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Unable to get a sample for a biopsy

Posted by jenray @jenray, Apr 20, 2023

So my aunt has continued to get tested for what looks like what might be pancreatic cancer. Today she was supposed to get her biopsy and have a stent placed. But due to complications during the procedure, neither happened. Her oncologist wants to try again next week.

My question to those of you who have been there: we've been planning to have her go to one of the bigger hospitals if/when she gets a cancer diagnosis (MD Anderson/Mayo/Memorial Sloan) and we've already started paperwork at all three.

Would it make sense to cut to the chase and try to get her biopsy done at one of these places? Or should we let her current oncologist try again? Her current oncologist is lovely and talented, but she's not pancreatic cancer specialist.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 20, 2023

Hello @jenray

I am sorry to hear of the complications your aunt had today. I can understand that you would want her to be seen by a specialist in pancreatic cancer.

What does aunt want to do? Is she willing to relocate in order see a specialist?

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jenray | @jenray | Apr 21, 2023

She is. And she's been planning on it. It's a matter of whether we should be accelerating the timeline or going to one of the major centers once we are certain what her diagnosis is.

Her doctor seemed to think that the diagnosis might influence where she went. I think I'm less convinced at this point.

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1 reply
beatrixlee | @beatrixlee | Apr 21, 2023

Absolutely go to one of those big specialty centers! Being „lovely“ simply does not cut it. You need a pancreatic oncologist who knows about the latest protocols, including Magnetic Resonance guided Adaptive Radiation Therapy. Anything else is what I consider negligence of care.

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stageivsurvivor | @stageivsurvivor | Apr 21, 2023

Although I live 3 miles equidistant to two large medical centers, I knew enough that pancreatic cancer needs to be treated at a large NCI designated center of excellence in cancer treatment with a pancreas cancer or hepatobiliary department. There was no point in going locally for the biopsy. I wanted consistency throughout my treatment. With the pancreas in a difficult area to access and it taking someone skilled in performing the biopsy, I traveled directly to NYC for the biopsy and subsequent treatment. As an 11 year survivor of stage IV disease, it was well worth the time and travel to get the expertise and level of care for a better outcome.

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2 replies
beatrixlee | @beatrixlee | Apr 21, 2023
In reply to @stageivsurvivor "Although I live 3 miles equidistant to two large medical centers, I knew enough that pancreatic..." + (show)
@stageivsurvivor

Although I live 3 miles equidistant to two large medical centers, I knew enough that pancreatic cancer needs to be treated at a large NCI designated center of excellence in cancer treatment with a pancreas cancer or hepatobiliary department. There was no point in going locally for the biopsy. I wanted consistency throughout my treatment. With the pancreas in a difficult area to access and it taking someone skilled in performing the biopsy, I traveled directly to NYC for the biopsy and subsequent treatment. As an 11 year survivor of stage IV disease, it was well worth the time and travel to get the expertise and level of care for a better outcome.

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Super! Thanks for your post.

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rwife | @rwife | Apr 22, 2023

We went to Mayo after local dr couldn’t get enough of a sample, so happy we did. Mayo was able to and was diagnosed with lung cancer. Can’t say enough good things about Mayo from testing, doctors and treatments. Comforting knowing we are getting the best care! One life/One body💞

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joanalc | @joanalc | Apr 23, 2023
In reply to @stageivsurvivor "Although I live 3 miles equidistant to two large medical centers, I knew enough that pancreatic..." + (show)
@stageivsurvivor

Although I live 3 miles equidistant to two large medical centers, I knew enough that pancreatic cancer needs to be treated at a large NCI designated center of excellence in cancer treatment with a pancreas cancer or hepatobiliary department. There was no point in going locally for the biopsy. I wanted consistency throughout my treatment. With the pancreas in a difficult area to access and it taking someone skilled in performing the biopsy, I traveled directly to NYC for the biopsy and subsequent treatment. As an 11 year survivor of stage IV disease, it was well worth the time and travel to get the expertise and level of care for a better outcome.

Jump to this post

It's definitely worth going to one of the best cancer hospitals- we went to Sloan, and the care there is unbeatable.

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gardenlady1116 | @gardenlady1116 | Apr 23, 2023

Agree about Sloan. Sloan gives excellent care and caring as well. You can tell when you walk in the door. Nothing feels better to a cancer patient

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lvtexas | @lvtexas | Apr 24, 2023
In reply to @jenray "She is. And she's been planning on it. It's a matter of whether we should be..." + (show)
@jenray

She is. And she's been planning on it. It's a matter of whether we should be accelerating the timeline or going to one of the major centers once we are certain what her diagnosis is.

Her doctor seemed to think that the diagnosis might influence where she went. I think I'm less convinced at this point.

Jump to this post

Relocate and get the biopsy done at the location you pick. Mayo likes it’s own scans and they would use samples for diagnostics. You may be wasting valuable time - skip local and get into a major cancer center.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 1, 2023

@jenray, I was wondering if there was any update about your aunt. Did she get a successful biopsy? Did she change to a different cancer center?

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