CA199 Blood Test, Pancreatic Cancer Home Kit – £79

An Account of the Pancreas

Sharing Personal Stories to Increase Awareness

We would like to share the personal experiences of a few patients who are currently battling disease with patients and their families in honour of pancreatic CA19 awareness month. Engaging in a conversation regarding your emotions and voyage can be beneficial to other families who are experiencing comparable circumstances.

A Life Filled with Adventure: Introducing Clode

I am Clode. I was born in 1951. I was a teacher, married to Emma, and have two children, as well as three large white canines.

I have had the opportunity to travel extensively, including to the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Turkey, all of the Balkan countries, Morocco, America, Australia, and Russia. I could go on and on.

A Novel Journey Commences: The Battle Against Disease

However…

I have been battling PC that has metastasized to the liver and lung for the past two years. This is the beginning of a new voyage.

What is the reason for writing about this disease?

I am a reserved individual who never anticipated the necessity of discussing myself; however, the discussion of my illness warrants a narrative.

Would you be able to provide me with an explanation?

To more fully experience or relive the emotions of the past two years, to commemorate the events, to recall my own thoughts and those of my loved ones, to live, and perhaps to assist others.

A journal of travel

Emma and I have consistently meticulously planned our travels, as we are camper enthusiasts. Our intention was not to adhere to the itinerary in its entirety, but rather to allow for additional flexibility during the journey. Nevertheless, we have consistently declined to compose diaries that are specifically concentrated on the COVID-19 pandemic; our journeys are internal. We have shared, debated about, lived, and recollected them together; however, the situation has since changed due to a pancreatic disease.

Although this journey was not premeditated, we did compile a journal this time. For what reason? It is difficult to share the same thoughts, be in symbiosis, and have the same thoughts.

The Initial Signs: August 2018

I was in the mountains in August 2018, serving as a volunteer chef at the oratory encampment in my hometown. I have always enjoyed cooking for my family and friends, and we built a spacious kitchen in an old garage. A wall has been painted by my wife to prevent any confusion regarding who is responsible for cooking in the kitchen.

I was not feeling well; I experienced intermittent abdominal discomfort, although it was not continuous.

I will commence conducting pancreatic tests in September, including blood, ultrasound, and c.a. markers. On September 19, I will undergo a CT scan and biopsy. Our physician was both intuitive and punctual, and I would like to extend my gratitude to Anna. The treatments available at the nearest facility are gem + Abraxane or solferino. In the interim, the ca 19.9 markers have increased by over 7,000, and even minor discomforts have become extremely severe. I initiated the administration of morphine in fentanil patches at a dosage of 50. With the exception of a brief period during which it was suspended, it has remained a consistent component of my medication regimen. Presently, the dosage has increased to 75 mg.

The diagnosis was made on October 17, 2018.

Diagnosis: pancreatic lesion with metastasis to the liver and lung that is not operable.

The initial treatment commences on October 17, 2018, and our institution elects to implement the gem+abraxan therapy.

Every Thursday, it marks the commencement of a journey. We are provided with a schedule by attending the Hospital at specific times. We have the opportunity to interact with other CA19 patients, and a new world is revealed to us. This world is characterized by suffering, but it is also home to numerous beautiful individuals who cross our path. We are instantaneously empathetic with certain nurses; it is a pleasure to recall the initial steps and the individuals who embraced us as I write.

The Initial Day of Therapy: Confronting Fear

We were horrified on the first day of therapy. Arianna’s words of encouragement that day remain in my memory. She informed us, “Medicine has made significant progress; have faith.””However, I recall Teresa, Anny, and Carl.” Barbara arrived a few months later; they are all my nurse angels. The soft and reassuring chatter of patients and caregivers emanating from outside my room was audible. They were engaged in conversation, exchanging smiles, and jokes.

Dr. Io is our oncologist. I recall the moment the practitioner introduced it to us; to us, who were engrossed in our own drama, it appeared to be a secure haven. A profound connection has been established between us. (We regret that you were so profoundly involved, Io.)

The Significance of Research: The Art of Information Navigation

During the initial phase, Pancreatic physicians elucidated the gravity of the blood-related disease without specifying a deadline for the CA19 report; however, the internet furnished the necessary information. Humanitas, Rossi, and Saint Matthews were also consulted in addition to the San Raffaele consultation.

We reviewed medical treatises on genetic mutations and immunotherapies; however, all of the information corroborated the initial diagnosis.

The gem + Abraxane treatment was administered on a weekly basis from October 18, 2018, to June 2019, totaling thirty administrations.

The markers gradually decreased to zero. However, they subsequently resumed their ascent, eventually reaching 700. The chemotherapy’s effects have been less severe than anticipated. Subsequently, I can organize the medications I require to prevent vomiting. My hair and all of my body hair are lost following the fifth treatment, which is known as universal alopecia. I found it intriguing (this is what my wife said) and the absence of the daily hassle of grooming.

Managing Side Effects: Neuropathy and Other Complications

Chemo neuropathy in the feet and hands, or extremely painful spasms and cramps, is a CA19 issue that is of minor significance but still causes me pain. The pain is occasionally intense. Additionally, there is a lack of sensitivity. I consult with an additional specialist who prescribes substantial quantities of genitalia and other substances. The agony does not subside after a few months, and I discontinue the medication.

It is June 2019, and the markers are regressing to 700, consistently indicating San Raffaele. The administration of Solferino continued.

The treatment for cancer with solferino commenced on August 12, 2019, and will continue until January 13, 2020. The hospital’s administration was present on Monday and Tuesday. Additionally, on Monday, they connected me to a pump, which I returned to remove on Wednesday morning.

Clarification: My veins are no longer capable of withstanding chemotherapy, treatments, or tests. In July, I will undergo a small-day surgery with a port (a venous catheter). I am not ill, I am able to tolerate chemotherapy well, and my hair and hair growth are effected by neuropathy. I experience a sense of rebirth.