pancreatic growths

[sitala]

I have a 4cm on head of pancreas and just under 4cm on tail and many smaller ones in the body. Been very sick at beginning 2013, vomiting,  diarrhea,  bad pain. Lost 40lbs. In and out of hospital. No treatment except iv, broth diet and now pancrealypase capsules. Now for months vomiting and diarrhea better. Still weak, tired and gained back weight. Had very excessive sweating. Just had CA19-9. 1st high rate of 122. What does this # mean? Doctor missed it. I saw on my copy and called and will repeat test in a couple of weeks.
had Celiac Plexius last June--horrible, pain got so much worse. Couldn't move for 2 weeks. They used Phenol. Had great hopes for pain relief. Had ERCP (pain started mar. 2010). EUS Nov.2011. All say Whipple.  I am 70 and not in good shape. The Whipple sounds pretty bad for maybe not good outcome. Why has vomiting and diarrhea become so less. hardly from every day and night?

[sitala]

Another Gastroenterologist wants to do another ERCP AND EUS. ERCP started all my pain and problems. Had the growths, but no pain or nausea or vomiting. Must have gotten Pancreatitis. Cedars said those sizes should have hurt. Was in hell since procedure in MARCH 2010.

[sitala]

Thanks. I had decided against Whipple surgery.  Had ERCP March 2010 at ucla. Horrible experience.  Was up through whole procedure. Inexperienced anesthesiologist apologized over and over saying he should have done this and that. To top it off they LOST MY BIOPSIES. Nov.2011 EUS at Cedars. Also said needed Whipple and resect Cecum. Another Colonoscopy nov 2011 and July 2013 and said removed Cecum growth that Cedars couldn't and new pre precancer growths removed in such short time. My internist doesn't think I would do well and my reading tells me I couldn't do it. Been very sick.  Many medical issues.  80 days in  hospital last year. Seeing now only hemotology, oncologist. Have protein for Multiple Myeloma. Seen him since 2006. Going to repeat CA19-9 on the 13th. Having whipple and going through all that for not great prospects doesn't make sense. Not much quality now and would be much worse. Had Celiac Plexius and did the reverse. Excruciating pain for over 2 weeks. Could barely move.  Used Phenol in procedure in 2nd.  1st just numbing agent and went well. Had great hopes for pain relief, but no.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
I understand your concern regarding  your symptoms and laboratory result. Apart from the CA 19-9 test result,  results of other diagnostic test results and full medical history are important considerations in determining the  management plan.   Also, there are some non-cancerous conditions that cause a high level of CA19-9  and it is best that you discuss the result  and the possible Whipple procedure with your attending physician. Take care and do keep us posted.