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As many of you know, I have been struggling with health issues for the past several months. Numerous tests ruled out various concerns, however, I still was not feeling well. We traveled to Iowa City on September 20th where I underwent an endoscopy and pancreas biopsy. The results confirmed my private suspicions of pancreatic cancer. While not the best news, I was very grateful for a diagnosis so as to be able to make a plan for moving forward. That brings us to this week. Monday was a chemo education appointment followed by a CT with contrast. Today we met with Dr. Madadi, oncologist, to review the results of the CT. I am officially between stages 3 & 4. The tumor is unresectable at this time because it involves the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) which is greatly inflamed. If the chemo is effective, they will revisit the surgeon to determine if resectable. My oncologist, however, is uncertain that it will be operable yet at that time but will broach the subject. If the tumor remains unresectable, they will treat again with both chemo and radiation to extend life. The good news is that the spot on the liver was blood and the cancer has not yet spread to any other organs! PTL!!
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