Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others
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.
@beachdog, I send you peace and strength as you begin a different journey of loss and grief. If it is right for you, please know that there is a support group here:
- Loss & Grief https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/loss-grief/
Through the time caring for your wife, you supported many other members living with pancreatic cancer and have added to the knowledge and experiences of the group. I'm grateful for your contributions. Thank you.
@snafuchris01, how the cancer will progress is difficult to answer. Every person is different. Her doctors who know more specifically about her health status and details of the tumor may be able to give some guidance.
Is she currently in the care of a palliative care team? Palliative care can be so helpful, not only to keep the patient comfortable, but also to support the family along the way. You can learn more in this discussion:
- Palliative Care: What is it? How do I get it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/palliative-care-1/
Hi, I had a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy for an IPMN. There was an adenocarcinoma that was removed. I am stage 1b and had my first Folferinox chemo on September 14. Digestive system is out of whack. Trying to get back regular.
@ken240
I had my first Folferinox yesterday. When did you get your digestive symptoms? Right away? How are you treating them?
Thanks.
I couldn’t connect either. It just circled around on Zoom.
Hi, my digestive issues cropped up two days after initial treatment. I had diarrhea and I treated it with Imodium, but then I was constipated for two days. I also took a Zofran for nausea, and not sure if that drug affected my system. Also had two bouts of heartburn in the ten days since the treatment. Doctor put me on Omeprazole. Trying to eat small portions more often, and that helps.
@ken240 Along with this cancer, I have Crohn’s disease and GERD. So I am very nervous about D always, and reflux issues are treated with Pepcid (high dose) at night and another med before morning meal - so far that has stayed in check. I’m very nauseated so food isn’t high on my list. I am officially day 2 so I will be on the lookout for D. Thanks for sharing. Be blessed and heal.
@ken240 Based on my Crohn’s disease, try to avoid chocolate and sugar in all forms : no cakes, no soda. I use stevia or nothing at all. Also, watch your caffeine- it stimulates your digestive system. All this happens without adding chemo effects. In health, be blessed. Journal to find your triggers.
@lvtexas One idea: If you used the "add to calendar" function from the Pancreatic Support Group page, make sure the appointment was added to your calendar at the correct time based on your time zone. There are some funky time zone conversions during this time of year and sometimes calendars don't sync correctly. So you may be dialing in early. When I added it to my calendar just now, the meeting was added an hour earlier than it starts.
Hi, I'm Carol and I do not have pancreatic cancer. I have had 4 FDR that has died of the disease. I'm being proactive as much as I can to not get diagnosed with this horrible cancer. I'm currently going to an amazing cancer team that has me do a EUS once a year to check my digestive tract. I currently have 8 cysts in my pancreas. My doctors are not concerned with the cysts now, but are keeping a close eye on me.
I'm looking forward to sharing with all of you in this group!
Thank You!