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Thank you for replying. I was referred by my PCP, but reluctantly. She actually told me she didn't know if they would take my referral. I am not sure why. The screening MRI said I may have an .8 cm side branch MRI. She caused me quite a bit of anxiety for several days thinking I would not be seen. I have since changes PCPs.
I guess a small part of me is still hopeful, since my screening report said "may" be a IPMN, that it will be less serious. Praying. I have always done everything I can to stay healthy. My mother died at 50 of lung cancer. I really do not want to leave my girls that young. I am 49. So I am praying.
I am thankful for your suggestion on the blood work. I will ask. It cannot hurt. I also found an external lab that will do them, but I will have to pay out of pocket. So if they doctor refuses, I will find a way to pay for them. I am hoping he checks things out.
One concern I have is that when I wake up each morning, I fell like something is stuck in my lower abdomen. I do stretches and it tends to get better through out the day. I also feel a difference swallowing on my right side, but my MRI did now show anything abnormal with the neck. I am hopeful these are not related.
I am happy that you are doing ok for so long. Thank you again for the reply and the hope.
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Thanks for the added information, @fionac. I suppose you have already had an upper endoscopy and/or a swallowing study for the swallowing difficulties?
I took a look at my most recent MRI and see that there are three listed in the MRI. One is .9 and that is the largest. As I said, these have been showing up for many years now. The Lipase blood test is within normal limits.
The important thing is not to put too much emphasis on one particular test but to look at it from different angles. I think the oncologist, or your PCP should be agreeable to doing the Lipase blood test and if that is within normal range it might help to put your mind at ease.
Keep asking questions and keep researching. I know that anything out of the ordinary with the pancreas can create panic but try your best to approach this as calmly as possible. I know that this is easier said than done. I've panicked myself and I know that it is not easy to be calm, especially when you are first diagnosed.
Of course, it is always your right to get a second opinion if you feel you are not getting answers to your concerns.