Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

GGST, since you are a Mayo patient with an account on the portal, I might suggest inquiring about temporary pain medication options until you can be seen. Might be worth a try. It's so hard when you're between diagnosis and consultation.

If you find it hard to focus on meditation, I might suggest searching up some simple guided imagery aids online. I simply use the ones on my Fitbit when in a pinch. Even a short 2-minute guided mindfulness can help reset.

Here are a few from Mayo's Dr. Benzo, specialist in Health & Mindfulness
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-education

I do have a patient number at Mayo and access to the portal. I was seen for my knees in 2020. They have access to MYChart from Park Nicollet. I don’t have a team at Park Nicollet. Just the PA I saw who ordered the scan. I have not talked to a doctor there at all. I feel they have left me twisting in the wind- which isn’t the first time! Thank you for the anxiety link- I will check it out. I used to regularly do meditation so looks like I will be again.

I’m going to try an oxy tonight as I have a recent prescription from November. If that does not work my primary care doc will be next.

@ggst, I forgot to address the anxiety you're experiencing too. I can imagine that anxiety is running high right now. Here is a self-guided course that you might find helpful.

- Stress Management for Cancer https://mccmscontent.mayo.edu/LSC/CEC/stress-management-for-cancer/index.html

What helps you calm your anxiety?

@ggst, I agree with @pmerrill54. Friday is a long time to wait while in pain and not able to sleep. I would contact your primary care physician as suggested but also the current team you have Park Nicollet.

Do you have a Mayo Clinic patient number and/or access to the Mayo patient portal already or not yet?

Friday is a long way off if you’re in pain and not sleeping! Can your primary care physician help?

Thank you, Pmerrill54. I still don’t have a team at Mayo and my biopsy is at Park Nicollet on Friday. After the results, Mayo will assign a team. I also called The U cancer center so will see what they have to say. Meanwhile, I am up most of the night every night with pain. Gummies and Tylenol are not handling it anymore. I do have some oxy left over from recent knee surgery so I may try that. But I will ask about the patch when I get a team. Much appreciate your reply.

I put this in as a new post rather than as a reply…
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When I was first diagnosed I was given morphine for pain. It worked, but it is slow acting and that meant a lot of ups and downs, including at night. My insurance got some reason didn’t cover an oxycodone product so my palliative care team member put me on a low dose fentanyl patch. That was extremely effective and when the time came, I had no trouble getting off by taking one step with even litter dose.

I would ask your PCP or Mayo team for help with pain management. Don’t suffer in silence! And good luck!

When I was first diagnosed I was given morphine for pain. It worked, but it is slow acting and that meant a lot of ups and downs, including at night. My insurance got some reason didn’t cover an oxycodone product so my palliative care team member put me on a low dose fentanyl patch. That was extremely effective and when the time came, I had no trouble getting off by taking one step with even litter dose.

I would ask your PCP or Mayo team for help with pain management. Don’t suffer in silence! And good luck!

I’ve been diagnosed on Aug 18- through My Chart and have a liver biopsy scheduled for Friday. Called Mayo and they will take me as soon as my results are in. In the meantime, I am having so much pain at night and trouble eating. And high anxiety. Any help is appreciated.