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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

@martinisaacs23

Thank you so much. Pleased your hubby doing well.
Do you know what size his tumour was when initially found. ? How was it discovered - what symptoms did he have ?

Really appreciate your good wishes and blessings to us all

Jump to this post

I am the husband. No symptoms at all. Was found incidentally on a CAT scan for something else. 4cm tumor. Standard of care here is 6 chemos, operation, then 6 more chemos. The chemo main drug was 5 FU. Wishing you the very best.

REPLY

Thank you so much. Pleased your hubby doing well.
Do you know what size his tumour was when initially found. ? How was it discovered - what symptoms did he have ?

Really appreciate your good wishes and blessings to us all

REPLY
@martinisaacs23

I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the tail in London about 10 days ago.

I am undergoing surgery on Tuesday to have partial pancrectony , and removal of spleen. Being done by robotic surgery.

Not sure what lies ahead ; does anyone have similar experiences

Jump to this post

My husband was diagnosed with lesion in tail of pancreas and began 6 rounds of chemo to shrink tumor. It did shrink. Then at the end of October, he had about half of pancreas robotically removed, along with spleen and 29 lymph nodes around the pancreas. After a short recuperation from surgery, he had 6 more treatments. He was just scanned last week and they found no evidence of cancer. He will be scanned every 3 months for a year. He is doing well, lost no weight, did not lose his hair. He did develop neuropathy in fingers, feet and legs. We opted to do the 6 chemo treatments before surgery and then the 2nd 6 treatments after surgery, as a 2nd doctor told us that was the prevailing opinion for treatment. All the best to you on Tuesday.

REPLY

I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the tail in London about 10 days ago.

I am undergoing surgery on Tuesday to have partial pancrectony , and removal of spleen. Being done by robotic surgery.

Not sure what lies ahead ; does anyone have similar experiences

REPLY
@gardenlady1116

Thank you for sharing your story. My Mom is 95, still doing for herself. It's a blessing to have a parent who lives well into their 90's. My friend, age 90 developed advanced pancreatic cancer. She was living independently, engaged in life. She did not have any treatment other than a stent. She passed away very peacefully 3 months after diagnosis surrounded by her three children. It was good for her that she did not suffer any pain. Treatment can be tough. I think she and her family made a wise choice.

Jump to this post

Thank you for answering. It is good to get the stories of others like my mom to be able to have realistic expectations. I agree chemo is not for her. Blessings!

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Hi @dakotarunner @marvinjsturing @moo1 @cindee60 @dianamiracle @natalex @susandc @salledell @nasagia36 @beachgirl23 @search4healing @nogginquest @sucante. Welcome to the new group on Connect dedicated to pancreatic cancer:
- Pancreatic Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/pancreatic-cancer/

Be sure to +Follow the group. Why not start by introducing yourself? Share your story: When were you diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? What treatments have you had? How are you doing?

Jump to this post

My husband has pancreatic cancer and started chemo infusions this past week. I just want to glean info about whatever I can learn.

REPLY
@lmayer0206

Hello group. My mom is 91 and was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Primary tumor is in the tail of the pancreas and she has mets to the right lung, and may have a met to the liver but it is too deep to biopsy. Right now she has energy to go places and do things. I'm here in this group to learn how this progresses and what I should expect. I wish I could know how much time she has left but we are doing as much as we can with her while she is still able. We have palliative care involved but not hospice yet as she does not know her diagnosis yet.

Jump to this post

Thank you for sharing your story. My Mom is 95, still doing for herself. It's a blessing to have a parent who lives well into their 90's. My friend, age 90 developed advanced pancreatic cancer. She was living independently, engaged in life. She did not have any treatment other than a stent. She passed away very peacefully 3 months after diagnosis surrounded by her three children. It was good for her that she did not suffer any pain. Treatment can be tough. I think she and her family made a wise choice.

REPLY

Hello,
My husband, 65, was diagnosed with stage 1 -2 pancreatic cancer May '22. He has since completed chemo, raditiation and the Appleby procedure here at MDAnderson in Houston. He will now be under surveillance since pathology was favorable. He has done fairly well but has a lack of appetite. Difficult to get enough hydration bc he is sleeping most of the day. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And has anyone else had this procedure and what were outcomes?

REPLY

Hello group. My mom is 91 and was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Primary tumor is in the tail of the pancreas and she has mets to the right lung, and may have a met to the liver but it is too deep to biopsy. Right now she has energy to go places and do things. I'm here in this group to learn how this progresses and what I should expect. I wish I could know how much time she has left but we are doing as much as we can with her while she is still able. We have palliative care involved but not hospice yet as she does not know her diagnosis yet.

REPLY
@bethf

Hi Marta,
Thanks so much for your reply. I find it very interesting and relevant to my own situation. Right now I am not suffering. I feel 100% great physically. I am able to do everything I enjoy (eat delicious food, camp, ride my horse, hike, play with my kitten, spend time with my husband, travel, etc.). I have no symptoms and a wonderful quality of life. I have increased tumor markers but no tumors on the scan. At some point, it is likely that I will develop a tumor or metastasis. Then I will be at a crossroads with the same considerations you have thought about. I value the quality of my life and it is more important to me than quantity. Right now I am interested in an immunotherapy trial, but I don't know if I would do chemo again. I'm so glad you have had this amazing 27 years and the wonderful year with your husband. Let's stay in touch.

I am curious however, given that you don't intend to do any treatment, what value you are seeking by joining this group?
Beth

Jump to this post

Just to see if there are others in my situation. Thank you for replying. I just signed up with home hospice because my symptoms started coming. Can’t eat or drink anything. So thirsty but swish my mouth out with ice cold water.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.