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.

Several weeks ago, my husband and I (we are both members of this blog) saw a post by a member whose husband of 45 years, went for the whipple procedure, only to have it canceled because of spread. Now, we are in the same position. After being diagnosed as stage 2 in early March, having gone thru 6 months of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation, the whipple was scheduled for Dec. 9. An hour and a half after the surgery started, I received a call from the OR that they were not doing the whipple because of 3 small spots on the stomach lining. Surgery still lasted for 5 hours for removal of gall bladder and rerouting of the bile duct etc., but the tumor was left behind. Needless to say, we are devasted after all these months of positive hopefullness. We, too, are married 45 years, so the story resonated with us. Is there a chance we could connect with that posting again, since we can't find it now. We are coming to Mayo Clinic in January for a 2nd opinion. Up until now, we have been going to Froedtert in MKE., Wis.

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@gardenlady1116

I was diagnosed November 16, 2022 when I developed jaundice. I had a stent, ERCP, and, biopsy confirming the xray finding. The procedure set me back 10 days with my strength and energy, and I am struggling with weight loss. Better since my oncologist started treating me with pancreatic enzymes. I was diagnoses with a borderline resect able pancreatic cancer. I had BRCA 1 and two previous cancers 2001 breast and 2005 ovarian. My previous chemo treatments I did very well, however my first treatment with Folfurinox was really rough, I was hospitalized for two days afterwards. I am struggling with fatigue and my blood pressure has been low since the treatment. I will be trying to build myself up again with nutrition and increasing physical activity as much as I can. I feel discouraged.

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You have overcome so much in the past two decades. Take each day as it comes. We are all fighting with you. We can do this. Stay strong.

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It's not an easy journey. I just finished my sixth Folferinox treatment and it is very strong stuff, as my doctor keeps reminding me. Seems everyone reacts differently, and I have found that some side effects vary from treatment to treatment. I have had side effects such as diarrhea, GERD, fatigue, and nausea. My doctor has related that many folks have much stronger side effects and require hospitalization. He says that I have tolerated it well. It's very difficult not to be discouraged, but you are not alone. Best wishes to feel better.

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I was diagnosed November 16, 2022 when I developed jaundice. I had a stent, ERCP, and, biopsy confirming the xray finding. The procedure set me back 10 days with my strength and energy, and I am struggling with weight loss. Better since my oncologist started treating me with pancreatic enzymes. I was diagnoses with a borderline resect able pancreatic cancer. I had BRCA 1 and two previous cancers 2001 breast and 2005 ovarian. My previous chemo treatments I did very well, however my first treatment with Folfurinox was really rough, I was hospitalized for two days afterwards. I am struggling with fatigue and my blood pressure has been low since the treatment. I will be trying to build myself up again with nutrition and increasing physical activity as much as I can. I feel discouraged.

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krf,

A wonderful story of success beating this horrible disease - it is so refreshing to hear!

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Hello from Canada. I was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer (head of pancreas and spread to multiple lymph nodes) in Jan 2021, had Whipple surgery in Feb 2021 and started chemo in April 2021. (12 folfirinox treatments). I am approaching my 2nd anniversary of diagnosis. I am now on insulin and take creon to aid digestion. My symptoms included changes in urine and stool colour, rapid weight loss and jaundice. Recovery has been slow and I continue to have challenges but am grateful to be alive! In my opinion, all of my issues are a
small price to pay for still being here!

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Thank you for allowing me into the group. The following is my latest results from a MRCP I had done

PANCREAS: Multiple cystic lesions are redemonstrated. There are 2 dominant lesions in the head measuring 2.0 x 1.7 cm and 2.2 x 1.4 cm, These both show demonstratable communication with the main pancreatic duct. There numerous additional smaller cystic lesions that appear stable. No mass or ductal dilatation.

I'm waiting for input from my doctor as to what should be done next. Has anyone had a similar experience and can tell me what to ask my doctor. Needless to say, I'm very anxious about this.

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@anandktripathi

Sorry, i joined this group for my father in law who just got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer today (almost, as he has been referred to Medanta Gurgaon for appointment tomorrow)
Can I remain in this group on behalf of my father in law. Please suggest

Regards
Anand

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Of course, Anand. Welcome. I hope all goes well with his appointment.

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Sorry, i joined this group for my father in law who just got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer today (almost, as he has been referred to Medanta Gurgaon for appointment tomorrow)
Can I remain in this group on behalf of my father in law. Please suggest

Regards
Anand

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