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In early March Jim was experiencing some symptoms that led him to the doctor. An ultrasound revealed something going on with his gallbladder, so he underwent an abdominal CT on 3/4/21. Jim met with a gallbladder surgeon on 3/5, who said he could not do surgery because there was a spot on the pancreas that required further investigation.
On 3/8/21 Jim underwent a procedure to take a biopsy and place a stent to drain the gallbladder. Unfortunately, the preliminary results indicated pancreatic cancer, which was confirmed on 3/10/21. Additionally, the stent placement would have to be repeated to place a more permanent stent (completed on 3/15/21).
On 3/11/21 Jim met with an oncologist. Pancreatic cancer is categorized by their ability to remove it surgically and whether or not it's metastasized to other areas. Dr. Bleeker said that the tumor appeared to be borderline resectable (able to be removed surgically). Sanford surgical oncology confirmed on 3/12/21 that Jim's case was actually not borderline, but in the resectable category. A chest CT confirmed there was not metastasis. This was good news, because it meant the cancer was found in earlier stages and the goal of treatment is cure.
On 3/12/21 Jim spoke with a highly-recommended surgeon in Minneapolis who specializes in surgery for cancer. He recommended chemotherapy prior to surgery. He recommends 3 months of chemo, with reassessment by the surgeon and oncologist at that time. This will determine if they will continue with another 3 months of chemo and then surgery, or do surgery at 3 months.
On 3/22/21, Jim will have a port placed to start chemotherapy.
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