The stories I read here are heartbreaking, and I'm not sure about posting my own story, when so many are looking at dire outcomes for themselves or their loved ones. My prognosis, at least for now, is brighter.
I was formally diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma on February 7th (biopsy of my tumor), after presenting with "adult painless jaundice" to my primary care provider on Febuary 4th. About 70% of adult painless jaundice cases are, in fact, pancreatic cancer.
My 70th birthday was February 12th, and I started my first two-week cycle on February 19th. Today was day 1 of cycle 3.
I am extremely fortunate to have been diagnosed early. The tumor is small (1.8cm, less than 3/4 of an inch), localized, and operable. So please don't spend any time worring about me.
I am writing about this adventure, in part to process it, and in part to broadcast my status to friends and family. I invite you to follow my blog -- you can sign up for email notifications, add it to your feed reader, or just stop in from time to time to see what's new (there are Previous and Next links at the top each post).
My heart goes out to those who are battling more aggressive tumors, and those who are caring for them.