Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Hello from Canada. I was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer (head of pancreas and spread to multiple lymph nodes) in Jan 2021, had Whipple surgery in Feb 2021 and started chemo in April 2021. (12 folfirinox treatments). I am approaching my 2nd anniversary of diagnosis. I am now on insulin and take creon to aid digestion. My symptoms included changes in urine and stool colour, rapid weight loss and jaundice. Recovery has been slow and I continue to have challenges but am grateful to be alive! In my opinion, all of my issues are a
small price to pay for still being here!

Thank you for allowing me into the group. The following is my latest results from a MRCP I had done

PANCREAS: Multiple cystic lesions are redemonstrated. There are 2 dominant lesions in the head measuring 2.0 x 1.7 cm and 2.2 x 1.4 cm, These both show demonstratable communication with the main pancreatic duct. There numerous additional smaller cystic lesions that appear stable. No mass or ductal dilatation.

I'm waiting for input from my doctor as to what should be done next. Has anyone had a similar experience and can tell me what to ask my doctor. Needless to say, I'm very anxious about this.

Of course, Anand. Welcome. I hope all goes well with his appointment.

Sorry, i joined this group for my father in law who just got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer today (almost, as he has been referred to Medanta Gurgaon for appointment tomorrow)
Can I remain in this group on behalf of my father in law. Please suggest

Regards
Anand

I just finished chemo 7 of 12.
I had a month break due to diarrhea and dehydration. Feeling better now and back on schedule. The Dr. Eliminated the on of four medications that was giving me problems.
Best if luck.

Thank you Steve
Best of luck and prayers for you.

Hi Phil,
That’s great news on the CT scans. I am just finishing my 2nd pre-op infusion. It has been quite a journey as you well know. I am trying to get stronger between infusions. It is a full time job to eat and move. I have started adding content to YouTube for my own record as well as people searching for real stories. Stay strong!!
Steve

Hi Phil,
I am 66 and was diagnosed in August 2022 with stage 1b pancreatic cancer after a distal pancreatectomy in July. I have had five Folferinox treatments every two weeks, and the doctor gave me an extra week off after number 3 and number 5. I had diarrhea that was controlled by OTC meds and fatigue as well, plus neuropathy, nausea and GERD. Did you find that side effects got worse after each subsequent cycle? Were you on Folferinox? Thanks and best wishes.

Hi, I'm Patti:
I was diagnosed with PDAC July 2021. Since we're asked to relate how we were diagnosed (or the symptoms), here's how it went for me:

In December 2020 (at the start of the covid issues) my stool changed. Instead of my typical stool shape, intermittently, I would see small, hard little balls (I called them "deer droppings" -- that's what they resembled). Doctors weren't seeing patients unless it was a true emergency then, so did nothing. By June, the "deer droppings" became the norm along with increased bouts of constipation (extremely rare for me). In July, I was so constipated I saw my GP. The standard prescription stuff didn't work. I was adopted and the only genetic relative I could find would only tell me that diabetes was a family norm and my mother died of cancer. No details. My GP considered my sparse family medical history. He ordered a colonoscopy, but first sent me for a CT as this was the first time this ever happened and it was unusual. The CT showed a 1B tumor.

BTW, when I received the tumor DNA results (KRAS tumor) it also noted I had a second mutation -- one that's associated with "old age onset of type II diabetes". At 76 I'm not diabetic (yet), but pancreatic cancer seems to sometimes have a relationship to diabetes, or least it can be an early warning sign when it appears suddenly in older adults. Thought this was interesting to mention.

Hope this helps someone.

Ah, I understand.

Are laparoscopic Whipples available at U of M?