Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Hi, my mom has a closer recurrence than your husband (Whipple 09/2019) but very similar situation. She's now doing radiation while she's been on chemo (took about 4 weeks off for radiation). She didn't need to have "gold beads" put in place (I know they are used to pinpoint the location but it might depend on what type of radiation is being used). My mom had a 4D CT scan to mark her and everything was done externally and very easily. Did you ask about options for the radiation that might not need a procedure done? It might be necessary in your husband's case, but like I said my mom didn't need to have anything like that done. Best of luck to you both...there is nothing easy about this cancer and now with the COVID-19 situation it only adds to our worries and concerns.

Hi, my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Jan 2017, did chemo, had Whipple May 2017, followed by more chemo. Had been NED until Jan 2020 when we found out the cancer has returned. He is on chemo and radiation is being recommended. I would like to know others experiences with radiation and types of chemo. He is scheduled for a endoscopy tomorrow, partially to put in some “gold beads” as markers for the radiation. Has anyone else had this? With COVID I don’t want him to have the procedure if it’s not absolutely necessary.

My husbands pancreatic cancer has returned, he is currently undergoing chemo and radiation is being recommended, I would like to connect with anyone in the same boat.
Thank you.

Hi Joann @survivor2 ane Marlene @sunshine041594 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and the Pancreatic Cancer support group.

@survivor2 I bet @marvinjsturing would like to connect with you. He just recently found out that his pancreatic cancer has returned and is now getting radiation treatments. Joann, you must be tolerating Capecitabine well if you're able to continue to work and normal life (although nothing is normal right now). What is your work? Are you able to work from home?

@sunshine041594 is your cousin being treated at Johns Hopkins? How is he doing?

That's wonderful, I'm so happy for you. He doesn't want surgery, unsure why. I pray you and everyone beats this horrible monster.I'll keep you in my prayers. God Bless

Hi my name is Marlene
My dear cousin was diagnosed with stage 4.
Just wondering if everyone was aware John Hopkins University has a vacine and surgical procedures that sound promising

Greetings,
My name is Joanne, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer in May 2015. I had the whipple surgery, 20 lymph nodes removed and 28 rounds of radiatio. I was cancer free for 1 year then the cancer returned in another area. I've been on chemo in one form or another for 4 years. My journey has been challenging but between my God, my Surgeon and my Oncologist team I am still here.

Currently, I'm on a 3000 milligram of Capecitabine 7 days on and 7 off. I get quarterly scans and MRI's. I still work and have a normal life.

@colleenyoung Hi, Colleen. You are correct, no treatments on weekends.I have 2 treatments done and will continue on Monday. I will be meeting with the radiologist every Tuesday during treatment. Our son came over today and installed a streaming device on our TV. There are many free streaming services and we are thinking about getting Amazon Prime. We got our smoker out today. Our son brought leg of lamb, chicken breast, pork roast and we had pork loin. Going to be eating good for a few days. Church will be video streaming again this week. Only going out for groceries (I drive and stay in the car; my wife goes in to shop), doctor's appointments and to pick up meds.

Hi @marvinjsturing I’m thinking about you today. I believe you are not getting radiation on the weekend. How are you spending your time? Will treatments continue next week?

@marvinjsturing Hello, Marvin,
I so appreciate the update. I will pray with you for those issues you mentioned. Wishing you all the best during this time!