Ampullary cancer

Tiffanybourg

I was diagnosed with ampullary cancer in July 2024, had a whipple procedure August 2024 and then 12 rounds of chemo. Are there others out there with a similar treatment plan?

Deseados2

🤗In my case, I was diagnosed in September 2019 and underwent Whipple surgery that same month followed by

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/329520/ampullary-cancer

six-month course of gemcitabine. A year and a half later, I had a local recurrence of an inoperable tumor, followed by another course of 5-FU chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions for another six months.
Now, twelve years later, and with annual CT scans and blood tests, I've had a sudden weight loss and loss of appetite that worries me, but my checkup won't be until November of this year. An ultrasound found a suspicious area that should be investigated at this next checkup. For my part, I'm feeling very well. Am I on standby? It's up to you if woud like to provide you with more details about my process, or exchange coments. Good luck. Best regards

Deseados2

This is my case,

I was diagnosed in September 2019 and underwent Whipple surgery that same month. A six-month course of gemcitabine. A year and a half later, I had a local recurrence of an inoperable tumor, followed by another course of 5-FU chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions for another six months.
Now, twelve years later, and with annual CT scans and blood tests, I've had a sudden weight loss and loss of appetite that worries me, but my checkup won't be until November of this year. An ultrasound found a suspicious area that should be investigated at this next checkup. For my part, I'm feeling very well. Am I on standby? It's up to you if I can provide more details about it, or just exchange coments. Best regards.

Tiffanybourg

I would update your provider with your new symptoms and not wait, even if it’s just that they order labs or maybe they could do some imaging. Or are you saying that you had recent scans and bloodwork done.

eDivebuddy

A sudden weight loss and loss of appetite must be investigated right away. In an otherwise healthy adult it’s concerning, but for cancer survivors like us, it’s urgent. Contact your provider now, don’t wait.

Deseados2

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724307#Comment_1724307

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724305#Comment_1724305

I appreciate your interest. In general we are so sensitive to know about someone who shares our worries.
Of course, You've encouraged me to reconsider not delaying my next visit to my oncologist or if it is necessary to visit another one. The last time I spoke to her, she accused me of worrying excessively and refused further CT and blood work, leaving them for this November, when the follow-up will be done. According to her, all my symptoms, including weight loss, were attributable to various non-oncological issues. She always reminds me that I've been cancer-free for 12 years and that I should have stopped the tests
The Whipple surgery was in 2012, not 2019. (Neither memory nor English are my strong points.) The year before, in 2011, during a routine blood test, they found very high transamines without having any clue how to deal with. Many exams, (my gallbladder was removed, without finding any stones). It took a year and continuous tests to determine it was ampullary cancer.
Searching for a second opinion, I was told that being a very small cancerous mass, had made the diagnosis difficult. . I had no tumor markers at any time The tumor was 1.4 cm, pTNM pT2, pNO stage 2, negative margins, 0/9 lymph nodes throughout the entire procedure.

Nowadays, I have just had a blood test done, the results are totally correct. In the ultrasound I did myself, the doctor didn't consider it an emergency because the silhouette of a possible tumor wasn't clearly visible. So, I though, if this is a recurrence, it must be slow.as well.
I agree with both of you, I need to seek a clearer diagnosis soon. I'll let you know so you can follow up if that's the case. I mean, sometimes it's better "no news good news" For me, it will be a disappointment since after so long time, everything seems to be over. My best wishes and regards.