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Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: 7 hours ago | Replies (1382)Comment receiving replies
My name is Vincent Ogonor. I was diagnosed of pancreatic cancer last November (2021). I subsequently had surgery during which part of my pancreas and two lymph nodes were removed. In January 2022, I started six months of chemotherapy, which I completed in June.
My doctor assured me that I was cancer free. Unfortunately, this is not true. Right now the tumor has grown to a size bigger than what it was before I had the surgery. Now the same doctor who ignored the upward trend of my tumor marker test results wants me to undergo another chemotherapy under his supervision. I am reluctant to continue my treatment with him, especially after he claimed the tumor marker numbers decreased during my treatment, which is not true. His total reliance on CT scan (which did not reveal the presence of the cancer prior to the surgery). On top of this, the doctor told me that my cancer cannot be cured and that I would die of the disease. The chemotherapy has resulted in my fingers and toes being numbed.
Am I wrong for not wanting to continue treatment with this doctor?
Replies to "My name is Vincent Ogonor. I was diagnosed of pancreatic cancer last November (2021). I subsequently..."
@vogonor
No, you are not wrong for not wanting to continue with this doctor. Of course, every scenario is different, and I am far from being a doctor.... It may not be a problem changing, but not sure about that in this stage of the game. Wish you were @Mayo Florida. If there is any way you could come either to Mayo Rochester MN, Mayo Arizona or Mayo Jacksonville, where I am. The best of the best. Dr. John Stauffer (Mayo Jacksonville) I'm scheduled for Whipple on 11.7 next Monday for IPMN pre-malignant cystic mass head of pancreas; having my last Endoscopy today before surgery next Monday.
I pray you receive peace about what path to take from here. Thank you for sharing this. I can feel your frustration and indecision. Please update.
You are not wrong at all. My mom was cancer free for 3 years (or so we thought) until a tumor showed up on her ovary. Apparently, her oncologist missed it on the scan, so she went from March until now with zero treatment for metastasis. I want to fire her oncologist and get someone else, but she wants to stick with him bc he knows her history. I don't agree with my mom's position on this, but it is her call. You do what you feel is best for you! Trust your gut above all else! Good luck!
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Welcome @vogonor. Have you considered getting a second opinion?