Another..Just Diagnosed

althelm · New User Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

Was thrilled to find this forum. I have 3cm adenocarcinoma located in the mid range area but closer to the head rather than tail. Per gastroenterologist, I’m Stage 2B- T3, N1, M0 however seems to be a controversy as to the N and M. Just had another CT, a CT Angiogram focusing on the veins and arteries. Per surgeon, I am eligible for resection but will have to wait for results of last CT scan. Right now, I am experiencing the same symptoms that originally sent me to a Dr. 1 to 1/1/2 hours after eating, I get pain in the middle of my waist and then great discomfort as food works it’s way through the intestines. Digestion seems to stop at transverse colon and descending colon and then terrific gas pains and vomiting. Viokase and Creon 20 have helped some as well as GlycoLax.. Doesn’t seems to matter what I eat, same symptoms occur. Initially, I hardly ate because the after effects didn’t seem worth it. Have lost 17 pounds. What has confused me on this site, is the differing explanations as to what is removed during a Whipple. What I have found on the internet scares the beejeebies out of me. Instant diabetes etc. Does anyone know of a web site where I could get a nutritionist who is knowledgeable about PC?

brainman · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 8:40 pm Post subject: Re: Another..Just Diagnosed

Hi althelm, I am very sorry about your cancer. Pancreatic Cancer is one of the hardest cancers to treat. Surgery, if possible, is definitely the way to go since it removes the cancer all at once reducing the danger of it metastasizing.

I do not know of a website where you can find dependable information about diets that will help you. I would rather suggest that you go see, face to face, a nutritionist at a major medical center who deals day in and day out with oncology patients and their nutritional needs. He/she might be of greater help to you than a website that need to give generalized information rather than specific information tailored for your issues.

Good luck. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

KRay · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:20 am Post subject: Re: Another..Just Diagnosed

Hi althelm,

It makes me sad to hear about your disease. I would agree with Brainman's statement concerning surgery being the best chance for a cure. The sooner the better. Read my signature which reveals the facts of my Whipple which occurred 25 months ago. I am certainly no expert on PC and can only reveal what happen to me. In my case they took 35% of the Pancreas, the cancer, part of the small intestine, bile duct, lymph nodes and did not take part of my stomach (I do not know why). Recovery was not easy but in my opinion not having the Whipple would have been harder. My current age is 70.

I did turn diabetic for three days after the surgery but after the pancreas adjusted I was normal and still am. I'm sorry I am unable to provide any information concerning diet information. I have just learned to avoid certain foods and eat smaller meals.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All the credit of my recovery goes to God.
_________________
Ken

Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma
Whipple Procedure 12-16-2005
Tumor Staging: pT2 pNO pMX
Moderately differentiated invasive Adenocarcinoma of Ampulla of Vater, 3.0 CM Tumor Invading but not through Muscularis Propria
Two Oncologist stated no benefit would be gained with Chemo or Radiation so none was performed

althelm · New User Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks Brainman and K Ray for your input. Will check for nutritionist. I have decided to have the surgery if latest Scan shows that I am still a candidate. The stangest part about this diagnosis is that for 25 years I have had at the back of my mind that breast cancer diagnosed in 1982 at age 46 could possible resurface 20 years later. So I always had this at the back of my mind. didn't dwell on it or worry about it. My Mother died at 46 of breast cancer so I was terrified. Well, I have had 25 years of life which I wasn't sure I would have. Both children happily married and 4 wonderful grandsons. This cancer thing for me is definitely genetic as my younger brother died of pancreatic cancer 12 years ago and older brother has prostate cancer. Thanks again for your advice.

brainman · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 11:36 am Post subject: Re: Another..Just Diagnosed

althelm, is your cancer a metastatic beast cancer or a second primary? I can see why you think your family is cursed with cancer. I am sorry about how this dreadful disease has affected your family.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

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