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Mindy Cahn is living proof that pancreatic cancer can be beat.
The odds can be daunting. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate for localized pancreatic cancer is 21 percent. For cancer that has spread, the survival rate is about 9 percent.
Cahn, 60, had been diagnosed with a softball-sized cyst on her pancreas 20 years ago. Told it was benign, the West Palm Beach, Fla., mother of three didn’t worry about it.
In August 2011, she mentioned a “weird sensation” and a “dull ache” on the left side of her rib cage to her internist during a routine checkup. An ultrasound and MRI both revealed a large mass. The cyst had doubled in size and would have to be removed. Cahn sought opinions from local surgeons.
One recommended a consultation with Horacio Asbun, M.D., at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. He is one of only a few surgeons in the country with experience in complex laparoscopic surgery of the pancreas.
“I knew this surgery had to be done,” she says, “but since you don’t know what’s going on inside your body, I thought it was important to ask questions to make the best decisions.”
Cahn met with Dr. Asbun and a team of Mayo Clinic specialists in the fall to discuss a new, minimally invasive procedure known as a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. “This approach allows for better access to difficult areas,” Dr. Asbun says. “Magnification and specialized instruments allow meticulous removal of suspicious cells.” When performed by a multidisciplinary team of experienced surgeons, the procedure can be as effective as traditional open surgery, and recovery is easier on the patient.
“Our results show multiple advantages to the laparoscopic approach that are not only related to faster recovery and shorter hospital stay, but also decreased blood loss during surgery,” says Dr. Asbun.
On Dec. 14, Cahn underwent laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons made only three tiny incisions in her abdomen. Thanks to the precise technique, Dr. Asbun removed the sprawling mass from her pancreas while preserving the areas of the pancreas needed for enzyme and insulin production.
He also removed her spleen and a small portion of intestine that were affected, as well as 18 lymph nodes. After the surgery, a pathology report confirmed cancer. Fortunately, it was in its earliest stage, and all the cells were eliminated.
Cahn spent only three nights in the hospital. Within six weeks of the surgery she had returned to her normal activities and full-time work as a boutique manager.
“I knew I was in the best of hands,” Cahn says, praising the entire Mayo team for their attentiveness and availability, and the ease with which appointments were streamlined.
Today, although Dr. Asbun considers her cured, Cahn is more conscious about her lifestyle choices. “I have changed my whole diet,” she says. “I’m more aware of my health.” She also makes time to enjoy family, including her 2-yearold grandson.
The article comes from our Sharing Mayo Clinic print publication.
This is wonderful, my Mother was operated on at Mayo Rochester with this terrible disease in 1994 and unfortunately didn’t survive very long.
Congrats to Mayo and their wonderful Doctors,
I have just gone through the exact same thing. I had my spleen and half of my pancreas removed last Feb. Only mine was at the U of MN. My insurance did not approve me to go to Mayo—where I started.
I had the same surgery as well and had about 70percent of mine taken out nbut not my spleen.it. Was also done at the mayo in Jacksonville. I am doing great and jut have to go back for an MRI once a year. How are you doing? Are you having any issues? I try not to think about it since my dr said there was less than a five percent chance of it coming back but still I wonder why I got it to begin with!
This is great news.We lost both our parents to this cancer. It was discovered in the ‘stone ages’ medically speaking. My Father (passed in 1970), his treatment was only a few horrid Chemo treatments, my Mother’s treatment was none. She passed months three after being diagnosed (1991), and she was never in condition to receive any treatment.
If the cancer has spread to the liver, is this surgery still an option? A friend is having chemo for pancreas cancer, but no surgery has been planned.
My brother was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas and it has spread to his liver. His doctor sent him home with medicine. His doctor said it is stage 4 cancer. In your opinion, would chemo help? He is 79 years old.
Emily, Unfortunately we are unable to provide medical advice or offer a second opinion through this form of communication and without having an evaluation. If he would like a second opinion here at Mayo Clinic, please have him contact our appointment office at http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html. Thank you.
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I had the same surgery at the mayo clinic on nov 11 2011. They didn’t get it the first time so hd surgery again on Jan 10 2012 which was very successful. Had a small neuroendocrine tumor which was completely removed and feel great. Cant say enough good things about the mayo and my dr was dr. Stauffer.
Christine, please have your friend reach out to the Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) via The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. They have free resources available to Pancreatic cancer patients. They also have a caregiver and survivor network that they can connect others going through similar experiences. I wish we would have known about this organization when my dad was battling pancreatic cancer. To reach a PALS associate you can do so at http://www.panCAN.org or by calling 877-272-6226.
Cancer can be fix shure.
Costello
My Father is suffering from pancreatic Cancer that has developed from tail of pancreas and spread into dudeneum and Lungs too.
Is there is any treatment or surgery for the same.
Please guide me.
We’re checking.
