Re: Thank you for your comments

[Guest guest]

> I really appreciate your feed back. I am resting a little easier

because of what you said about not likely that I have pancreatitis

if the enzymes aren't But, I do know my aunt died one year ago

with pancreatic cancer that spread everywhere. They did not

catch it in the earlier stages. She had the same symptoms. So,

I don't think it is too much to ask for imaging tests to rule out any

of the serious possibilities so I can rest easier. If I don't have

anything wrong with me Great! But, this kind of pain is not

normal nor is it acceptable. And, I can't diagnose myself.

Neither can a doctor without a thorough examination.

> Beverly

Beverly,

If you are being plagued by this continuing pain all I can

recommend is that you see a gastro and push for answers. Tell

them that the prevacid has not been working and tell them of the

family history of cancer. Ask that they do a Ca-19-9 screening

(Carbohydrate Antigen). It is a simple enough test and a reliable

one. Approximately 85% of all pancreatic cancers will have this

marker.

A ct-scan or ERCP are usually the only reliable imaging tests

that could be done, an ultrasound is not accurate for the

diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, but sometimes can show some

evidence of chronic pancreatitis.

If the pain you are experiencing is not acceptable, then you need

to keep pushing for more through examinations. I know many

people had to see several doctors over periods of years before

they were able to get a diagnosis. It's hard to say exactly what

symptoms first alerted us to a problem. I had mild abdominal

pain that radiated to the back after eating, then later the nausea

and vomiting slowly began. Then gradual weight loss. Everyone

does not experience all of these problems.

Good luck with getting your doctor to keep investigating the

cause of your discomfort. Let us know the results.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

Southeastern Representative

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