Awaiting test results and terrified

Posted by dejue @dejue, Dec 26, 2020

I'm 48 yo male. I'm really convinced I have GI cancer and so much of the symptoms point to PC. I been bloated with upper ab pain and left flank pain for a month. Then the back pain started. Now I have little appetite and am starting to lose weight. I got a ultrasound which found nothing. Now awaiting CT abdomen results. Its been several days. Havent heard anything. I know googling doesn't help. But its hard not to do something. Struggling..

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Dec 26, 2020

@dejue A warm welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. A place where members can share medical experiences and connect with people going through similar situations. It is so difficult to grapple with an unknown diagnosis along with the struggle of waiting for test results when you fear the worst.

Some of the tests suggested here may be able to detect it. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355427

@dejue Did they do an endoscopic ultrasound or just a regular ultrasound? have you had any blood tests? other than pain and weight loss are you having any other telling symptoms like yellowing skin or extreme fatigue?

dejue | @dejue | Dec 26, 2020

In reply to @amandaa "@dejue A warm welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. A place where members can share medical experiences..." + (show)

Hi @amanda, Thank you so much for responding. I had a regular ultrasound. I know it's just "ok" at imaging the pancreas. I have had blood tests. All of the tests came back normal for the most part. My T bili, Amylase and Lipase were in the normal range. I'm borderline diabetic. Ive been fatigued but not extremely fatigued. I can still do all activities, but I feel fatigue from the mental exhaustion. And also I am not sleeping well. So I'm tired. I have early fullness after eating, but I am able to force a full meal down. My stomach is unsettled and bloated. "Wrencing" at times, but not "severe" pain at any time. My back feels pressure and some mild pain, at different places down my spine. My bowel movements have been softer with a lot of gas. But I haven't had diarrhea yet. No jaundice or changes in color of urine

kay2 | @kay2 | Dec 27, 2020

Hello, Dejue.
Yes, the waiting and unknown are the worst. Once, whatever is going on, is defined, you’ll be able to form your plan and move forward. PC isn’t easy. Not much history and success to work with. That being said, there are options. Go for it!
Good luck and God bless

dejue | @dejue | Dec 27, 2020

In reply to @kay2 "Hello, Dejue. Yes, the waiting and unknown are the worst. Once, whatever is going on, is..." + (show)

Thank you Kay2 for your response. I read your story and it was encouraging to me. Thank you so much

fogel1960 | @fogel1960 | Dec 21, 2021

Hi, I went thru all of that & still currently do have all the pain & weight issues.
I was convinced I had Pancreas Cancer. I had every symptom and more!
Went to Mayo, was treated so compassionately! They even thought so.
After a EGD, labwork ( they are very thorough!).
No cancer! I was told I now have Chronic Pancreatitis. And only 20% of my Pancreas functions… I am in all day pain like yours and my weight is rapidly going down. I lost 31 lbs in 7 weeks. I weigh 118 now and that is my biggest concern. If I can’t eat, and am losing weight…they said a feeding tube. Oh my word..noooo.
I said all that to say I understand your fear, but just know, it might just be Pancreas issues and not cancer!
Prayers!