Pancreatic Cancer Tumour Marker Blood Test, Clinic Visit – £110

Story of the Tumor Marker at the Pancreatic Cancer Clinic – Elisa’s Testimony

Part I: My chess game with an organ disease

Elisa, a 54-year-old freelance translator and mother of a 16-year-old boy, is a vivacious woman with an overflowing personality who is actively engaged in associations. Two years ago, she learned during a clinic visit that she was the carrier of a native mutation BRCA2 and had a pancreatic CA19 tumor blood test for cancer using the marker. Her ability to surmount obstacles and unforeseen or unpredictable circumstances is facilitated by her positive and non-fatalistic perspective on one of her most intricate pathologies. She is able to identify more suitable solutions to her health condition.

What was the method by which you discovered that you had it?

I began experiencing intermittent, mild, and irregular pain in my stomach, under my breasts, and in my kidneys in January 2017. The pain was never consistent in its location. Never sufficiently robust to cause alarm. I was never compelled to take an analgesic. They vanished after a mere month.

In May 2017, I changed my family’s Pancreatic Blood Test doctor. The new doctor, Francesi, prescribed a general blood marker that indicated a relatively elevated blood sugar level. She subsequently encouraged me to alter my lifestyle for a period of 1-2 months, which included engaging in physical activity and consulting with a nutritionist prior to approaching the diabetologist. Therefore, I implemented it. I lost 12 kg in three months and was overweight; however, my blood sugar levels remained elevated.

The nutritionist and I discussed the recurrence of the pain at the conclusion of August 2017. We decreased the consumption of legumes; however, there has been minimal change.

I ultimately resolved to consult with my physician regarding my discomfort in mid-October 2017. I was examined by him, and he subsequently scheduled an emergent ultrasound for me. The ASL sonographer, who is exceedingly cordial, repeatedly reiterates the same point, and her demeanor becomes increasingly apologetic. Ultimately, she informs me that “You have an object in your pancreas.” You require an emergent CT scan.

What was the prognosis, and how was it conveyed to you?

Several individuals progressively disclosed the diagnosis to me, each in their own unique manner.

I was informed of the issue two days after the ultrasound and CT scan at Queens CA19 Tumor Blood Test Regine Hospital at the end of October 2017. The radiologist suggested that a tumor may be present, but he also confirmed that the remaining areas were uncontaminated. He recommended that I “locate a surgeon” and that the report would be prepared within 48 hours.

In the afternoon, I contacted the facility to inquire about the availability of surgeons. I was informed by a physician acquaintance that I required an intramural appointment. I found this to be an absurdity. Another acquaintance recommended that I refrain from having anyone touch my pancreas in Rome and suggested that I contact Verona, an expert center. Saint Raffael was recommended by another individual for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Making the Decision to Select Cardiff

I selected Cardiff in November 2017 due to its convenience and my desire to avoid being left with one foot in both shoes. I have faith and confidence in you. I undergo a needle aspiration biopsy in Verona, and the report is received via email two days later: ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas of the caudal body. The prognosis is as follows; however, I was already aware of it. Consequently, the fact that I had received confirmation via email did not affect my decision. The surgeon from Cardiff recommended that I undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy for a period of 2-3 months in order to enhance my condition, as a result of the operation, in the same email. In this regard, he recommends that I reach out to Michele Mills, an oncologist at the IFO in Cardiff. At this juncture, my AC was 19.9 out of 1600.

What was the course of treatment?

Michelle Mills, an oncologist, recommended that I undergo a genetic examination due to the family history of pancreatic tumors and the confirmation that my mother carries the native BRCA2 mutation. During our conversation at the beginning of December 2017, she recommended that I apply the port-a-cath.

I was admitted to the IFO on December 14, 2017, and the port was implanted. A PET scan and analysis were conducted, and I commenced the first cycle of Folfirinox on December 16. There are minimal adverse effects, and they are relatively mild.

Hospitalization and Stroke

I suffered a stroke on January 6, 2018. Not at all severe, but a stroke. Sabina, the exceptional neurologist from San Camillo Clinic who visits me in the emergency room and hospitalizes me for 2-3 days, discharges me in time to travel to the IFO for the second cycle of chemotherapy. Nevertheless, Mills, the oncologist, is skeptical of my abilities and elects to delay my treatment. I subsequently resumed chemo at the Pancreatic Test facility, as the oxaliplatin drug from the Folfirinox triplet caused me complications and necessitated a slow injection rate that was unmanageable in a Same Day Near Me facility.

I inquired with the oncologist at the Clinic regarding the schedule of the chemotherapy after some time to ascertain when to proceed to Verona for surgery. He informs me abruptly that the PET scan conducted on December 14th revealed liver metastasis. Immediate repercussion: I am no longer included in the list of operable patients. I experience a genuine shock for the first time. “What are our next steps?” I inquire of him.

Mills informed me that she intends to continue with chemotherapy for an additional few months. Then there is the possibility of the POLO trial. I have also received confirmation of my BRCA2 mutation positivity. I was only recently informed that the CA19.9 had surpassed 6,000 on the eve of chemo.

I successfully concluded the 12 cycles of Folfirinox on July 30, 2018, with minimal side effects. The tumor mass had substantially decreased, the Ca19.9 level had dropped to 33.7, and there had been no trace of metastasis in the tests for months. These were the most significant changes.