Has anyone been able to have surgery for tumor in the tail?

Posted by vlny2018 @vlny2018, Jul 3 12:08pm

Has anyone been able to have surgery for tumor in the tail of the pancreas, stage 4, metastasized to the lymph nodes. My husband's oncologist says that sugery isn't an option ever for him. Just chemo every two weeks until folfirinox doesn't work or becomes too toxic. Then some other chemo mix, then … Is this true? This is so discouraging. If the tumors shrink, can't they do more? My husband has had the cancer go into his lymph nodes close to his kidney and the pressure was closing the tube connecting to his bladder, and now has a stint in place to keep kidney function, which it has done.

We have an appointment with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in August. My husband just had his 4th treatment and will be having a PET scan the end of July. Other than this, he has been extremely healthy, no bad habits, exercises everyday, and eats clean. This is just a huge punch in the gut, as I'm sure is everyone's experience.

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

vlny2018 | @vlny2018 | Jul 4 10:43pm

Thank you both for your responses. I'm keeping hope.

katiegrace | @katiegrace | Jul 4 9:08pm

You are on the right track, with your scheduled appointment with Mayo Rochester in August.
They will be able to answer your questions.

gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Jul 4 3:19pm

In some cases the chemo will cause the tumors to shrink and even become necrotic.
Just now, since found in lymph nodes, they may feel it’s in his system so doesn’t accomplish a cure to remove tail of pancreas.

However, you should still see a pancreatic surgeon than can tell you what goals you would need to meet for them to operate. Example-normal tumor markers/Signatera tests; no further spread, etc

When my cancer was found I was stage IV. Fulfurinox worked extremely well and got me to pancreas and liver surgeries. It can happen!