Radiation and chemo for pancreatic cancer: Is it effective?

It depends on the type of cyst and location. IPMN’s when occurring in secondary and tertiary branch ducts are generally benign. Surgery may still be required if they grow to 3 cm as they can block those ducts leading to chronic pancreatitis and that can result in pancreatic cancer.

IPMN’s that occur in the main duct have a high tendency to turn malignant as well as when they are in a primary branch duct communicating to the main duct. Surgical resection is the course of action when they reach 1 cm in size.

For those diagnosed with cysts, there is a clinical study recruiting for the purpose of determine the best surveillance method. It is being conducted at sites across the US. Information about the study-
https://ecog-acrin.org/clinical-trials/ea2185-pancreas-cancer-prevention/

@bede, thinking of you. When will you be seeing your doctor about the results of the MRI?

I belong to my local PanCan group. They are a wonderful group of people.

Hello @bede

As it has been a while since you last posted, I was wondering how you are doing. I see that there was some doubt about the spot on your lungs but that you were having an MRI to look at the possibility of metastasis to the liver.

I hope the results of the MRI have provided you with some answers and treatment decisions. Will you post again with an update when it's convenient for you?

I know very little about my friend’s cancer. She is not doing chimo. Stage 4. Do know metastasis to liver. She is following a diet based on fruits. I live in Peru and she is in Florida. She tells me she is in pain and has lost weight. Decided not to do chimo. I need to know how can I help her. She has no access to Medicaid nor does she have money to go to a private clinic. I am sitting here and kind of desperate because I do not know if I should buy a flight ticket to be with her, but that will not ease her pain. Is there any help for persons who do not have the economic means to receive pain killers?

I am sorry to hear of your friend’s situation. She is fortunate to have someone like you on her side. I am not familiar with USA/Florida protocols, as I also live in another country. Perhaps a cancer care centre near her can offer aid/suggestions through a social worker? All the best to your friend.

There should be a federally qualified community health care center nearby. You should be able to Google federally qualified community health center and her location. The federally qualified community health centers provide primary care and sometimes some specialty care and treat everyone, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. They have social work services and should be able to help your friend connect with the resources available in her community to meet her medical needs. Seems like she also can contact hospice in her area as pain medications in this situation would tend to be prescribed by hospice rather than a primary care provider.

The resources your friend needs are available, not always easy to figure out where to go. I am sure your advocacy for your friend will be a great blessing. If you can be with her to help her connect, it will likely be of benefit since people who are unwell sometimes have difficulty navigating and finding resources.

I am sorry to hear of your friends situation and wish you all the best in your efforts to help her

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. It has been very useful. I will pass the information to her. This blog has been very informative. Bless you!