Mike Mix

If 2020 wasn't bad enough Mike was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Feb .  He was losing weight and having abdomen and back pain. SO his doctor made changes to his medications but the pain continued. So we meet with his doctor and a CT scan was ordered.  On June 12th Mike had the CT scan and on Monday June 15th we had  a virtual visit with his doctor.  The CT found a tumor in his pancreas, a cyst in his left kidney and possible left adrenal gland  abnormality. He had a endoscopic biopsy on June  18th that found cancer cells in the pancreas.   Mike was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.   This started a whole mess of appointments and procedures.   Mike was then seen by cancer surgeon  and had a second CT on June 22nd, This CT that was segmented for a better view of the tumor.  A blood  test was done to determine size AKA tumor marker but the test did not find the component needed. This is not uncommon so the only way to measure the tumor is a PET scan. After reviewing the CT with Dr. Hall it was determined that the  tumor cannot be removed surgically  at this time. On June 29th  we met with Dr Rao, oncologist at Allina in Cambridge to discuss treatment options. Chemotherapy is Mike's best option in decreasing the tumor for possible surgery. Mike had a PET scan on June 30th in order to determine the tumor size and how   far it has metastasized.  We are still waiting for the results.  Today July 1st Mike had a port placed in his right chest for chemo delivery  and chemo is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6th.  In the mean time we will be meeting with the palliative care team for pain control options and additional  education on the chemo treatment.  We will update this site when new information is available.

Update
PET scan results found the cancer is in the left kidney and adrenal gland. We expected that based on the CT. The lymph nodes appear to be fine as well as the liver, spleen, right kidney bladder and bones.

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