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How to engage with Mayo Clinic for Pancreatic Cancer for husband
My husband is currently in the hospital going through final stages of testing to see what is causing his bile duct to not empty which has resulted in sudden jaundice. We found out today that there looks to be a mass in the wall of his bile duct. A biopsy was taken and we will most likely get results tomorrow.
We are terrified that we will be told that it is Pancreatic Cancer or something just as aggressive.
I am committed to get the best care for him as possible.
How do I reach out to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to understand the admissions process? Is it possible to get in quickly or does there tend to be a wait?
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Welcome @beths77. To learn more about requesting a consult at Mayo Clinic, go to the webpage http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
I might suggest that you call Mayo Clinic Rochester to ask when is the best time to request a consult: early in the process or once your have the results of the biopsy. How soon one gets an appointment depends on many factors, including the need for urgent care. The scheduling coordinators can answer your questions more specific to your situation.
This must be very frightening for both you and your husband.
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3 Reactionsbeths77,
Go to Mayo Rochester as soon as possible - do not wait for your local system to follow their process. There are a few other centers with like capability .. like Anderson Houston. If one is closer or easier to travel to-from, go to that center.
The center equipment, like CT and PET/MRI, is far better, the radiologists are better, the oncologists are better. The timeline between tests is an hour vs days.
Has he had CA 19-9 blood marker test?
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2 ReactionsThank you Colleen. I called them today and was told I need to get a final diagnosis which I expect tomorrow.
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2 ReactionsYes he has and his levels are over 26,000.
Thank you for you advice.
I plan on calling them tomorrow and making an appointment.
I am expecting to get a treatment plan from our hospital today but before it is executed I want a consult at Mayo. I live in Michigan so it will be a little trip but I believe that it will be well worth it.
Beth
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3 ReactionsAny update, @beths77?
I recommend MD Anderson in Houston.
HI Colleen,
His first biopsy came back negative so they took another one of a spot on his liver. We are meeting with the hospital oncologist on Thursday (tomorrow) and will probably find out his diagnosis then.
I am still hoping for a good report.
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2 ReactionsHI Magnolia,
I am curious to know why you recommend MD Anderson in Houston.
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1 ReactionI read about another's experience of a great outcome. I called them with an issue, they acted immediately. Took the effort to get all the records themselves. Seemed engaged and interested in helping. However, it turned out I didn't need them for that issue. They actually saved me a trip there.
They also seem very efficient.
I realized I wasn't reading the last reply before answering so apologies I missed the updates.
Can I ask why you'd go from Michigan to Rochester? University Michigan has some great doctors.
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1 ReactionDear Beths,
I send heartfelt prayers for your husband.
Once you receive all of your husbands records.
Call the Mayo Clinic
The Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease Department at Mayo.
If they don't give you an appointment, drive to Rochester and go through the Emergency Department. With your husbands medical history you most certainly will be referred over to the proper department and receive a consult.
God Bless
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