have a US endoscopy scheduled for early January. This will be my 2nd one.
What should I be watching for, very nervous about the findings. Thanks for any help!

Thank you for your reply and I too have an MRI every 2 yrs. this diarrhea has been getting worse and that’s why my gastroenterologist decided to do the VIP test, now the next course will be the US endoscopy to see if that cyst is releasing this enzyme. My endoscopy is scheduled for 1/20/22, will keep you posted!

I'm looking for help in how to think about my situation. I have not discussed it with anyone except my spouse and my doctor because I don't want to worry family and friends needlessly. I have no symptoms. A routine 6-month checkup showed normal blood test results and normal urinalysis except for several additional red blood cells so my dr. sent me to a urologist. His urinalysis was normal but he sent me for a CT scan which showed a PD dilation of about 5mm. and a pancreatic head cyst of about 2.7 cm. A local oncological surgeon who does a lot of Whipples sent me for an MRI and an EUS. A biopsy was negative. Raised amylase is consistent with IPMN. Samples from the EUS were sent to PancraGEN to test pancreatic head cyst fluid which concluded there is a "statistically higher risk," recommending "close followup as further progression may not occur." Sounds like they are hedging their bets! I also saw an oncological surgeon at a famous cancer hospital. The only difference in the two surgeons' recommendations: the former recommended an MRI in 6 months (June) and the latter made an appt for an MRI in 3 months (March).
If either the PD or the cyst is larger at the next MRI, I think both surgeons will recommend a Whipple before cancer develops. Here's what I think about:- I am 79 years old. I am well. I am energetic. Were it not for Covid, I would be living a normal, active life. I think I would rather live my life and take my chances of a pancreatic cancer death sentence, than give up months and and probably much more to a Whipple recovery. I would think differently if I were 59 or 69. (The surgeons have told me they have lots of old patients!) Anybody have an opinion about what I should be doing or thinking?
Easier question: Should I make an appointment at the Cyst Clinic at Johns Hopkins, which would not be inconvenient for me? (Odd to be asking that on a Mayo website I guess.) Or are two opinions that don't really differ sufficient? Or could I be useful at JH where they seem to do a lot of PC research?

I'm looking for help in how to think about my situation. I have not discussed it with anyone except my spouse and my doctor because I don't want to worry family and friends needlessly. I have no symptoms. A routine 6-month checkup showed normal blood test results and normal urinalysis except for several additional red blood cells so my dr. sent me to a urologist. His urinalysis was normal but he sent me for a CT scan which showed a PD dilation of about 5mm. and a pancreatic head cyst of about 2.7 cm. A local oncological surgeon who does a lot of Whipples sent me for an MRI and an EUS. A biopsy was negative. Raised amylase is consistent with IPMN. Samples from the EUS were sent to PancraGEN to test pancreatic head cyst fluid which concluded there is a "statistically higher risk," recommending "close followup as further progression may not occur." Sounds like they are hedging their bets! I also saw an oncological surgeon at a famous cancer hospital. The only difference in the two surgeons' recommendations: the former recommended an MRI in 6 months (June) and the latter made an appt for an MRI in 3 months (March).
If either the PD or the cyst is larger at the next MRI, I think both surgeons will recommend a Whipple before cancer develops. Here's what I think about:- I am 79 years old. I am well. I am energetic. Were it not for Covid, I would be living a normal, active life. I think I would rather live my life and take my chances of a pancreatic cancer death sentence, than give up months and and probably much more to a Whipple recovery. I would think differently if I were 59 or 69. (The surgeons have told me they have lots of old patients!) Anybody have an opinion about what I should be doing or thinking?
Easier question: Should I make an appointment at the Cyst Clinic at Johns Hopkins, which would not be inconvenient for me? (Odd to be asking that on a Mayo website I guess.) Or are two opinions that don't really differ sufficient? Or could I be useful at JH where they seem to do a lot of PC research?

@judithsh my wife had her surgery at JHH so not so strange to be asking on a Mayo site. Between my wife and myself we probably keep an eye on half a dozen different communities for pancan. My question is why so fatalistic? If you have pancan and it's early stage, get treated. Everyone is different and the progression of the disease is unpredictable. My wife was 61 when diagnosed and she has been through three different chemo regimens, radiation and surgeries but she's still fighting and we're hopeful that the current treatment keeps her stable long enough for a complete remission. Go to JHH. They are excellent and you'll receive the best possible treatment. Good luck and bless you.

Thank you for your reply and I too have an MRI every 2 yrs. this diarrhea has been getting worse and that’s why my gastroenterologist decided to do the VIP test, now the next course will be the US endoscopy to see if that cyst is releasing this enzyme. My endoscopy is scheduled for 1/20/22, will keep you posted!