Pancreatic cancer or not, why won't anyone listen to me?

There is a blood test called CA19-9. If the results of this test are elevated it would be a good indication of pancreatic cancer. Find out if this test has been ordered for you and what the result is.  Pancreatic cancer is much more prevalent in people over 50 years old, for a person your age it would be relatively rare. Keep us posted, OK?

Mario

Sorry I forgot to mention that conditions such as gallstones, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis can also causes elevated levels of CA 19-9 in the blood.

Mario

Is there any way you can go to a different GI doctor for a second opinion? He/she should not have told you it was "probably" pancreatic cancer and then not do any follow up tests. There are so many OTHER things it could be other than pancreatic cancer, it is just ridiculous that he/she said this. Also, having a CT scan on Monday and not knowing the results yet isn't right either. I'd call first thing Monday morning and ask for the results. If they don't have them available tell them you want a call with the results by the end of the day.

My dad passed away from pancreatic cancer a little over 2 years ago. His symptoms were diarrhea and tiredness for a week, and then he became jaundice. However, he didn't start to have pain (typical of pancreatic cancer) for another year until the cancer had spread to his other organs. So the fact that you are having pain but nothing cancer-like is showing up on the ultrasound I think is a good sign. What about kidney stones? Gallstones? I would definitely keep exploring this because of what the ultrasound showed but it just seems like it is something else.

Good luck and I hope you get the answers you are looking for.

On 6/14/2009 Marioseeker wrote:

Sorry I forgot to mention that conditions such as gallstones, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and cholecystitis can also causes elevated levels of CA 19-9 in the blood.

Mario

Thank you for getting back to me Mario!  The CA 19-9 hasnt been ordered, you would think they would. I had to pull teeth just trying to get bloodwork done among my other tests.  Still no results of the CT scan been over a week, and I am too scared to call them.  You would think they would've called me by now, but I have seem to had nothing but procrastors dealing with me. Thanks again!

On 6/14/2009 Amy12 wrote:

Is there any way you can go to a different GI doctor for a second opinion? He/she should not have told you it was "probably" pancreatic cancer and then not do any follow up tests. There are so many OTHER things it could be other than pancreatic cancer, it is just ridiculous that he/she said this. Also, having a CT scan on Monday and not knowing the results yet isn't right either. I'd call first thing Monday morning and ask for the results. If they don't have them available tell them you want a call with the results by the end of the day.

My dad passed away from pancreatic cancer a little over 2 years ago. His symptoms were diarrhea and tiredness for a week, and then he became jaundice. However, he didn't start to have pain (typical of pancreatic cancer) for another year until the cancer had spread to his other organs. So the fact that you are having pain but nothing cancer-like is showing up on the ultrasound I think is a good sign. What about kidney stones? Gallstones? I would definitely keep exploring this because of what the ultrasound showed but it just seems like it is something else.

Good luck and I hope you get the answers you are looking for.

Thank you for getting back to me. It is very frustrating and I didnt call today but am going to tomorrow. They still havent called me. I have thought about going to a different GI doc just not sure my insurance would approve anything else at this time. It has been a bear with everything else and I have never had this problem before.  Its a shame what our healthcare is turning into.  I will keep you posted and again thank you so much for writing me back! 

Just remember: don´t panic until you have ALL the results back. Until you have all the facts it doesn't serve any purpose to fret about it.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mario

On 6/19/2009 Amy12 wrote:

Hi, just checking if you have found anything out yet?

No I haven't and I didn't call yet.  I am going to Monday don't want to ruin my weekend. I will keep you posted and thanks for checking.  I might jinx myself but haven't had too much pain lately. Thanks again! :)

Sorry to hear your frustration.  I am a 40 year old male who was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer Stage 2.  Although Pancreatic Cancer is normally in older people I had it.  I went to the emergency several times, did the scopes upper and lower and blood test, ct scans, etc,etc.  After having the gall badder removed and still having issues went to the ER again.  Finally they did an MRI, that is when they found a mass on my pancreas.  From there I went to UIC.  Do yourself a favor, look into going to UIC .  The teaching hospitals have the equipment needed to do scopes with needle biopsies that can identify what you may or may not have.  I was lucky, I had the whipple procedure eight weeks ago and all pathology came back clear- no cancer.  Other than frustration with my drain I am trying to get better.  

It is so frustrating when you have something wrong and can't get it identified.  Don't listen to Doctors speculations.  Get an MRI and then you will be able to find out what the issue is.  Most of my tests, and blood tests came back within normal ranges.  

Good luck, and I hope this helps