Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

UNCfan1 · 07-02-2008, 09:16 PM

D, got some questions that are troubling me and the doctors don't seem to be helpful. My father 2 years went to the dr for acid reflux and upper abdomen pain. After a bunch tests they said he had acid reflux and a hiatal hernia. Also noted was a small shadow on his pancreas. Earlier this year after treating the hernia(pain meds) and the acid reflux he goes back to the dr and they discover he needs his gallbladder removed. They remove it and pain and reflux subside a bit. Recently he has been having severe upper abdomen pain with lack of appetite. No vomiting which he had earlier the year before. Well my mother checks him in the hospital and another round of test find out that the shadow size has increased. I am not sure how much, the dr.'s are getting in touch with Birmingham to find out more info and most likely will be sending him up there again.

Now with all that said my father is a heavy smoker, somewhat overweight and used to be a heavy heavy drinker up until 4-5 years ago. After reading and researching signs point to pancreatitis and at worst cancer. Also the dr, said he could have bile reflux which makes sense if his ducts are blocked because of a potential tumor or who knows what.

I know you can't e-diagnose him but I am looking for some type of info, the dr in Birmingham really showed no concern which was upsetting esp with the shadow size increasing now and reading about what a fast developing cancer it is. I know this isn't his medical history just alot of info and I have alot on my mind so I hope this makes sense. I am extremely worried and want just some insight or a glimmer of hope.

Thanks D, I will try and provide some more info, of course without you or I seeing the scan its extremely hard to say anything at all, but with your experience. No liver issues or disease which is surprising.

I will send you an email with more info if needed. Again I am not looking for you to diagnose him just some insight.

UNCfan1 · 07-03-2008, 01:40 PM

I found out a bit more info today. They found 2 spots on his pancreas and my aunt is optimistic about it. They are sending him to Dothan, AL next week for further testing but she is leaning towards that the shadows may be cysts. My limited understanding may me think that if that it was is there that could be potentially blocking his bile ducts causing the bile reflux.

UNCfan1 · 07-04-2008, 05:35 PM

Bump D.

mmowry · 07-04-2008, 06:06 PM

Ill be praying for him.

UNCfan1 · 07-04-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmowry

Ill be praying for him.

Thanks alot Mike

**dinoiii** · 06:46 PM

Mike,

Whoa! I am VERY sorry to hear about what your family must be going through at present.

As you noted above...an e-diagnosis is not likely on this subforum, especially with the limited data I have anyway.

Have the doctors drawn any serum markers? Namely ask about CA 19-9.

I mean you are talking about the potential for a really nasty and lethal cancer - as I would love to offer reassurance, I am also not going to lie to you here if that is what this is. I mean, I would not wish this particular cancer on anyone.

If you could perhaps direct your questions more explicitly, I could perhaps be of more assisance, but it is very challenging considering the data given.

D_

UNCfan1 · 07-04-2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinoiii

Mike,

Whoa! I am VERY sorry to hear about what your family must be going through at present.

As you noted above...an e-diagnosis is not likely on this subforum, especially with the limited data I have anyway.

Have the doctors drawn any serum markers? Namely ask about CA 19-9.

I mean you are talking about the potential for a really nasty and lethal cancer - as I would love to offer reassurance, I am also not going to lie to you here if that is what this is. I mean, I would wish this particular cancer on anyone.

If you could perhaps direct your questions more explicitly, I could perhaps be of more assistance, but it is very challenging considering the data given.

D_

Thanks D.

CA 19-9? I can find out from my aunt who should have most of his test results.

I figured my thoughts were all jumbled when I typed it out. I am not really sure what I was asking without asking for a diagnosis lol. Which I know is impossible, again I guess I was looking for some reassurance.

I don't understand why the Dr.'s in Birmingham saw a shadow on his pancreas and they knew his past history with alcohol why didn't do further testing? They said everything was fine. To me is quite mind boggling.

I will say this again too, my aunt seemed optimistic thinking it may just be cysts, God I hope thats what it is. This past week has been really hard, physically he is in so much pain around the upper abdomen. Mentally he has been extremely stressed with my other aunt who enter rehab.

I will keep this thread update as things develop. I will ask about the CA19-9. As far as I know all of his serum tests came back fine. I am not exactly sure how in-depth they tested besides the basic metabolic panel.

My thoughts are again jumbled, I do apologize for trying to ask questions and get info from you without providing my info. Thanks again D.

swolloniron · 07-05-2008, 10:19 PM

Keep it up man. Family members with cancer can be a big challenge (my dad god Dx with NHL about 2 mo ago). I'll send one up to the big man right now.

UNCfan1 · 07-06-2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swolloniron

Keep it up man. Family members with cancer can be a big challenge (my dad god Dx with NHL about 2 mo ago). I'll send one up to the big man right now.

Thanks alot SOI, I am sorry to hear that about your dad. I will also talk to the big guy.

angelo212 · 07-06-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swolloniron

Keep it up man. Family members with cancer can be a big challenge (my dad god Dx with NHL about 2 mo ago). I'll send one up to the big man right now.

Uncfan I'm real sorry about your dad. Let's hope it's just cyst like a co-worker had and just got them burned off with a lazer. He went back to work in a few days.
As for swolloniron my pop had NHL over 10 years ago. It is very treatable. He went thru chemo for a bit and only missed a few days of work. He's been cancer free ever since. He goes and gets checked every 6 months. It really seems like if you live long enough you will get cancer. It's all that processed everything we eat and breath. Good luck to everyone.