Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

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

Hello. I am caregiver for my husband who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Feb. 2023. He had both chemotherapy and a Whipple Procedure. He is doing pretty well and blood tests and CT scans show no signs of cancer. He’s on enzyme therapy. But we still have concerns with his digestion.

@1954now
From what I’ve read, you were able to receive care from one of the best facilities around! I wish you continued good care. My husband and I are always surprised that we really don’t have facilities on the west coast that offer the same level of care. I guess the best drs aren’t really concerned with getting that warm, sunny weather that California has to offer as he thought! Hoping that all changes once City of Hope finishes building their hospital next year that received a huge endowment for pancreatic research.

Hello
All my treatment was at Mayo on Rochester, they are excellent in personal care and the Doctors are outstanding.
I had 9 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy before surgery and 3 after.
I’ll have to check concerning mutations
Thank you

Hello @1954now
I enjoyed reading your post so thank you for posting as it is always uplifting to read positive stories that give us hope. Just a few questions for you that might help others that are starting out, if you don’t mind. Did you receive chemotherapy following your procedure? What facility did you receive your care at and thank you for providing the dr’s name. I’m so happy that you are cancer free; that’s a wonderful feeling to experience and I’m glad the digestive issues got worked out. You must be a very resilient and strong person. I’m guessing you got through your chemo before surgery rather well. Please also share the mutations you have (usually obtained from biopsy of tissue following your surgery. So wonderful to hear positive news!

Hello my name is Rod
I had been diagnosed in February 2023 with a tumor smaller than 2cm in the head of the Pancreas. The doctors wanted to be aggressive with my chemotherapy, I completed 9 rounds of chemotherapy before my Whipple surgery in September 2023.
My surgeon was Dr Kendrick.
The chemo didn’t really shrink the tumor much so it came down to about 1.9 cm. During surgery they check the margins and lymph nodes for cancer spread, I had one lymph node involved with cancer cells.
I just passed my first year of scans and I am cancer free.
I have had stomach and bowel issues right after surgery for a couple of months. The oncologist started me on enzyme therapy and things improved and started gaining a little weight again.

Hi @wiredallwrong, you may wish to join this related discussion where members are talking about acinar cell carcinmoa.

- Anyone have Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuroendocrine-acinar/

Absolutely!

That's wonderful, @toesz. I'm glad that you have an appointment on the 16th. I'm sure you will get some helpful information and guidance at Mayo Clinic.

Will you post again and let me know you are doing?

Thanks for the kind sentiments and informative replies. I reviewed the Center of Excellence and the first choice was the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, only about 90 miles from me! I've contacted Mayo and have a phone consult with them on Monday, the 16th.
Thanks again, Toesz