Oncologist Report

Results of appointment with oncologist from notes taken by my dear friend and support person, Sherye.

The tests show a cystic malignant mass in the pancreas.

They are considering surgery and/or chemotherapy. First they have to rule out two things -- that the cancer has not spread outside the pancreas and that it is not attached to major blood vessels. A PET Scan and CA 19-9 blood work are being ordered to help make these decisions. The previous scans (CAT and MRI) indicate that the tumor is touching a major artery but they cannot tell if it is unattached and can be removed or if it is attached.

If it isn’t attached he discussed chemo to shrink the tumor to make Judi a candidate for surgery. Following Judi's question about prognosis, he said if no treatment is done, life expectancy is about six months. If she responds to treatment as about 60% of the patients do, it would increase the time to two to three years. ****NOTE FROM JUDI......I know prayer can change this*****


He is also going to request that Judi's primary care office set up an appointment with the surgeon. He wants her to go ahead and meet with him even if they don't have all the results of the tests.....just for an initial appointment.

The only other thing we discussed was about nutrition. He wants her to drink the Glucerna. We told him that she is not eating and she is continuing to lose weight. He said she really needs to maintain her weight especially if she is going to have surgery or undergo chemo. He said she should try to drink the Glucerna regardless of the gas and diarrhea. He said if she continues to drink it, her body will adjust to it in time.

And that’s it for present. We will keep you informed as we learn more. The kitties are taking good care of me.

Thank you for all the love y'all are pouring out in my direction.....I can feel it.

xxxxxxxxx

Judi