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My Sister's Battle with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Mar 28, 2023 | Replies (35)Comment receiving replies
Hi All,
Well, after several tough days, my sister passed peacefully early this morning.
She was under hospice care, and they had provided liquid morphine, which was very helpful in calming her, easing her breathing and dealing with pain.
This was an ordeal - and, frankly I can't think of anything we could have done differently that would have affected the outcome.
One uneducated conclusion on my part, not the only one, obviously - is that given the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer, and it's broad and almost extraordinary likelihood of metastasis, a more sensitive and reliable blood screening tool is needed - not for when someone is considered for diagnosis, but every year during physicals. Even if this was perfect some would still not be helped because of the one year cycle - but, it would be a start. It must be caught early.
Replies to "Hi All, Well, after several tough days, my sister passed peacefully early this morning. She was..."
My condolences for your loss. I agree about screening. I have the BRCA mutation which predisposes me to PDAC. It seems the knowledge that this is related is not widely known. Multiple family members, including my daughter, sister, brother, 3 nieces, a cousin and two second cousins are also gene carriers. My sister had to look persistently to find a doctor knowledgeable about BRCA to recommend appropriate testing. My brother was initially told not to worry about it, pancreatic cancer is rare. He will be seeking advice from doctors knowledgeable about screening for pancreatic cancer.. People with increased risk of pancreatic cancer can have MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound, and testing with CA 19-9 as screening tools. I wish I knew that the BRCA gene predisposed me to pancreatic cancer. I could have sought out an expert and had screening testing done. Having a family member with pancreatic cancer increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer so it would seem that those persons should have screening. A better test would be great, but it is possible for persons at increased risk do have some suitable screening tests but seeking an expert is very important.
My heart goes out to you and your family. 💜
@mayoconnectuser1, I'm only catching up with the news about your sister's passing today. I, too, send you a gentle embrace. Should you wish it, please know that there is a support group here dedicated to this journey.
- Loss & Grief Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/loss-grief/
You have chosen well established non-profit organizations to honor your sister and advance treatments for pancreatic NETs. Thank you.
I am so sorry for your loss
There really are no words
May she rest in peace💜
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Condolences to you and yours, I know it's hard no matter what the circumstances. Sounds like she fought as hard as she could, and that is always respectable.