Recap of Mayo Clinic visit:   Test results and clinical trial options

     *Test results:  The test results unfortunately followed the trending of my previous tests at Sanford.  My tumors continue to grow I and continue to experience new tumors.  In the meeting with the Nurse Practitioner and Oncologist, they noted that I will, or may, have already heard of people that have survived multiple years with Pancreatic cancer.  As there are multiple types of cancer (i.e. breast cancer, lung cancer, etc.) there are also multiple types of pancreatic cancer.  Some are a slow growing cancer and allow the person to survive a number of years, but that is not the type of pancreatic cancer that I have.  My cancer is aggressive and fast growing, and consequently, they agree with Sanford's high level review that I may have less than 6-months.

     They also identified that I have about 6 blood clots in my lungs.  They noted that the testing equipment is getting better all the time and that I may have had those blood clots earlier but were just undetected until now.  They are reviewing the blood clot situation and are hopeful it can be controlled with a more aggressive blood thinner that I am currently on.

     *Clinical Trial options:  The biggest reason we went to  Mayo was to explore any open clinical trials that I may qualify for.  Julie and I were literally on the interstate heading back to Sioux Falls when we received a call from the Mayo Clinic informing us that one of my markers matched an open trial.  They asked if we would turn around and return to the clinic to do the initial application paperwork - which we did.  They informed us that a clinical trial began in February 2024 and that the trail was open to 10 patients across the United Stated.  The requirement is that the patient matches two very unique markers.   Since they confirmed  that I did match one  of the two required markers, they will be examining my biopsy to see if the 2nd marker is present.  If I match the 2nd marker we are hopeful that I will be allowed into the trial.  Knowing there are only 6 people in the US that matched since February, it displays the very isolated group within that study.  They said we should know if I match within 2-4 weeks.   

Sanford Hospital /   Dr. Bleeker:  We have an appointment with Dr. Bleeker next week Wednesday, May 29 and he will review my overall health plan.  We will also begin to explore Palliative Health care options to help control the increased pain levels.  My daily struggle continues to be the pain volumes increasing and increased  nausea.   As info, if I am on Palliative Health Care I am still eligible for clinical trials.  Once I move to hospice, I am no longer to participated in any medical trials.

My Blessings:  

     *A clear blessing recently was Julie's first hand knowledge of the Mayo Clinic. Julie spent 6-years of her medical career at the Mayo Clinic so her knowledge came in very handy as we navigated from appointment to appointment.

     *The medical facilities in the Midwest including Mayo Clinic (see attached picture)

     *Being able to attend Andrea's surprise 40th Birthday Party!  Congrats Andrea!  (see attached)

My Inspiration: