Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Hi @garden4me,

I can understand your disappointment at not being able to have surgery to remove this cancer. Please remember that it is always you right to get a second opinion. Mayo Clinic would be a good place for a second opinion. They have great cancer specialists. Here is a link with appointment information for their locations in Minnesota, Florida and Arizona, http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

If for any reason, you cannot be seen at Mayo, I would urge you to seek a second opinion at a Pancreatic Center of Excellence in your area. Here is a link to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, https://www.npcf.us/about-pancreatic-cancer/. There is a phone number at the bottom of the screen. They might be able to refer you to a specialist in your area.

How are you feeling? Are you able to eat and maintain your weight?

I found out today that I will start chemo again on April 1st. I had laparoscopic surgery to see if I qualify for Whipple surgery and they found tiny cancerous spots on the lining of my abdomen. They didn’t show up on my CT scan. The biopsy was tested to see if I could have immunotherapy. My cancer marker was 1% so it was denied. It was disappointing but I have to stay positive

silver182,

Please consider that everyone is different - and, many surgeons believe chemo before and after Whipple is appropriate.

Your binary statement may not be the correct course of action.

Don’t let them delay the Whipple. I have no clue what my CA 19.9 value was neither did my endo or Whipple surgen they never mentioned anything about CA 19.9 all Eric asked was when do you want the Whipple.”
I said “Monday” that was a Friday..he smiled and said ok but the next Monday a week later, I told him “Eric Kortz” I’d be there!!
He is retired now but worked with Surg-One based in Swedish Hospital Englewood Co. The only thing Eric was concerned about was my internal A Orta as to clearance from my spine??
The Whipple is a 7 hour operation and when done manually like Eric did a very tiring physical procedure. . Not for me “hey” I was sleeping like a baby.
My pancreatic cancer was discovered in my impala da Vader valve.. They defined it as stage one that was a Johns Hopkins biopsy.
My surgeon, Eric, and my Endo surgeon. Frederick Lewis said I was very lucky caught very early because of the symptoms that I had, which were extremely rare. The only symptoms I ever told anybody about was I feel like I’m being eaten by red ants everywhere do something about it or I’m gonna have to blow my head off!! In the pre-Whipple days which would be 1930 and earlier the only choice of person would have had would be to take a shotgun or a pistol to his head, and get rid of the symptoms.
I have no clue where you live, but I do know that there is a surgeon at Surg - One who trained under Eric Kortz would know how to do the Whipple properly. I would suggest him be your surgeon and get it done ASAP. Godspeed!!

My name is Marissa and was diagnosed with metastatic malignant pancreatic cancer stage III. I went to ED with tolerable pain in the left abdomen-radiating to the back. Before this pain, I did not have any symptoms. They did a CT scan and found the CA. It was a big surprise for me and my family Currently, I am on chemotherapy with no plans for surgery because the tumor was clinging near my aorta. In the last CT, the tumor decreased in size. I'm hoping for a great result next CT. I have not experienced any neuropathy but occasional light nauseous feelings after chemotherapy.

In the US, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

In Europe, the University of Heidelberg Medical Center has a renowned pancreas program.
https://www.epz-heidelberg.de/en/

Hello @garden4me and welcome to Mayo Connect. I appreciate you sharing your experience with pancreatic cancer.

I see that you are going to begin chemo again. How are you feeling? Is the resumption of chemo a result of new findings on a scan? Will you post again and share more about your journey with pancreatic cancer?

@silver182 I face more big decisions in 4 weeks. I'm scheduled for a Whipple next month (two previous surgery dates in January and February postponed due due elevated CA 19.9 levels). If you don't mind sharing, I have a couple of questions for you.
1. At the time of your Whipple, what was the type, location and Stage of your cancer?
2. If you can recall, what was your CA 19.9 value just prior to surgery?
3. Where did you get your Whipple?
Thanks in advance. It's refreshing to hear a bit of your history and your excellent outcome.
Good on ya.

My name is Julius Butu. I am a Nigerian and live in Abuja
My younger brother (58) had been diagnosed with pancreas tumor.
Where can I receive the best medical attention in US or Europe?