Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Dec 3, 2019

Welcome to the Pancreatic Cancer group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with pancreatic cancer or caring for someone with pancreatic cancer. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with cancer, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

I’m Colleen, and I’m the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you’ll to be greeted by fellow members and volunteer patient Mentors, when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Volunteer Mentors on Connect.

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Pull up a chair. Let's start with introductions.

When were you diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? What treatments have you had? How are you doing?

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

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 2 6:27pm

In reply to @tharani1960 "My treat ment complete 8 cemo cycle and 6 cycle tablet,I am tired and weak.my agé..." + (show)

Hello @tharani1960 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm so glad that you found this forum where others can share their experiences with you. In your post you say that you have completed eight chemo cycles and six cycles of a tablet. Do you know the names of these medications?

I look forward to hearing from you again. How long ago were you diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Will you be having any follow-up scans in the near future?

tharani1960 | @tharani1960 | Jul 2 3:04pm

My treat ment complete 8 cemo cycle and 6 cycle tablet,I am tired and weak.my agé 44 years women in india.

stageivsurvivor | @stageivsurvivor | Jun 29 12:56pm

In reply to @spencerk009 "Hi, I'm Kelley and just days before Father's Day, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer...." + (show)

For newly diagnosed patients as well as caregivers, the following two links provide comprehensive information that is clear, concise and helpful-
.
NEWLY DIAGNOSED
.
https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis/recently-diagnosed/
.
https://letswinpc.org/newly-diagnosed/

asutton0144 | @asutton0144 | Jun 29 7:51am

In reply to @asutton0144 "Yes…. I DEFINITELY believe in prayer and KNOW GOD got me." + (show)

Thank you so much for your prayers and same to you.

spencerk009 | @spencerk009 | Jun 28 11:57am

Hi, I'm Kelley and just days before Father's Day, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is diabetic and has chronic back pain and he retired a few years ago. The time spent on appointments, scans, and consults and waiting to start treatment has been tough on my father. We still do not know what stage his cancer is, whether the enlarged lymph nodes have cancer as well, or whether they are recommending surgery or chemo first.

He is in a lot of pain in the evenings and of course at this point, I don't know whether it's cancer, his chronic back pain (that has worsened over the years), or a combination of both things.

I know this is a dangerous cancer, but I'm trying so hard to be cautiously optimistic for my dad and mom through this. Any recommendations or ways to help at the beginning of treatment? I want to be there for them as much as I can; I don't live too far from them.

Any other recommended sites, or groups on here or reading to support someone going through cancer? I want to give them space to process everything but know I am here when they need me.

gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Jun 28 10:23am

In reply to @tomdecker1117 "Ok yes that’s it. Just wondering how it went. I’m considering making a trip out very..." + (show)

I have met with them twice. My plan is to be there quarterly. I am usually there when I find myself at a crossroads. I have learned that many physicians’egos or schedules prevent them from acknowledging research and studies beyond our border. While they certainly DO NOT advise “one off” solutions they are very willing to discuss what is coming that is positive and also discuss options personalized to your specific case, co-morbidities, etc. I have found both visits to be quite valuable. Both of them, as well as Dr Doug Evans, will be at the Seema Magowitz Foundation event in Milwaukee August 1. Round tables with patients and doctors, as well as with caregivers, are planned.

asutton0144 | @asutton0144 | Jun 27 9:12pm

In reply to @199 "asutton0144, Go ahead and have a good cry! It is perfectly understandable that you would want..." + (show)

Yes…. I DEFINITELY believe in prayer and KNOW GOD got me.

stageivsurvivor | @stageivsurvivor | Jun 27 9:01pm

In reply to @tomdecker1117 "Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February and then going through chemo ever since. I’ve been looking..." + (show)

I think you are referring to Daniel Von Hoff MD of HonorHealth in Phoenix. He is one of the ten most cited authors in scientific cancer publications. He is the pioneer of Gemzar and Gemzar/Abraxane and involved in the Biotech firm TGEN which is collaborating with NCI designated Center of Excellence City Of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center of Duarte, CA. Dr. Von Hoff is regarded as one of the leading pancreatic cancer specialists in the world.

marcia | @marciak9 | Jun 27 5:48pm

In reply to @asutton0144 "I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer…… my grandfather and an uncle had the same...." + (show)

I’m sorry you’re going through this. We’re all in it together so feel free to ask questions. I have found a lot of comfort reading about the different approaches we all have.

tomdecker1117 | @tomdecker1117 | Jun 27 12:34pm

In reply to @gamaryanne "I think you are speaking of Dr Von Hoff. He is a leader in the world..." + (show)

Ok yes that’s it. Just wondering how it went. I’m considering making a trip out very soon. Chemo almost over soon. Scans beginning of August. Looking best or other options. Thanks!