CancerCompass message board discussion started by mlp3018 on 3/5/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21693,0.htm Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hello, please forgive me if I'm being naive but I'm wondering if anyone can help me and let me know your personal stories about when you or your loved one was first diagnosed. I really think that my mom might have pancreatic cancer, and I can't get her to see a doctor.These are her symptoms:-no appetite, food adversion-diarrhea-nausea-back pain-weight loss (not rapid)she is a heavy smoker (3 packs/day) and has beaten breast cancer last year. Please tell me what you think or send me any info. Thank you.MICHELLE  mlp3018 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Those could by symptoms but they could be symptoms of other things - the symptom that is tell tale is jaundice with no pain in the beginning.  If she were to present to the doc with jaundice/no pain their mind would immediately go to pancreatic cancer.  You can only do so much -- but try to get her to go check it out.  Best of luck to you. MMinKC Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Michelle,Please make the appointment for her to see a doctor...then on that day, just pick her up and tell her you are taking her shopping, anywhere...then get her into the doctor's office. I am not kidding. My Dad would NEVER go to a doctor out of fear that came from a bad experience with doctors as a child. He was symptomatic, lost a lot of weight...would not listen to us though we BEGGED him to see a doctor.  After ending up in the emergency room and having emergency surgery at 2:30 AM to remove his lower colon, only to be told he has Stage IV colon cancer that has spread to his liver and lungs.  He is doing well, so far with chemo....but the long of it is, I wish I had just made the damn appointment for him a long time ago and it would have at least prevented it from getting to the stage it is at.I realize my words probably scare you and I am so sorry for that. Your mom is lucky to have you because you obviously care so much. Don't be afraid that she will be mad or upset with you for making the appointment and tricking her. Regardless of the outcome (her symptoms could be lots of things, and may not be as serious as cancer), she will likely be grateful and possibly relieved.Sending you prayers and strength.   andie Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Michelle,     I can understand your fears, but yes anyone of those symptonscould be signs for any disease.  Why are you pinpointingpancreatic cancer, why not gall bladder or something else?  Myonly sympton was flank pain or back pain, I could not pinpoint the painand I thought I had kidney stones that was causing the pain.  Iwent to my doctors and asked for a CT to confirm kidney stones to elevate thepain.  That one CT showed the mass in my pancrease.  I hope this helps and good luck to you and your mom.Take care,Janice<> Infoquest Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT I guess I targeted pc only because she matched so many of the symptoms, but you all are right, it could be other diseases. Thank you so much. She is going to see her primary doctor in the morning!! Michelle mlp3018 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Please let us know what you and your mom find out as my family is holding you all in prayer!Jo's daughter, Janice Joans Daughter Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT