Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

I had stage 3 pancreatic cancer with a 4mm tumor originally wrapped around my portal vein. My oncologist, Dr. Margaret Tempero of UCSF started the pancreatic cancer treatment program at UCSF. She recommended my surgical oncologist to me. Four months ago, Dr. Carlos Corvera performed the Whipple on me. He usually does two Whipples a day, but mine required the entire day and he pulled in a transplant specialist to assist. Dr. Corvera imdoes surgery at UCSF Parnassus campus. The nurses who cared for me afterwards were phenomenal. I had a complicated recovery and was in hospital for 17 days. Not the typical recovery window I’m told.

Many of you have crossed virtual paths with @stageIVsurvivor here in the halls of the pancreatic cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. @hopeful33250 interviewed him for today's featured member spotlight. Learn more about stageivsurvivor and his love of all things Swiss, as well as why advocating for pancreatic cancer patients is important to him.

- Clinical researcher turns patient advocate: Meet @stageivsurvivor https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/clinical-researcher-turns-patient-advocate-meet-stageivsurvivor/

@bceg1969, I think you may be referring to Dr. Truty, pancreatic cancer surgeon at Mayo Clinic. I'm tagging a few members who have consulted and been treated by Dr. Truty to share with you, like @marciak9 @dubbscopper @momof3gals @ellengalloup @ashley2235 @susan2018

You may appreciate this video

I have just been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. I have an appointment scheduled at Moffitt but would like to hear about your experience at Mayo. My husband was treated in MN about 15 years ago and though there was nothing to be done for him it was an excellent experience. I live in Naples, Fl.

Hello @nbreeze and welcome to Mayo Connect. If you look at the video in the post above, you will get some good information for how Pancreatic Cancer is treated at Mayo Clinic. Here are some Connect members who were treated at Mayo Clinic, by Dr. Truty, @marciak9 @dubbscopper @momof3gals @ellengalloup @ashley2235 @susan2018

You mentioned that you were just recently diagnosed, @nbreeze. What symptoms were you having that led to the diagnosis? How are you feeling now?

I really had no symptoms. My internist ordered an MRI because I have a history of IBS, diverticulitis, etc.

I feel absolutely fine beyond the stress. No symptoms. I lost my Mom a week ago who was a cancer survivor to age 93. I’m a fighter.

I appreciate this. I have no family locally so I am basically alone physically but have good emotional support.

Hello
I have a tumor that is wrapped around the arteries. Dr Truty at Mayo in Rochester would have done the surgery but I decided not to go ahead with it. At 61 I want to enjoy what time is left for me. To have my pancreas, spleen, and stomach removed would have been too hard on me. I would have been too weak for more chemo if it recurs and it will. I would have constant diarrhea and painful cramps. Not everyone is eligible for the surgery so it’s not a guarantee but worth talking to Dr Truty. He is amazing!

Many of our members think of Mayo Connect as part of their family, @nbreeze, so please feel free to share your concerns and your questions with this online community. We are here for you, and we will encourage and support you along this journey. If you are looking for a second opinion at a Mayo facility (there is one in Florida), here is a link to appointment information, http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

I am glad to hear that you are feeling well and that as you say, "I'm a fighter." A fighting spirit can help with any cancer diagnosis. I would encourage you to read the recently published Spotlight of one of our members, @stageivsurvivor https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/clinical-researcher-turns-patient-advocate-meet-stageivsurvivor/.

When is your next appointment or consultation?

nbreeze,

I am not a medical professional.

I recommend, as I always do, that you should immediately work with Mayo Rochester to be admitted. Further, and especially given your circumstances, you should relocate to Rochester - and, remain throughout chemo, surgery, recovery, and post surgery chemo. IMO, this care is not available at Moffitt.

Praying for good results