Just diagnosed with pancreatic NET stage 1

Posted by kt348 @kt348, Oct 17, 2022

I’m a 64 year old woman, I’ve have colon issues for decades among other issues. They found my tumor on a CT scan, I don’t think I have any symptoms because of all my other issues in play. Anyway, I’m devastated! It’s on the tail portion of my pancreas, 1c in size, well sectioned, slow growing. I had biopsy done with scope to confirm cancer. My oncologist surgeon had 2 options, wait 6 months and repeat CT so we had a baseline and check for any changes or surgery to remove it, which the tail of pancreas is removed and also remove spleen, tube running (for temp drainage) out of my nose. 4 immunization shots followed by 2 more. So I opted for waiting the 6 months. I’m so confused and scared it’s going to move to another area. If anyone has had this same issue please message me back with your decision. It’s been a month since I found out and I’m a wreck! Thanks

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

@hopeful33250

I'm so glad to hear of his successful surgery, @c2pricorn66! I hope that all goes well for him as he continues his recovery.

Do you know yet, how long he will be hospitalized? I hope you will continue to post updates as you can.

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Hello @hopeful33250. We were told he is staying for 4 nights.
Plan was changed as operation went well, he didn't have to go to ICU instead he went to the ward.Hes got a drain. Last night he suffered from severe abdominal cramp 🥲 surgeon said it's normal post and it will go away 🤔

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@c2pricorn66

Hello @hopeful33250. We were told he is staying for 4 nights.
Plan was changed as operation went well, he didn't have to go to ICU instead he went to the ward.Hes got a drain. Last night he suffered from severe abdominal cramp 🥲 surgeon said it's normal post and it will go away 🤔

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This sounds good, @c2pricorn66. Is he receiving pain meds through an IV? When will he start soft foods?

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The only cure is removal of the primary tumor before it spreads. A Whipple surgery is an option and I would recommend Johns Hopkins and be sure you are going to a NET specialist.

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@hopeful33250

This sounds good, @c2pricorn66. Is he receiving pain meds through an IV? When will he start soft foods?

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Day 1 NBM. On PCA pump for pain, Drain. Catheter.
Day 2 Surgeon said he can have soft diet. He developed fever, Blood Culture collected, CXR He is eating lots of fruits.
Day 3 Still on PCA, drain. Minimal abdo cramps. Pain 6/10 around abdo, key holes and drainage sites. Still having trouble walking due to pain.
Hopefully today D4 is different and better. I'll keep updating as day n weeks n months go by. Hope this help others to have ideas of the progress

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@vmchow

The surgery is tough, but after the third day things get much better. Please get him up and moving as soon as he can. I walked every two hours, no matter the pain level and it made all the difference. Rest is super important and so is a good protein diet during recovery. But making the effort to move was crucial to my recovery. Best of luck. Sounds like you did the right thing. How big was the tumor?

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Thanks 🙏 the size is around 19 X 16 mm

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@c2pricorn66

Thanks 🙏 the size is around 19 X 16 mm

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It sounds like you made the right decision. But it's a courageous decision and i wish you all the best.

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@terryrandy5

The only cure is removal of the primary tumor before it spreads. A Whipple surgery is an option and I would recommend Johns Hopkins and be sure you are going to a NET specialist.

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Fortunately, I never had surgery. Just chemo.

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@c2pricorn66

Day 1 NBM. On PCA pump for pain, Drain. Catheter.
Day 2 Surgeon said he can have soft diet. He developed fever, Blood Culture collected, CXR He is eating lots of fruits.
Day 3 Still on PCA, drain. Minimal abdo cramps. Pain 6/10 around abdo, key holes and drainage sites. Still having trouble walking due to pain.
Hopefully today D4 is different and better. I'll keep updating as day n weeks n months go by. Hope this help others to have ideas of the progress

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I do hope that today is a better day, @c2pricorn66. Would love to have an update when it's convenient for you.

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@ddepatie

bowels are loose

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Hello @ddepatie and welcome to the NETs support group on Mayo Connect. Since you posted in the pNETs discussion group, I'm guessing that you have been diagnosed with pNETs.

Please share as you are comfortable doing so, a little about your diagnosis and what treatment, if any, you are getting.

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