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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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Hello, my name is Jim. I'm 78yo and was diagnosed with stage 2 PC in May 2023. My treatment plan called for 8 chemo treatments (every other week) then Whipple followed by 2 more chemo's. After the 2nd treatment my CA 19-9 levels were below normal so my oncologist recommended we stop chemo and go directly to surgery. After 7 hours the surgeon declared, "We got it. We got it all!" Followup chemo was canceled. Naturally I was overjoyed.
Then in May of this year a routine CT uncovered PC in my lungs. Devastating. What's more, after 4 rescheduled chemo treatments my oncologist spaced my treatments 7 weeks apart claiming it's to improve quality of life. I don't handle treatments well but I can certainly handle it monthly. So we'll see. Having said that I feel fine. No pain, have a good appetite and no weight loss. Lost all hair, have a severe cough and extremely fatigued. In short, I don't know where I stand. I think my oncologist considers me doomed and offers nothing in alternative treatments. Looking for answers.
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4 ReactionsPlease let us know about your recovery. Hoping all went well. Rest and heal.
He needs enzymes. Creon is one of the most widely used enzymes that will help your husband digest his food and eliminate the orange stool.
If Mayo takes too long to get your appointment scheduled, then call MD Anderson in Houston TX. You need not wait for an oncologist.
Good luck on the surgery!
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1 ReactionHad to do some quick research. I wish you well. I am not sure how far they have to go with my surgery yet. I am at #4 of 15 chemo treatments.
My CA-19-9 level was at 2334 a month ago.
Hi. Glad to have found you. I was diagnosed in Feb 2025 and have had eight rounds of folfirinox. I am scheduled for a total pancreatectomy on August 4, 2025. The surgery includes reconstruction of the portal vein and an artery as well as removal of the spleen , gallbladder and local lymph nodes. I have normal CA-19-9 levels and no genetic markers for Pancreatic Cancer. Plan currently calls for four more rounds of chemo post surgery--if all goes as expected.
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5 ReactionsStay on it! This disease is sneaky.
If you do stop after 6 rounds pls have scans every 3 months!!!!
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3 ReactionsI was diagnosed March 4 2025. I had the Whipple surgery and have pancreatic adenocarcinoma stage 3 cancer. Receiving 6 rounds chemo called Gemzar and am on 3rd round.
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1 ReactionAfter I commented I read your earlier posts and you did say SBRT. How many sessions and over how long? It seems that they run radiotherapy with chemotherapy.