IPMN 2 cm mass head of pancreas caught EARLY.......

Posted by Victoria Dukes @victoriadukes, Oct 3, 2022

Greetings! I'm new to this group and so far have been reading so much before feeling it was time to share. I did comment on another member's post, but thought I would officially share my story.

In August, I spent most of the month either in the ER or hospital (two admissions) following RNY gastric bypass on July 13, '22. Complication of critical potassium depletion caused by years of being on HCTZ (diuretic) that literally kicks out your potassium. (IV potassium - 10 bags total-burns going in and caustic to the veins). Also developed a burning fireball-type pain in my upper abdomen, which prompted the ER physician to order a CT Abdomen on August 10, '22. Did not reveal an ulcer (endoscopy did confirm a marginal ulcer in the new pouch). The CT results brought with it a bonus - an incidental finding - I am the proud new owner of a 2 cm enhancing cystic mass in the head of my pancreas! This led to consulting with the Pancreas surgeon at Mayo Clinic Florida (also my employer -Radiology) I am scheduled for Whipple procedure on November 7 and am so optimistic because of this being caught so early. My prayer is that any 'wicked' looking cells that may be hiding/lurking that don't show on an MRI - will be totally eradicated and I can go on to live the rest of my life in good health. Of course, my emotions are a roller coaster, going from total Faith in God -turning it over to Him - then playing it over and over again in my mind. I guess we are all guilty of this; it is so hard not to dwell on the "what if's" and related doubts and fears.

Wondering if anyone else had a pre-malignant mass eradicated after a Whipple procedure. I hear and read about the post-op course and become fearful. Then, I realize it is different for every person as we are all so unique in anatomy and whatever mass or disease being experienced. Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced (what I felt like was a 'miracle') having this caught EARLY and then went on to the Whipple. I'm preparing myself and trying to build my core strength and am determined to get past this and have minimal/no complications.

Looking forward to comments and discussions.
~Victoria from Florida

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

Victoria, how are you doing since your surgery on yesterday.

Hope everything went well and are on the road to recovery. <3

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@victoriadukes

@mikewdby
Good morning! Yes, we did. It would be m y pleasure to connect on FB. (Victoria Dukes Jacksonville,FL)
I have been working for Mayo Radiology remotely (from home) since Covid in 2020, since I do have duties which don't require me to be on campus. Sure do miss my radiologists, but do get a chance to see them when I come for testing. Have one more Endoscopy on 11/1 before my surgery on 11/7 Monday. It is getting REAL. I have full trust in my surgeon, Dr. John Stauffer, and above all - in God leading and directing his hands and his awesome God-given expertise.
Check on utube searching with his name - 3 minute video of his describing in detail the pancreatic surgeries, the second being the Whipple. If you do get sent for a surgical oncology consultation, I can promise you there is no finer than Dr. John Stauffer.

Please let me know in January when you will be on the Jacksonville campus and I'd love to work something out and meet up with ya'll. God Bless!

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Trying to get an appt with him and the phones are so busy .They don't take my husband's Medicare Aetna insurance but he is a 100percent disabled veteran and they will pay.
Navigating these appts is not easy .Has anyone else run into this problem ??

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@rexsan20

What GI doctor is recommended at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Fla?

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Dr. Stauffer at Jacksonville Florida Mayo Clinic.

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What GI doctor is recommended at Mayo in Jacksonville?

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Like other members here, @victoriadukes, I'm await your update and to hear how you are doing.

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@colleenyoung

Like other members here, @victoriadukes, I'm await your update and to hear how you are doing.

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Has anyone heard about Victoria?,…anyway we can find out?

I may need the same type of Surgery to remove a non-cancerous pancreatic cyst, so I am praying to know.

Prayers to her and all!

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@mikewdby

Dear Rexan20,
If you are in Savanna Georgia, it is worth your while to drive to Mayo @ Jacksonville. Mayo has been and are the leaders in Pancreatic surgery.

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What GI doctor is recommended at Mayo Clinic?

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