Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Anne, if I recall correctly, your husband is getting both chemo and then radiation to reduce the tumor so that it can hopefully be surgically removed. Is this still the case? Or has it been determined that surgery isn't possible?

Hello again. My husband is nearing his 8th chemo treatment with Folfirinox and we are now told he could go longer. This was the first time it was mentioned. I am wondering how many folks go longer than 8 and what determines how long? The chemo is challenging. Its the cycle of knowing when the bad days are coming and just trying to get through them. As a caretaker I find massage helps. Good wishes to all out there dealing with this. Anne

Hi Colleen and Group Members,

I'm Catherine, I would say that it's nice to be here but that would be disingenuous.

I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Aug 26th. Since the tumor is located at the tail of my pancreas, it is operable. I will have a ductal splenectomy and pancreatectomy on 9/22.

I am hopeful for a good outcome.

I did find a cream with 40 percent urea on Amazon, used it and stopped taking xenoda and after 10 days, my feet feels better, just tingling a little. I see my oncologist on Friday and will see what she says!

Hi Mary, how are your feet doing? Did you find cream with urea in it?

Kyaeger,
Please post your questions about total pancreatectomy to this related discussion:
- Total Pancreatectomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/total-pancreatectomy/

There are several members who have had this surgery at Mayo Clinic talking about it there.

Carol, you might be interested in this related discussion:
- CA 19-9 and pancreatic cancer: What do the numbers mean? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ca-19-9/

Have you talked to your oncologist in the meantime about what the rising numbers mean for you?

Yes. At the time of your response I was at St. Mary’s campus waiting to have a laparoscopic procedure. It was my 3rd day at Mayo Clinic.
I should add that Dr. Truty would do a Total Pancreatectomy. I would be interested in others experience with this and coming from outside to have this surgery done at Mayo.
Thank you Colleen

@kyaeger I think it is a good idea to get a second opinion at Mayo. The doctors and the surgeons there are some of the best in the world. My Whipple was done 7 years ago at Mayo in Rochester. I know that they have developed procedures in recent years that enable them to do surgery even in very complex situations. Please keep us informed about what the doctors there tell you. I pray that they will be able to help you.

Hi Kyle, welcome. I'm tagging a few other members who have been to Mayo Clinic for pancreatic cancer treatment like @marvinjsturing @mayojoe7 @kjrita @buckslayer @chemobile @maryvallis512 @susan2018 @colorafo19 and others. They can answer questions you may have about Mayo Clinic and more.

Kyle are you at Mayo Clinic right now? May I ask which location?