Worried about pancreatic cancer
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello
Please could anyone give me some advice?
I have been losing weight without trying, went to GP and she wasn't worried about it because of all the tests I have had last year. Says she wants to see me back in two weeks time to see how things are.
I had some gastro issues last year with diahorrea and GP referred me to consultant.
Tests to date are:-
April - Ultrasound scan of abdomen covering pancreas clear
September - colonoscopy clear
October - gastroscopy clear
December - CT scan abdomen and pancreas clear
Two weeks ago - stool sample for infection clear
One week ago - full blood count, liver function etc all clear
I am still eating and have a good appetite and feel OK, just the weight that has got me worrying.
I even rang for some advice from PC UK and spoke to one of the nurses, who was very reassuring and said nothing raised any red flags. Asked me about stools and if they were oily, as that would be very obvious. She also explained to me about how the pancreas works with digestion. Told me to stop weighing myself everyday and said the results of tests were a good sign too!! The problem I have with the tests is that they were over 6 months ago, and she said that having a clear CT 6 months ago would have shown some dilation in the bile ducts, but I still can't seem to shift the worry about my weight. Also yesterday and this morning had some stabbing feeling in my left ribs?
I appreciate any answers as to what could be going on.
Many thanks
0 likes, 9 replies
tigreyes isobel91640
Posted
Hi
I understand your concern. I am new to this site so bear with me. I am having pancreas problems too. On your blood test, does it show the lipase & amylace elevated? That is how I found out I had a problem other than terrible pains in the stomach. All my tests which was an ultrasound turned out ok & ct scan but now I have to go next week to have a MRI & scared to death bc I am claustrophobic. This will show the pancreas better. I did a lot of research & if your labs are high with the lipase & amylase then there is a problem with the pancreas. The pancreas is the hardest thing to find the problem I've been told. They can check the bile ducks through a procedure called ERCP. I go to the Mayo Clinic next week to see an expert on the pancreas so hopefully I will have some answers. I want to find out what is causing the problem I wish you the best of luck & hope I was of some help. I would ask for a repeat of those tests bc things can change over night. Best to be on the safe side.
John-1 tigreyes
Posted
@tigereyes Please keep us updated on your progress and how it goes at Mayo Clinic.
John-1 isobel91640
Posted
Ask for an MRCP, a no-radiation, no-risk scan of the pancreas and billary system.
If this is clear, I would stop worrying and try some different dietary measures to see if anything helps.
tigreyes John-1
Posted
Hi
I will keep you updated. I'm new to this site so I am trying to figure this out. They will probably want me to do that test bc I have been doing research on it. So far the Mayo Clinic has not helped me at all & it is a 4 hr drive from where I live but I am seeing a Professor who specializes in the pancreas. I am also going for an MRI on Wed. What do you think is better for diagnosis the MRI or the MRCP?
What kind of diet is good for this problem. Do you happen to know how high the lipase goes to when your in danger?
John-1 tigreyes
Posted
The MRCP is an MRI.
If you have pancreatitis, a low-fat, high nutrient (lots of vegetables and nutrient-dense foods) diet could help. And quitting alcohol, smoking. But, I wouldn't change anything now until you get a diagnosis.
tigreyes John-1
Posted
The dr. at the Mayo Clinic says my pain is not coming from the pancreas. He says I am slightly elevated & that is coming from my gastritis & adhesion's are contributing to it. If the elevation was 5 times the normal then it would be serious. I am still having the MRI tomorrow from my outside dr's & the Mayo dr. said it was ok just to be sure. He viewed my reports & disks & checked me & according to them they don't know where the pain is coming from. They are going to have there Radiologist read the disks just to make sure he didn't miss anything. I'm on the Cymbalta but no pain relief as of yet.
tigreyes isobel91640
Posted
Hi
Your right. I am having a MRCP on Wed. I just looked at the order. I thought you meant ERCP. That is when they go down your throat & look at the pancreas & bile ducts. I hope the MRCP is better than the other bc I don't want to go back to the Mayo Clinic bc it is too far of a drive. Thanks for that info. I will keep you updated. I'm claustraphobic so I hope I can do this. It is shorter machine then the old fashion kind. Thank you.
John-1 tigreyes
Posted
You can do it! They'll probably let you listen to music. Just relax, close your eyes, and you'll be fine. They'll give you a way to signal them that you need a break, but it will be over before you know it. Make sure to stay still during the exam for the best pictures.
tigreyes John-1
Posted
It is the new machine I am going in. They said I could listen to music & I will take an anxiety pill to relax me. I have bad anxiety issues plus neuropathy of the feet. I was just diagnosed & terrible adhesions in the stomach which I think is causing the pancreas problems. I had major surgery at the Mayo Clinic last Nov 2018 for removal of adhesions & the dr. put a tare in the small bowel so I had to get 2 stitches so I'm wondering if that had anything to do with it. I have did research & it does mention surgeries so hope I get some answers. Thank you for your help.