1. < Pancreatic Cancer
Moderator

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.

maryvallis512 | @maryvallis512 | Aug 1, 2020

Thank you so much! I found it very hopeful! I need to read stories like your!

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colorado19 | @colorafo19 | Aug 1, 2020
In reply to @maryvallis512 "Hi, my name is Mary. I am a 62 yr old women who was diagnosed last..." + (show)
@maryvallis512

Hi, my name is Mary. I am a 62 yr old women who was diagnosed last week while out of state visiting my daughter. Thought I had a gallbladder attack and through a series of events and tests it was quickly diagnosed I have AdenoCarcinoma of the pancreas. I am devastated. My husband and I just retired and had plans to spend more time with our grandbabies and to travel. I’ve always ben extremely healthy and have always lived a healthy lifestyle. This diagnosis has taken away all my hope and I am devastated.

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My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 after thinking he was having gallbladder issues. We immediately called Mayo Rochester for a second opinion. He had chemo, radiation and a Whipple. There is hope for you! My husband is still here and doing well. He has had a couple of set backs but he is here and enjoying life!!! Prayers to you!!!

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susan2018 | @susan2018 | Aug 1, 2020

May I ask who your appointments are with?

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maryvallis512 | @maryvallis512 | Aug 1, 2020

Thank you for replying Susan. The waiting to get started is so hard. We have our first appt next Wednesday in Rochester. I have such a hard time being hopeful.

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susan2018 | @susan2018 | Aug 1, 2020

My husband is the one who received the diagnosis, but the feeling of devastation you describe is familiar and understandable. No matter the treatments and outcomes, life will never be the same. We’re a year out from surgery at Mayo and six months of chemo. Now back in Rochester for tests after a worrisome scan. Let the emotions be for now, your action plan will soon occupy you, but you’ll be better prepared if you allow yourself to process your grief. You aren’t alone and your story isn’t done.

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maryvallis512 | @maryvallis512 | Aug 1, 2020

Hi, my name is Mary. I am a 62 yr old women who was diagnosed last week while out of state visiting my daughter. Thought I had a gallbladder attack and through a series of events and tests it was quickly diagnosed I have AdenoCarcinoma of the pancreas. I am devastated. My husband and I just retired and had plans to spend more time with our grandbabies and to travel. I’ve always ben extremely healthy and have always lived a healthy lifestyle. This diagnosis has taken away all my hope and I am devastated.

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 30, 2020
In reply to @buckslayer "It's just not a smooth ride, is it?! I took my husband to our local ER..." + (show)
@buckslayer

It's just not a smooth ride, is it?! I took my husband to our local ER Sunday night and he was transported to Mayo right away - blood loss and cultures indicated infections, which he also had while in the hospital three weeks ago for his Whipple procedure. Everything in recovery was going well until this episode. Eating fine after Whipple but it seemed tough to gain any weight and energy - maybe it was because the infections were still there, who knows! Hopefully he'll get back on track after this visit and not have another emergency. They are still not sure what caused the sudden bleeding but he'll remain in their care until they have some answers. Nothing appears to be leaking on scans. It sure is a drag not being there for him.

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Hello @fassbinder,

It has been a while since your last post about your husband's health. How is he doing?

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debsid | @debsid | Jul 21, 2020
In reply to @colorafo19 "It does not. It needs to be replaced every 3 months." + (show)
@colorafo19

It does not. It needs to be replaced every 3 months.

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Hubby's was placed in November. They usually note no change in location on scans but nohing about sludge. I'll ask. Thank you. Blessings

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colorado19 | @colorafo19 | Jul 21, 2020
In reply to @debsid "Does the stent clear naturally? My hubby was feeling really poorly for 3 weeks at the..." + (show)
@debsid

Does the stent clear naturally? My hubby was feeling really poorly for 3 weeks at the end / after radiation. I am going ask about the bile duct stent /billiruben next time as we had a huge increase of ca19-9 during that time. Another test coming soon. Thank you! Blessings

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It does not. It needs to be replaced every 3 months.

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1 reply
debsid | @debsid | Jul 21, 2020
In reply to @julie2018 "Thank you, @debsid, we did. We also had a lovely 2 week visit with her in..." + (show)
@julie2018

Thank you, @debsid, we did. We also had a lovely 2 week visit with her in June. Baby visits are such good medicine. We hit another milestone yesterday. When my husband went in for paracentesis yesterday, there was not enough fluid to drain, even though it had been 2 weeks since the last draining. We wonder if the doses of Neulasta after the last 2 chemo infusions are what help slow down the ascites.
How are things with you?

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That is awesome. We are heading back to Phoenix for testing, team meetings to find out if he is now eligible for whipple surgery. He's feeling really good except for the spike in ca19-9 after rad/onc. Praying there was lots of shedding going on.

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