Follow-up with Dr Cavallucci: Discussing surgery options

Today I had a phone consultation with my specialist, A/Prof David Cavallucci. It was another step forward in my pancreatic cancer journey, and while these conversations are never easy, I’m glad to have a clear direction. During our discussion, we reviewed my current situation and the options available moving forward.

Dr Cavallucci confirmed that the tumour is too close to critical structures to be removed safely at this time. This makes the surgery more complicated, and there’s no middle ground between observation and the Whipple procedure, a major surgery. We agreed that watching and waiting might be the best approach for now. It’s a strange feeling, knowing that surgery is inevitable but not immediate. It’s a reminder to take things one step at a time, even when the future feels uncertain.

The tumour, currently between 15 and 17mm, is growing slowly. While it doesn’t require immediate action, it’s important to plan for surgery in the near future. We are considering early next year, possibly February, for the operation, ideally using robotic assistance for precision.

In preparation, I will need another MRI or a high-quality CT scan closer to the time to provide the best anatomical information. We are looking at the end of January for this scan, with a tentative surgery date around February 3rd.

We also discussed the possibility of the tumour being in a lymph node or the duodenum. While this doesn’t change the overall plan significantly, it highlights the need for continued surveillance and careful follow-up to ensure everything is addressed.

For now, I’m focusing on staying healthy and preparing for surgery, knowing that each step is bringing me closer to recovery. I’m grateful for the expertise and support of Dr Cavallucci and his team, and I’m optimistic about what’s ahead.