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IPMN 2 cm mass head of pancreas caught EARLY.......
Greetings! I'm new to this group and so far have been reading so much before feeling it was time to share. I did comment on another member's post, but thought I would officially share my story.
In August, I spent most of the month either in the ER or hospital (two admissions) following RNY gastric bypass on July 13, '22. Complication of critical potassium depletion caused by years of being on HCTZ (diuretic) that literally kicks out your potassium. (IV potassium - 10 bags total-burns going in and caustic to the veins). Also developed a burning fireball-type pain in my upper abdomen, which prompted the ER physician to order a CT Abdomen on August 10, '22. Did not reveal an ulcer (endoscopy did confirm a marginal ulcer in the new pouch). The CT results brought with it a bonus - an incidental finding - I am the proud new owner of a 2 cm enhancing cystic mass in the head of my pancreas! This led to consulting with the Pancreas surgeon at Mayo Clinic Florida (also my employer -Radiology) I am scheduled for Whipple procedure on November 7 and am so optimistic because of this being caught so early. My prayer is that any 'wicked' looking cells that may be hiding/lurking that don't show on an MRI - will be totally eradicated and I can go on to live the rest of my life in good health. Of course, my emotions are a roller coaster, going from total Faith in God -turning it over to Him - then playing it over and over again in my mind. I guess we are all guilty of this; it is so hard not to dwell on the "what if's" and related doubts and fears.
Wondering if anyone else had a pre-malignant mass eradicated after a Whipple procedure. I hear and read about the post-op course and become fearful. Then, I realize it is different for every person as we are all so unique in anatomy and whatever mass or disease being experienced. Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced (what I felt like was a 'miracle') having this caught EARLY and then went on to the Whipple. I'm preparing myself and trying to build my core strength and am determined to get past this and have minimal/no complications.
Looking forward to comments and discussions.
~Victoria from Florida
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Welcome, @sisisegovia1. I'm going to tag @victoriadukes to make sure she sees your question to her.
Sisise, where is your tumor located? How are you doing?
@sisisegovia1
Hello!
Since my surgery is not until Nov 7, I don't have answers, other than a pre-malignant cystic mass was seen on MRI in the head of the pancreas. Caught very early. Will not know until 4-7 days after biopsies, if everything is clear.
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1 ReactionHope all goes well!
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1 ReactionDid you have a Whipple done? And how are you doing?
Did you have a Whipple surgery?
Hello group,
I just joined looking for support and possible clues to assist with more information until until I meet with my new GI on Thursday 10/27/22.
I apologize in advance for the lengthy post.
A CT scan in Jan and July of 2021 for an Ortho issue found multiple pancreatic fat stranding with a mild rind-like appearance and mild peri-pancreatic inflammation indicating Chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune. No further tests were ordered until I met with my new PCP this month and he ordered a MRI. The report says:
Mild ill-defined heterogeneity of the pancreatic head/uncinate process without a clearly delineated mass.
There is however a masslike area of enhancement within the pancreatic head resulting in Chronic pancreatitis with resultant steatosis, possibly autoimmune. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is not excluded given the lack of (without) upstream ductal dilatation or parenchymal atrophy.
Decreased T1 signal and opposed phase images demonstrate diffuse drop in signal of the entire pancreas.
Apparently, I have been having symptoms without knowing that they were related to my pancreas and I would like to be a bit more informed, besides all the research I am constantly doing trying to understand it all.
Any assistance appreciated.
Thank you.
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3 Reactions@ladyaceintx1
Good morning!
Similar thing happened with me, as far as an incidental finding on CT Abdomen done in the ER @Mayo, looking for an ulcer. The CT findings stunned me completely, as a 2 cm pre-malignant cystic mass was found in the head of my pancreas ! Wow. Talk about stunned! Went on to an MRI Pancreas which confirmed the cystic mass, and more. Things rolled out fast following this, as I am blessed to be colleagues with the radiologists who read these studies and got the ball rolling. Met with the Oncology surgeon days following the MRI, then scheduled for a Whipple procedure in less than 2 wks. (Nov 7) Although I have had everything explained in detail, I am still trying to wrap my head around this !
Since you meet with your new GI tomorrow (10.27) I certainly encourage you to have your questions answered in detail. My mind would always go 'blank' when face-to-face with the surgeon, as I remained so stunned. Our situations are different - but the incidental finding - I totally relate to the shock you have dealt with. I had no symptoms, though, related to these findings of the pancreas - as I said - it shows to be 'pre-malignant'.....I do not understand all of the verbiage used in the MR reports even though years in Radiology - I encourage you again to write down all of your questions. Wish I could be of more help, but I did not want to just pass your post without replying and sending you {{{hugs}}} and encouragement. We've got this! Please keep us posted!!
Best regards! Victoria
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5 Reactions@momtoall
Just to let you know, praying right now as your husband is having surgery today with my surgeon (Nov 7) Dr. Stauffer. Please keep us updated as much as you can. Be encouraged that your husband is in the BEST hands possible....this surgeon is more than awesome and has performed vast Whipple procedures. He loves his patients and strives for excellence in every single way. {{{hugs}}} and positive thoughts and prayers to you as you support your love during his journey. It is your journey as well. Be good to yourself and be sure to get plenty of rest as well.
Best regards xoxoxo
What hospital ? I would make sure and get another MRI - some hospitals have PET MRI too. This information is a whole bunch of different things thrown at you and definitely wait to see what the gastric dr says - did they do the blood work for cancer markers? I’m just a Pancreatic cancer lay person but take a deep breathe and grab a trusted relative or friend to start writing down what the doctors say... it’s gonna be a whirlwind of info that you think you’ll remember but won’t. I wish you the best-
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3 ReactionsMy new PCP ordered a Lipid Panel, Urinalysis, and Hgb A1c. No Cancer marker labs have been ordered and no PET MRI...only a CT scan 2 years ago and the specific recent MRI last week. All my PCP did was call me within 30 minutes of leaving Kelsey and tell me that he had read my results and was arranging an urgent appointment with a GI at Kelsey to see me. The call itself was alarming even though he didn't explain anything. I have been researching the Pancreatic terms and trying to piece together what little clues I have in order to make some initial determination. My husband will go with me to the GI appointment tomorrow and I expect more tests and labs to be ordered. Trying to stay calm but honestly having alot of anxiety mostly because I handle things better when I have all the facts. Thank you for your help and for listening.
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