Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

I would absolutely go the extra miles - no pun intended- and get the best care you possibly can. This cancer is aggressive and I personally feel it’s best to be at an institution that specializes in only cancer.

Usually first line protocol is chemo before surgery if they need to shrink it . What stage are you?
Getting a second opinion is always good for peace of mind .. you may be able to send them your reports ..

I am a 64 female, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last week. I am an otherwise healthy adult. Fortunately, there is no sign of metastasis, and I am eligible for surgery. However, to kill cancer cells floating in my blood, I started chemo last Friday. I am seeing doctors a local University of Kentucky Marjet Cancer Center, which is only 20 minutes away from my home and very convenient. They are very encouraging and nice, however, should I think of getting a second opinion at Mayo or Sloan Kettering for a better chance of my survival?

Hi All-Like everyone else on this forum, I was stunned to learn (1/31/23) that I have pancreatic adenocarcinoma-in my case, a borderline resectable pancreatic head tumor. When I turned 67 last fall I was healthy, physically active & working full-time with no plans to retire any time soon. I started having GI problems early last Dec. & was correctly diagnosed about 7 weeks later thanks to a second opinion at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. I just started chemo (Folfirinox) with the hope of shrinking the tumor (abutting PV/SMV) to proceed with surgery later. I am also enrolled in a clinical trial (vaccine) which has had good preliminary outcomes, but even if it doesn’t work for me I know what they learn may benefit someone else, which matters to me very much!

I am hopeful but still realistic—it is impossible to know now how this will play out, but I have every confidence in my medical team & treatment plan. I also have many wonderful people in my life who care about me & offer their prayers & support, which is truly a blessing. The daily struggles & challenges are many & it has all been very overwhelming & exhausting physically & mentally, but I am committed to staying positive & seeing this through to the best of my ability. My shining example of courage is my five year old godson who died in 2021 after battling Stage 4 neuroblastoma for half his life. He was a beautiful, sweet & loving child with a huge grin & a wonderful attitude. Sick as he was, he could still say to his parents “I love my life!” I am determined to keep his spirit alive in my heart and guiding me as I go down this path. 💜

I am not a big blogger so may not post much, but I appreciate the opportunity on this forum to share & learn from all of you-thank you.

Side effects were minimal. A little radioactive and sore for a day or two!
It requires two visits a set up visit and then nthe procedure. During both there is anesthesia. It is not a cure but a stabilizer and allowed me to go on to the pancreadectomy. I suppose it is most helpful when the liver tumors are in the same areA as mine are.

How are you feeling?

I started every 3 weeks from October -January . Starting March 6 , I'll get it every 6 weeks, double the does. For the first week after immunotherapy, my stomach is achy, I get tired easy , not sure if that's the immunotherapy or my body has been through alot , we drive 8 hours there and 8 hours back. I'm just tired, I've been fighting a little over 3 years now. It's not been been bad though.

Thanks for the reply,…YES to your suggestion.

I have been walking about 1 mile a day. I have dropped approximately 15 lbs (from 267# to 252#) since June 2022. I’ve plateaued now for the past month or so - somewhat discouraging. I’ve also switched from 2-3 cans of diet soda per day to mainly flavored sparkling water (and maybe 1 can of diet every other day). No ice cream (my favorite) for over 3 months. Down to 1-2 glasses of wine per week.

Wish to lose another 10-15 pounds.

Will try duct tape next!

Dear Gamary, Thanks again for the information. Can you tell me where you received the Y90. I am interested in knowing for possible future treatment. Also, what was the difficulty of receiving the treatment and was it one treatment or several treatments? Were there any bad side effects? Did it cause fatigue? I look forward to your reply. Beth

How do you feel on this regimen? Do you have many side effects?
Beth