When the fatigue hit: Early signs before diagnosis
The period before being referred to the first specialist for further investigation.
Articles in Pre-surgery
24 posts
A routine check turns critical: My 10th colonoscopy
Investigate, via upper endoscopy and colonoscopy, any cause for low iron.
More tests, no answers: The bloodwork mystery continues
More blood tests including full blood examination and iron studies.
Next steps: Follow-up with Dr Lee and a new test
Consultation with Dr Lee to discuss next steps.
CT Enterography: Searching for clarity in the unknown
My first CT enterography experience.
A surprise finding: The pancreatic lesion that changed everything
The results came back not the best.
The MRI that confirmed my fears
Discomfort of being in an MRI machine for an hour, but accuracy and suitability of the test required me to complete it.
The call that changed everything
My world changed with the phone call.
Dr Hwang appointment confirmation
Speedy appointment with the next specialist.
Meeting Dr Hwang: Preparing for the next diagnostic steps
Having everything explained to me about what the lesion potentially was.
Some blood test results came back
I had some blood test results come back that Dr Hwang had ordered. These included: Cumulative Serum Chromogranin A (CGA), Cumulative Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Cumulative Coagulation Studies and Liver Function Tests.
An update from Dr Lee: What’s next after the PET scan
We had a telephone chat with Dr Antonio Lee. He was following up post the PET DOTATATE scan.
Researching Neuroendocrine tumours: The questions on my mind
Following the conversation with Dr Lee, we looked at NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia website for more information.
Biopsy day: Getting closer to the diagnosis
Today was the big day to understand more about the tumour. Dr Hwang was going to be doing an endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy. This would confirm the type of tumour I had.
Meeting my surgeon: The path to surgery begins
Today I received notice from Dr Cavallucci's receptionist that I was booked in to see him upon his return from overseas.
Breaking the news at work: My cancer diagnosis
Today was one of those days that will stay with me forever. I had to tell my colleagues about my pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Designing tshirts
Life has a way of throwing us curveballs when we least expect it. My journey with pancreatic cancer began with one such curveball - an unexpected diagnosis that changed everything in an instant. But as I faced the reality of the challenges ahead, I found strength in an unexpected place: my passion for creating funny and meaningful t-shirts.
Daisy and her cancerous tumour
We took Daisy and Annie for a walk, as we sometimes do. She gets so excited going for a walk she barks and barks as we leave the house. She sprints next door, always trying to find Lucy the Beagle that used to be next door.
I look fine, but there’s more than meets the eye
I look fine, I feel fine. That's how I would describe things at the moment. But there is something inside of me that doesn't belong there.
Follow-up with Dr Cavallucci: Discussing surgery options
Today I had a phone consultation with my specialist, A/Prof David Cavallucci, and I wanted to share an update on my pancreatic cancer journey. During our discussion, we reviewed my current situation and the options available moving forward.