Newly diagnosed with stage 3: Should we call Mayo Clinic?

Posted by vherzog777 @vherzog777, Dec 23, 2021

My husband got diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer today. So far hasn’t spread. I’m in Arkansas. They want to start him on chemo shrink the tumor that’s encased the arteries. Hopefully it shrinks. Then remove the tumor. My question is this… should I get him to Mayo now for the 2nd opinion or see if they can shrink it and see if it’s operable. And if not call Mayo then???

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 23, 2021

Hi @vherzog777, I replied to your question in another discussion thread, but thought I would reply here as well.

Dr. Truty at Mayo Clinic is a pioneer in the treatment approach of chemo before surgery in tumors that were in former times considered in operable. You can read more about Dr. Truty and this treatment approach in various articles. Here's the most comprehensive one written for medical professional:
– 3 factors associated with improved outcomes for individuals with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/3-factors-associated-with-improved-outcomes-for-individuals-with-pancreatic-ductal-adenocarcinoma/mac-20463202

I recommend contacting Mayo Clinic right away. They may suggest coming to Mayo Clinic, or they may suggest working with your local hospital for chemo and then to come to Mayo Clinic for surgery. You have options. Here are the contact numbers for all 3 Mayo Clinic locations. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

It doesn't cost anything to call and inquire. It may give you peace of mind.

vherzog777 | @vherzog777 | Dec 25, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @vherzog777, I replied to your question in another discussion thread, but thought I would reply..." + (show)

I reached out to them. Have a phone appointment Monday.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 25, 2021

In reply to @vherzog777 "I reached out to them. Have a phone appointment Monday." + (show)

Fantastic. I look forward to hearing what you learn. Are you and your husband able to find comfort and joy this weekend?

vherzog777 | @vherzog777 | Dec 25, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "Fantastic. I look forward to hearing what you learn. Are you and your husband able to..." + (show)

Yes we are. Staying positive and just rolling with it. We will fight this together with all we got! It’s kind of consumed us lately but I think it was just the shock of it all. I’m trying to stay strong for him and our kids. I don’t show it how but boy it’s tough sometimes… it’s Christmas. Enjoying our family time and pushing through this. Merry Christmas and thank you!

susanpmadigan | @susanpmadigan | Dec 26, 2021

God bless you and grant you the strength to remain positive. My cousin is going through the same thing with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She is cheerful and comforting to others which is amazing. When I asked her how she can cope she says that she has to remain strong for her husband and children and grandchildren! My cousin Maryann is at Memorial Sloan Kettering which is another wonderful hospital like Mayo Clinic. I go with her every 2 weeks for chemo to reduce the tumor. She started 7 months ago and is doing well. God bless all our men and women going through this difficult time

bb21 | @bb21 | Dec 26, 2021

In reply to @susanpmadigan "God bless you and grant you the strength to remain positive. My cousin is going through..." + (show)

As a pancreatic cancer fighter, I need to thank you for your support. It is so important to us to have friends and family there for Chemo and other treatments.

susanpmadigan | @susanpmadigan | Dec 26, 2021

In reply to @bb21 "As a pancreatic cancer fighter, I need to thank you for your support. It is so..." + (show)

Keep on fighting. Life is good 😊❤️

bb21 | @bb21 | Dec 26, 2021

It sure is thus I continue to fight. Thank you for your support.

ellengalloup | @ellengalloup | Dec 26, 2021

In reply to @vherzog777 "I reached out to them. Have a phone appointment Monday." + (show)

Dr. Truty removed my pancreas, gallbladder and spleen in October of 2020 because of stage 3 pancreatic cancer. All of my chemo was done in Michigan. My Michigan oncologist and Dr Truty’s team worked together. I feel so grateful I had the best of the best with Dr. Truty and his team.