Sunday April 16 I felt some discomfort and lack of appetite. I went to bed without dinner. This is a rare occurrence for me. I wake up to the same feeling and no appetite so I decide to get checked out at the ER. (Last time this happened my appendix decided it was time for us to part ways)

A blood test and an ultrasound later concluded pancreatitis. Stay hydrated, modify your diet, you’ll be good soon. Right?

The next day I get a call from the doctor saying they saw spots on my liver while looking at my pancreas and I should get a CT scan. 2 days later I get the scan and that showed a mass on my pancreas and more spots on my liver.

An endoscopic ultrasound (pancreas biopsy) was performed with inconclusive results. They stated I had a lot of scar tissue and asked if I’ve had chronic stomach pain (nope, almost never)?

Next up, a liver biopsy. Ding ding ding. Pancreatic cells meaning stage 4.

I was finally able to meet with an oncologist in my area yesterday and confirmed that I was his youngest patient and we should start aggressive chemo (fulfirinox?) ASAP. He didn’t have many words of encouragement nor was he particularly helpful. I’ve asked for a referral to a doctor in Boston. They agreed to expedite a referral.

In the meantime, I’ve submitted blood for genetic testing (hopefully find a clinical trial???) , getting a medi-port put in and preparing for battle.

Symptoms: with a change in diet my stomach has been mostly good, mild aches but feels intestinal rather than upper GI. Many good BMs but some loose ones too. Other than that, I feel great.

I’m a fairly “healthy” (active?) adult that doesn’t drink, (was) 30lbs overweight, walks, runs, eats tons of fruit and veggies, but also loves dessert.

Does anyone have any optimistic statistics on late stage pancreatic cancer for younger patients? I know it’s not common but I’m hoping for something to give me light. Lots of the literature I have found really kills the morale and I just need something.