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Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others
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?
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HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.
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Did they order a CA19-9 level?
My husband was diagnosed on January 14th after his surgery to remove a cyst on his pancreas went south. Too much bleeding from blood vessels and I suppose all the images were thought to be the cyst and not a giant mass. Don’t know the stage yet. Pet scan scheduled but can’t start treatment until the staples from this surgery come out next week. He had pancreatitis a couple times years ago. In hind sight, that along with diabetes diagnosis and gall bladder removal should have alerted at least one medical professional to look more closely at his pancreas.
Thank you!!!!
Dr. Truty at Mayo Clinic was a pioneer in this approach of chemo before surgery in tumors that were in former times considered in operable. You can read more about Dr. Truty and this treatment approach in various articles. Here's the most comprehensive one written for medical professional:
- 3 factors associated with improved outcomes for individuals with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/digestive-diseases/news/3-factors-associated-with-improved-outcomes-for-individuals-with-pancreatic-ductal-adenocarcinoma/mac-20463202
He explains in layman's terms in this video
I recommend contacting Mayo Clinic right away. They may suggest coming to Mayo or to work with your local hospital for chemo and then to come to Mayo Clinic for surgery. You have options. Here are the contact numbers for all 3 Mayo Clinic locations. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
I'm sure other members like @cindysavant @susan2018 @marvinjsturing @mayojoe7 @kjrita @buckslayer @chemobile @colorafo19 will have some first hand experiences to share with you.
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1 ReactionThey want to start him on an aggressive chemo treatment to try to shrink the tumor. If they can shrink it they will send him to Little Rock to remove it. It’s not a cancer center I don’t think but is a good hospital. I don’t believe they have the technology here even in Little Rock to help him if the tumor doesn’t shrink or doesn’t shrink enough. I’m trying to think ahead. At what point would I get ahold of Mayo for a second opinion? Now or if they tell me they can’t operate?
I'm sorry to hear this, vherzog. You're right that it is good that it was caught before it spread. Do you know what treatment is being suggested yet? Did they discuss going to a specialized cancer center?
Found out today. Stage 3 😢. At least it hasn’t spread but is wrapped around the veins…
Nervously waiting! He did good through the biopsy though. Hopefully tomorrow we will know something. I’ll definitely update when we know.
Thinking of you today, VHerzog. If you're up to it, please let us know what you find out.
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1 ReactionIt hasn’t been confirmed yet. Biopsy is Wednesday. But the oncologist said he’s pretty sure it is according to the ct scan. I’m still holding out hope though. Ct scan also showed it mass has encased the arteries