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.

Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @lkat01 "Hello everyone, I am a Vietnam Veteran and am no stranger to cancer. I receive a..." + (show)
@lkat01

Hello everyone,
I am a Vietnam Veteran and am no stranger to cancer. I receive a CT scan every 6 months because of other forms of cancer. The CT scans have come back as "no change" for the last 2 years. Except for the last, (December 6, 2024). The results came back with a 5.0 x 1.9 x 1.5 cm lesion on the tail of the pancreas. I am scheduled for an MRI on January 20, 2024. I guess I'll go from there.

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Hello, @lkat01, and welcome to the Pancreatic Cancer support group on Mayo Connect. I'm glad that you found this forum. We have many members who have many years of experience with this cancer and who have found good treatments.

I am inviting some of them to discuss their experiences with you including @mnewland99, @markymarkfl, and @gamaryanne.

How are you feeling,@lkat01? Were you having any new symptoms before this was discovered on the CT?

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1 reply
rotan50 | @rotan50 | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @mnewland99 "@gisele1976 Sometimes or usually the surgeon starts with laparoscopy before surgery. This is where they make..." + (show)
@mnewland99

@gisele1976
Sometimes or usually the surgeon starts with laparoscopy before surgery. This is where they make a few cuts into the lower abdominal area to see if there are any vessels wrapped around the tumor and if so, then they must abort the original intended surgery. Is this what happened in your case? There are centers of pancreatic excellence that deal with this delicate type of surgery. Which state or country are you located?

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Located in Atlanta GA. I have had a consultation with Dr Abdallah and Dr Andrew Page.

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rotan50 | @rotan50 | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @mnewland99 "Hello @pierre59 Are you receiving chemotherapy and/or scheduled for a distal surgery? I had my distal..." + (show)
@mnewland99

Hello @pierre59
Are you receiving chemotherapy and/or scheduled for a distal surgery? I had my distal surgery 2 years ago. It’s so amazing that this forum connects us all over the world! How are you feeling now?

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Had first chemo session 12/27. No surgery scheduled yet.

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lkat01 | @lkat01 | Dec 28, 2024

Hello everyone,
I am a Vietnam Veteran and am no stranger to cancer. I receive a CT scan every 6 months because of other forms of cancer. The CT scans have come back as "no change" for the last 2 years. Except for the last, (December 6, 2024). The results came back with a 5.0 x 1.9 x 1.5 cm lesion on the tail of the pancreas. I am scheduled for an MRI on January 20, 2024. I guess I'll go from there.

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2 replies
rotan50 | @rotan50 | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @markymarkfl "Dr. Eddie Abdallah at https://atlantaliverandpancreas.com/ is very well respected in your area. Hopefully @gamaryanne can chime..." + (show)
@markymarkfl

Dr. Eddie Abdallah at https://atlantaliverandpancreas.com/ is very well respected in your area.

Hopefully @gamaryanne can chime in or contact you directly with more info.

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Had an appointment last week was impressed. Think I will be going with him for my surgery. Thx for the information.

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rotan50 | @rotan50 | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @marciak9 "I’m sorry for your diagnosis. I’m in Minnesota. Just wanted to welcome you to the group...." + (show)
@marciak9

I’m sorry for your diagnosis. I’m in Minnesota. Just wanted to welcome you to the group. Lots of knowledgeable people here if you have questions. Best luck.

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Thx

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gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @thecomfycouchcafe "Hi. I have a loved one dealing with stage IV liver tumor. Atlanta is also her..." + (show)
@thecomfycouchcafe

Hi. I have a loved one dealing with stage IV liver tumor. Atlanta is also her treatment area. If you don't mind sharing your team and tips.

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My journey since 2021 has multiple treatments, surgeries, etc. but I do feel great and still work full time and volunteer where my heart leads me! It keeps me strong emotionally and distracts me from health concerns.
I have consulted with several Drs outside of Atlanta, but I consider my care team leader to be Dr Eddie Abdalla, Atlanta Liver and Pancreas Surgical Associates With Northside Hospital. Also in Atlanta, Dr. Harpaul Gill, Oncology

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1 reply
thecomfycouchcafe | @thecomfycouchcafe | Dec 27, 2024
In reply to @gamaryanne "@rotan50 I am also in atlanta area. Diagnosed stage IV in 2021 and still kicking! Good..." + (show)
@gamaryanne

@rotan50
I am also in atlanta area. Diagnosed stage IV in 2021 and still kicking!
Good care with very experienced physicians is critical. I will DM you.

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Hi. I have a loved one dealing with stage IV liver tumor. Atlanta is also her treatment area. If you don't mind sharing your team and tips.

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 26, 2024
In reply to @toesz "Hello All...yesterday, I had a second type of scan. This time, I had to drink some..." + (show)
@toesz

Hello All...yesterday, I had a second type of scan. This time, I had to drink some kind of liquid and the Doc's included contrast. Rather than a tube machine, this was a donut machine. I received a report on process already but it had too many medical terms for this simple mind to understand with any kind of clarity. I speak with the specialist again tomorrow for review of the findings and to make a decision on the next step of the staging.

I'm so happy that a majority of the medical professionals I've dealt with seem to have a calling for helping others. That's evident in how they've treated me through this process. Helpful, flexible, and understanding.

TK

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Hi @toesz, I thought I'd check in. What did you learn from the specialist after all the testing? How are you doing?

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marienewland | @mnewland99 | Dec 26, 2024
In reply to @kickcancer49 "Hi Marie! I was told to get Prochlorperazine for the nausea. I am going to have..." + (show)
@kickcancer49

Hi Marie! I was told to get Prochlorperazine for the nausea. I am going to have surgery after chemo. I believe I only have 5 more treatments to go! I just hope I don’t have too many side effects!

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Sounds like you are doing well! Best wishes for your surgery and let us know how you are doing.

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