My sister has just detected with a neurendocrine tumot in pancreas and it is spread to the liver. I want to know which is the bewt doctor to treat this problem and how i can get an appointment as soon as possible, as well as the relation of studies and all documents to bring. We are from Mexico, so please answer as soon as possible i know this is just matter of time.
Thanks.
Jorge Lozano Soto
52 444 1851076
Hello, Jorge. We are sorry to hear about your sister’s recent diagnosis. We recommend that you contact the International Patient Office in Arizona 480-301-7101, Florida 904-953-7000 or Minnesota 507-284-8884. The representatives will be able to coordinate all appointments and answer your questions regarding the review process. Thank you.
thank Susan for your promptly answer.Which of the three options is the best for pancreatic cancer, so I can call today.
All three Clinic locations offer excellent care for pancreatic cancer. Your choice would be determined by your location preference and what would be most convenient for you and your wife. Hope this information helps!
Nov 9 2012 I had my spleen and half my pancreas removed by laprascopy at Shands in Gainesville FL. They said it was a adenocarcinoma in the tail part of the pancreas. Distal Now looking for chemo and radiation treatment. One DR suggested using proton radiation, another says imra. WHAT IS YOUR SUGGESTION? What is the latest chemo treatment available for this type of cancer. Will be in Jacksonville on Nov 28.
Norm, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
My dad is 85 and was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He lives in South Carlina. We got the results yesterday that his cancer is the size of golf ball and has spread to his liver and lymph nodes. The doctor will not tell him very much, even when my dad asks directly. Dad is to start chemo today and continue once weekly for three weeks. Then back to blood tests. I have begged my dad to get a second opinion, but he is stubborn. What can realistically be done for him at age 85?
Daniel, we are sorry to hear about your Dad’s diagnosis. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
my brotherinlaw has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer…he is currently living in Australia…the drs there have given him three months to live… I do believe that the cancer has spread outside of the pancreas…I dont know much else…Would you think it is too late to receive any treatment???…I await your reply
Sandra, we are sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, please call one of our appointment offices. The numbers can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.org/ under “request an appointment.”
A friend had a tumor in his pancreas. It attached itself to part of the stomach & intestine. An 8 hour surgery took the spleen, due to it had low blood supply and could not be saved, a pie shape out of the stomach, the affected area of intestine and then put back together.
Pathology shows cancer…do not know the type of cancer.
Nothing about lymphnoids was mentioned.
He has alot of healing to do after this surgery. Waiting for the stomach to wake up again so he can begin eating.
Do you think he has a chance to get treatment? I mean with all the healing his body is doing with the trauma of surgery..how soon could a treatment be tolerated?
I’m grasping at straws I guess..Every Body is different.
A reply would be wonderful…but I understand if you do not want to comment.
Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Kathryn
Unfortunately, we cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this correspondence. If he would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, the appointment office phone numbers are: Arizona: 480-301-1735, Florida: 904-953-0853, and Minnesota: 507-284-2511. Happy holidays!
My Dad was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2011. The whipple surgery was attempted but could not be performed. He has being doing chemotherapyfolfurinox, since then. He also took a break from the chemo in the spring of 2012 to do Cyberknife radiation. Wanted to see if he was a candidate for the laparoscopic distal pnancreatectomy. I know it is performed at the Mayo in Fla, was also just wondering if the procedure is being done in the NY area.
Hello and thank you for your question. We are sorry to hear about your father’s diagnosis. We do not have a clinic in the NY area but perhaps you are referring to Rochester, Minn.? If so, please contact the Appointment Office directly at 507-538-3270 and the representatives will be able to assist you. Thanks again!
I am soo thankful for the “Whipple” surgery that was performed for my pancreatic cancer. My doctors at Mayo in Rochester, Mn saved my life. Dr.Kendrick, Dr.Cory and Dr.Ali! What a great team of surgeons! I am forever Grateful! still lookin for the right treatment to get rid of any cancer remaining in my lymph nodes. I had the head of my pancrease removed, bile duct to liver, part of small intestine and duodeum removed as well. I still would like to know how i got this form of cancer at age 38.
My 64 year old husband had a Whipple a year ago. His last PET scan showed a small recurrence in one lymph node, but I am terrified. How long has Mindy been cancer free?
My Brother was recently diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer which has spread to his lungs and stomach. His PCP and oncologist suggest palliative care. Is there something more that we can do except just wait for him to die? I am overwhelmed with information but nothing seems consistent. Your reply will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your note. We are so sorry to hear of your brother’s diagnosis. If you’d like to contact our Cancer Center they may be able to give you options regarding clinical trials or second opinions or they may be able to put you in touch with someone who can answer your questions. The phone number in Minnesota is 507-538-7623.
Thank you so much for your quick reply. Somehow I did not mention that my brother has pancreatic cancer.
I lost three members of my family to pancreatic cancer: my mom in 1969, my sister in 2004, and my brother in 2010. Since I have a family history of this kind of cancer, it’s likely that I’m also going to get it. Is this true? By the way, I’m a 65 year old female.
Thank you for your time.