IPMN side branch

Hello, I have been a silent member/reader for some time now. It is heart breaking reading some of the posts and equally heart warming to see all the replies.

I underwent an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy last novermer 2022 after which they discovered an incidental 1.1 m cyst on my pancreas, the terminology used is an incidental finding of a pancreatic side branch IPMN. In addition to this they said that I also have serveral gallstones in my gallbladder (one of which escaped).  This they told me the day after surgery to remove my appendix, I was highly drugged up and confused so did not take in much.  My concern is that they are more concerned about the gallstones then the actual tumor on my pancreas.  Am I right to be concerned, they have recommended annual scans as they say that the tumor is stable after my last MRCP scan (fen 2023) but this is not sitting right with me. Should I persue treatment for this further? what should I say/ask as I have another appointment with surgeons next month (April) after scan. I am worried and anxious as its one thing after another as everytime I get s scan they find something else yet no treatment yet? Thank you for reading this far. if anyone (unfortunately) has any experience or advise I would be extremely grateful.  Take care.  

 

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  • Hello nazmana

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some health problems over the past year and that you're feeling anxious about the incidental findings related to your pancreas. It's good to hear that the specialists didn't have any immediate cause for concern but I can understand that you're still feeling anxious if the reasons behind the monitoring haven't been fully explained to you. 

    I would certainly raise your concerns with the Consultant at your appointment next month. Hopefully, they will be able to offer you some information and reassurance to ease your anxiety but in the meantime, if you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040 and I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice and support they can along with helping you think about any questions you might want to ask at your appointment. 

    I do hope that your appointment goes smoothly next month and that you can move forwards with improving your health. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

Reply
  • Hello nazmana

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some health problems over the past year and that you're feeling anxious about the incidental findings related to your pancreas. It's good to hear that the specialists didn't have any immediate cause for concern but I can understand that you're still feeling anxious if the reasons behind the monitoring haven't been fully explained to you. 

    I would certainly raise your concerns with the Consultant at your appointment next month. Hopefully, they will be able to offer you some information and reassurance to ease your anxiety but in the meantime, if you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040 and I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice and support they can along with helping you think about any questions you might want to ask at your appointment. 

    I do hope that your appointment goes smoothly next month and that you can move forwards with improving your health. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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