IPMN 2 cm mass head of pancreas caught EARLY.......

Posted by Victoria Dukes @victoriadukes, Oct 3, 2022

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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Victoria Dukes | @victoriadukes | Oct 26, 2022

In reply to @sisisegovia1 "Hi Victoria, thanks for sharing this with us. Your tumor was close mesenteric veins?" + (show)

@sisiegovia1
The cystic mass is actually located in the head of my pancreas. My surgery is Nov 7 and will know more after getting through that.

lindamarie2009 | @lindamarie2009 | Oct 26, 2022

In reply to @victoriadukes "@sisisegovia1 Hello! Since my surgery is not until Nov 7, I don't have answers, other than..." + (show)

My good friend had the whipple in Boston cancer spread to liver now she is trying a new chemo make sure they chemo you before the surgery from what I read that has the best outcome! My friend did not and I am not sure why! Good luck

Victoria Dukes | @victoriadukes | Oct 27, 2022

@sisiegovia1
That actually is not the surgeon's plan for IPMN pre-malignant cystic mass. I trust him, as he is the greatest surgeon this side of the world. (Mayo Clinic Florida) Yes, I have that much confidence in him and The Lord, who guides him. Thanks for your suggestion, but we cannot compare ourselves to others' journeys and assume that chemo is always needed. We are all truly unique in every way in our anatomy and whatever mass or "c" that we are dealing with. My best to you.

mikewdby | @mikewdby | Oct 27, 2022

In reply to @victoriadukes "@sisiegovia1 That actually is not the surgeon's plan for IPMN pre-malignant cystic mass. I trust him,..." + (show)

Victoria, we communicated before. I will pray for you as well. If you recall, we have similar situations in that I too so far been diagnosed with a benign lesion about 3.6 - 4.0 cm.

My GI Dr. here at Mayo Rochester has setup a virtual consulting with a surgeon (Dr. Smoot) to discuss if surgery is an option for me down the road. As such I will be ‘consulting’ with you as my new friend,…are you also on Facebook?

Since we will be going to our Florida home (Ft. Myers) soon my GI Dr has setup an additional contrast MRI @ Jacksonville in early January. It would be nice to even meet you and check up with you when my wife and I come up to Jacksonville.

God Bless.

Victoria Dukes | @victoriadukes | Oct 27, 2022

@mikewdby
Good morning! Yes, we did. It would be m y pleasure to connect on FB. (Victoria Dukes Jacksonville,FL)
I have been working for Mayo Radiology remotely (from home) since Covid in 2020, since I do have duties which don't require me to be on campus. Sure do miss my radiologists, but do get a chance to see them when I come for testing. Have one more Endoscopy on 11/1 before my surgery on 11/7 Monday. It is getting REAL. I have full trust in my surgeon, Dr. John Stauffer, and above all - in God leading and directing his hands and his awesome God-given expertise.
Check on utube searching with his name - 3 minute video of his describing in detail the pancreatic surgeries, the second being the Whipple. If you do get sent for a surgical oncology consultation, I can promise you there is no finer than Dr. John Stauffer.

Please let me know in January when you will be on the Jacksonville campus and I'd love to work something out and meet up with ya'll. God Bless!

rexsan20 | @rexsan20 | Nov 6, 2022

ANY GI DOCTOR IN SAVANNAH GA.?

mikewdby | @mikewdby | Nov 7, 2022

In reply to @rexsan20 "ANY GI DOCTOR IN SAVANNAH GA.?" + (show)

Dear Rexan20,
If you are in Savanna Georgia, it is worth your while to drive to Mayo @ Jacksonville. Mayo has been and are the leaders in Pancreatic surgery.