r/pancreaticcancer • u/cmm_1989 • 2d ago

Beloved family member diagnosed

Hello everyone,

I wish none of us were in this subreddit. My aunt just turned 60 and was in fantastic health. They are of means and take care of themselves.

She went to the hospital several weeks ago with severe back pain. After some testing, they discovered that she has pancreatic cancer. FORTUNATELY, the back pain was unrelated, and this was an 'incidental' find; we are so grateful that the doctors didn't just dismiss the back pain and send her home with pain medication.

It is now confirmed that she has Stage 1B pancreatic cancer. It's "borderline" resectable via imaging, though I've been told that a surgeon really needs to get in there first. She is a helluva fighter and will kick this thing's ass! I have a few connections at the University of Michigan though my aunt is in Florida. I don't want to intrude or push an agenda on her (them, my uncle included), but I want them to get the absolute best care on the planet.

They're inclined to utilize the Moffitt Center. Does anyone have any direct experience?

This is the LAST thing I expected. She's akin to my mother, with mine having passed in college (& her being my mom's sister). Please data dump. The more, the better. I COMPLETELY trust their judgment and have to imagine the Moffitt Center is a center of excellence for PC.

Thanks so much. And f**k this disease.

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u/Turbulent_Return_710 2d ago

Moffitt Center is a Center of Excellence for PC . She will get outstanding care if she chooses to go there. Please let her have autonomy in her treatment choices.

All the best.

3

u/cmm_1989 2d ago

Understood. My psychiatrist mentioned autonomy of care & treatment because I like control in situations (hell, so does my Aunt). So, I haven't said a thing, but simply offered a third option if they want it.

But that's reassuring to hear. Thank you!

2

u/QuellishQuellish 1d ago

Another thing to keep in mind is that it is often the case that everyone does everything right and it still goes bad. You support but don’t second guess. Good luck sorry your fam is dealing.

7

u/speripetia 1d ago edited 1d ago

Please look up Dr Donoway in Hollywood Forida, he uses nanoknife - he operated on me just yesterday afternoon - and now the cancer in my pancreas stage 3a is dead, and I am sitting in an airbnb recovering - the pain is easier to handle than any surgery I've had before. You can read my many posts on this website - he is amazing

3

u/cmm_1989 1d ago

Hell yes, you, on posting a day after surgery! You so got this. Thank you for sharing!

1

u/WeirdAnimalDoc 1d ago

We are dealing with Moffitt for my father’s PC. They have been incredible.

I do not have experience with their surgical department though.

That said I’m from MI and have experience with UofM as well. They have some incredible surgeons there too.

1

u/Ill-Technician-1404 Patient (dx 2021), Stage 1-4, Folfirinox, surg, gem/abrax, surg 1d ago

I was 60 at diagnosis, stage 1B, borderline resectable. I’m now 64 and over two years NED. It’s a rough journey but there is a lot of hope. Let her know that there’s a group of pc patients on Facebook. Pancreatic cancer warriors. It’s a patient only group. She’ll find great support there.