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Newly diagnosed with stage 4: Is this a normal progression?
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Nov 27, 2023 | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
My sister's experience at Mayo Rochester wrt to oncology - they advised her to have all oncology done there - she would have had to move to the Rochester area. She was adamant that she wanted to have oncology in her hometown - because she did not want to move her cats, and although she had friends who would have taken care of her cats in their homes, she still said no.
I felt then, and feel now, that this was a mistake - while it is obviously very difficult to move to be treated at a great center of excellence, it is perhaps the most important choice one can make.
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Since the Mayo oncologist recommended treatment by a local oncologist I agreed. Dr. Negrea has a great reputation in this area. After 41 treatments with gemcitabine & Abraxane the tumors & metastasis to the lungs have dramatically improved & I am in radiologic remission. Pending my next CT and labs in December I may be able to stop chemo & continue being monitored. So much is dependent on the patient's response to treatment. I was told I should be dead in 11 months with treatment when I was diagnosed, and it has been 16 months since I was told that 🙂 Centers of excellence may sound & be great, but local treatment can also be a sound choice.