1. < Pancreatic Cancer

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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Moderator
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.

REPLY
1 reply
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)
@colleenyoung

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.

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

REPLY
2 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 25, 2021
In reply to @vherzog777 "I reached out to them. Have a phone appointment Monday." + (show)
@vherzog777

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

Jump to this post

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

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2 replies
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)
@colleenyoung

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

Jump to this post

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!

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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

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1 reply
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)
@susanpmadigan

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

Jump to this post

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.

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1 reply
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)
@bb21

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.

Jump to this post

Keep on fighting. Life is good 😊❤️

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bb21 | @bb21 | Dec 26, 2021

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

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ellengalloup | @ellengalloup | Dec 26, 2021
In reply to @vherzog777 "I reached out to them. Have a phone appointment Monday." + (show)
@vherzog777

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

Jump to this post

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.

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2 replies
vherzog777 | @vherzog777 | Dec 27, 2021
In reply to @ellengalloup "Dr. Truty removed my pancreas, gallbladder and spleen in October of 2020 because of stage 3..." + (show)
@ellengalloup

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.

Jump to this post

That’s amazing! ❤️

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