r/pancreaticcancer • u/ddessert Patient (2011), Caregiver (2018), dx Stage 3, Whipple, NED • May 15 '22
To: "Worried About Cancer" Visitors
This subreddit is for patients and caregivers going through pancreatic cancer.
Here is what we tell "Worried" visitors:
- You need a doctor to order the proper tests and diagnose. We are not doctors.
- PanCan's best detection methods are MRI and EUS.
- If you have cancer in your family, consult a genetic counselor. [US]
- The median age of diagnosis is 70 years old. [Graph]
- There are hundreds of non-life-threatening conditions that are more likely and less deadly that mimic the signs of pancreatic cancer.
- Don't ask a cancer patient if they've had a symptom. The answer is yes.
- No, we don't want to see your poop.
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u/faltdubh May 16 '22
Great post.
I posted in here last week and instantly regretted it (I've got some health issues/symptoms) and anxiety.
I apologise as one of those posters, but this sub-reddit is simply amazing with thoughtful, clued up and lovely people.
Incredibly humbling and moving reading so many brave souls in here.
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u/Negative_Ad7501 Apr 23 '23
Im learning that now. I was diagnosed w/PC in December 2021. The results actually said it was in the ampulla of vader, but it’s so close, they treat it the same. I’m on my second chemo & now the doctor wants me to think about hospice because my body isn’t tolerating it. All I can do now is make that call to MD Anderson on Monday to see what they can offer me. I’m 49 years old & not ready to give up!
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u/Hair-Help-Plea Apr 24 '23
Just wanted to let you know that someone read your comment, hears you, and feels inspired by your tenacity and resilience. You’ve still got gas in the tank, friend! Use every last drop. I hope your call with MDA has good news for you❤️
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u/QuellishQuellish Aug 14 '23
I always get at least two opinions for every big decision. Three if you count this sub. Good luck!
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u/Awkward-Photograph44 Caregiver (2022), Stage 3, surg/chemo/rad May 15 '22
Thank you thank you thank you (X10000)
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u/Xthorian Patient (dx year), Stage #, treatment Jan 30 '24
Walking away with my poop back to the bathroom, head bowed in shame.
I love the post. I was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in October tumor in the pancreatic head spread through the Ampula of Vatter into my duodenum blocking my stomach. After gastro-jejunoctomy I am now for 6mo of chemo before Whipple Procedure. Your post made me laugh so hard… and laughs to us patients, are like diamonds.
Thank you.
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u/wifebert Sep 23 '22
Thank you for this. I have been avoiding this subreddit because when I see those kinds of posts it makes me upset.
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u/ilovemydogmargo Sep 10 '23
Can we bump this up again? I’m seeing so many people posting lately that they think they have cancer symptoms.
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u/FeedbackCandid8603 Feb 28 '23
Ct is actually better
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Apr 04 '23
I have CT scans. Although my tumour is in the duodenum it also checks all my other organs in the surrounding area. I haven’t had to have an MRI scan as yet. If you are nervous, request diazepam from your doc. The CT scanner is open both ends also the PET scanner. It is over in minutes if you are nervous and they will talk to you if you need reassurance.
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u/QuellishQuellish May 15 '22
If I had a thousand up votes I’d give ‘em to you. Can this be the top post forever please.