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Seeking input re: questions to ask my oncologist 5 weeks post-Whipple
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Nov 12, 2023 | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
Your post is very helpful -- thank you!
I am, unfortunately, very ignorant about this disease (and I haven't yet figured out how to get the overview that I need, though reading this board has filled in a lot of gaps), so I *didn't* know that not every cancer is due to a genetic mutation. I had assumed, based on what I've read on this board (and semi-misunderstood) that all are caused by a mutation, and I had inferred that knowing the mutation would help an onc. determine which chemo regimen would be most effective.
Thank you again, and wishing you well.
Replies to "Your post is very helpful -- thank you! I am, unfortunately, very ignorant about this disease..."
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You're right--knowing the mutation, if one exists, can absolutely help the oncologist direct therapy. If you haven't discussed it with your oncologist, there's no harm in asking about genetic testing. If you get that done, then you'd know for sure one way or the other, and your oncologist would have that info to help direct therapy. (And please don't apologize for not knowing about pancan! I know sooooo little myself. It's confusing and daunting and really complex. I see why MDs specialize in it; it would take an entire career to begin to understand it.)