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Pancreatic Cancer - No signs of spread, Whipple Candidate
Hi and so glad to be part of this group. My husband was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer this month. 5.8 cm in the head of the pancreas. CT Scan, MRIs, PET/CT Scan, Diagnostic Endoscopy all show no signs that the cancer has spread and he is a candidate for Whipple Surgery. However, his CA-19 was 1,900 (earlier in the month while experiencing pancreatitis after ECRP procedure to insert stent in Bile Duct and perform Biopsy). Latest CA19 has dropped to 1700. Doctors feel chemo (16 weeks) to ensure no messenger cells are there then Whipple in early 2023. has anyone experienced this? We would love to go in and do the Whipple now, but they are holding off until after chemo based on CA-19 tests being elevated. Thank you for your input.
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Dear Slosammie, what type of Chomo treatments have you had and what have your reactions been to the treatments? Thanks and God Bless.
@thebobk, thanks for your encouragement to focus on the positive. I pray for your continued progress.
I am located in Barbados where very few Whipple procedures are done because of very late diagnoses - mine is scheduled for Saturday and my surgeon advises that I am very fortunate and have a good prognosis one I come through the surgery.
I will post an update when I am able.
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5 Reactionsmjennison, thank you for your kind words and it appears myself and your husband are on the same therapy path. I start chemo on the 19th and will be sent home with a pump as well. This will be every other week for six months than evaluation for possible radiation or whipple surgery. I do hope that your husband continues on a positive path as now we have hope of being cured. Medical technology has progressed tremendously 🤗
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1 Reaction@dubbscopper, thanks so much for this very salient advice in the midst of your treatment! I pray you see your 12 year-old grow to manhood - he sounds like a cool kid doing his best to be brave for you.
My boys are 15 and 17 years but I still see my babies. The younger is very introverted like his Dad, and even harder to read than most teens at that age but my firstborn is super positive and has a 'no matter what' attitude I frankly draw strength from. My father and brother are the consummate 'cool grandpa and uncle' and I know they will be there for the boys, especially when my hubby needs a break.
Thanks again for connecting ... I wish you WELL!
@slosammie, glad to know you chemo is working! I hope the side effects are managable.
Having lost my mother to cancer at 57 years, literally 3 months after I myself became a mother, and with heredity for the illness high on her side, I guess this situation is emotionally loaded for me for a long time personally and from a parental perspective.
I will THINK POSITIVE, THINK WELL, and pray for strength and healing for us and our families both. Thanks for connecting.
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3 Reactions@elliek Good luck and looking forward to your update. Best,
Hi Ellie ~ Thank you for your response! Cancer runs high in my family on both sides too...we must be aware for the signs, Mine were ignored by my diabetes endocrinologist over 10 months of pain complaints. Luckily, I had other doctors who made referrals and I was properly diagnosed, hopefully in time. Its close and I am not sure of the outcome yet. My gastroenterologists were on the ball and recognized my having melanoma 46 years ago precluded me for additional cancer flaring up...that is now with the PC. I was given the proper tests MRI, CAT Scan CA-19 then a biopsy. I wish you a long life with your family. I will add you to my prayer list if that's ok with you...Sammie
I had a Whipple in 2015 due to MCNs and IPMNs. After the CT, ERCP, MRCP my doctor met with a panel of 7 doctors to discuss my case. The cyst in head of pancreas was in worst spot and would eventually cause problems. Within a week I was having the Whipple. Unfortunately I had complications with a fistula. A lung collapsed and ended up with a feeding tube because everything made me sick. I was their longest Whipple patient being in hospital 30 days. Went home, had to go back for a week due to an abscess. It took a while but I got better. No cancer. Now 7.5 years later I was hospitalized for gastritis after taking pain meds for a hand surgery. Did CT and doing another cyst on what’s left of pancreas (tail) and on liver (the part the tail was reattached to). In 2 weeks I’m having another CT of pancreas and liver with contrast followed by another scope to aspirate cyst and biopsy. Long story. I’m so glad yours doesn’t appear to have spread. That’s awesome. I’ll pray for you.
Yes, please keep us posted. I’m doing same process, chemo #2 on Friday.
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1 ReactionEllie, you got great advice from @dubbscopper about talking to teens about cancer. I think you both might appreciate this related discussion:
- Family dynamics challenging when a parent has cancer: Want to connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/group-focused-on-families-and-parent-with-cancer/
I provided a few additional resources in that discussion. My personal thoughts are: 1) be honest with your teens, including to share your feelings even if they mean sharing that you're scared or worried, and 2) don't be alarmed if they don't seem worried or are able to continue with teen behavior. It's a stage of life where self-absorption is their primary brain function.