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Wearing purple today in honor of #WorldPancreaticCancerDay
I often say that I don't have a favorite cancer, but pancreatic cancer is in strong competition for my *least* favorite
A THREAD/
I often say that I don't have a favorite cancer, but pancreatic cancer is in strong competition for my *least* favorite
A THREAD/
The pancreas is a curious organ, buried deep in the body like a secret
We seldom think about it, except when it starts to malfunction, whether diabetes or malignancy
Even then, it harbors two main cell types that can go awry: exocrine and endocrine
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We seldom think about it, except when it starts to malfunction, whether diabetes or malignancy
Even then, it harbors two main cell types that can go awry: exocrine and endocrine
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When most people say "pancreatic cancer" they mean the more common type, adenocarcinoma, which arises from the exocrine cells that aid digestion
One great vexation with this disease is that it is all too often incurable when found, either inextricable or already metastatic
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One great vexation with this disease is that it is all too often incurable when found, either inextricable or already metastatic
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That's why I knew I was lucky, relatively speaking, to be diagnosed with a less aggressive neuroendocrine tumor that could be cured with surgery
In 2017, I underwent the Whipple operation to remove my dominant cancer from the head of my pancreas
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In 2017, I underwent the Whipple operation to remove my dominant cancer from the head of my pancreas
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I often say that my surgeons did to my upper abdomen what Picasso did to faces
It was a near-complete rearrangement of the organs there but it successfully removed the most threatening tumor and so far has given me 3 years of continued life & work, for which I am so grateful
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It was a near-complete rearrangement of the organs there but it successfully removed the most threatening tumor and so far has given me 3 years of continued life & work, for which I am so grateful
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Having lost far too many patients (more than zero!) to pancreatic cancer I feel duty-bound to advocate for those who have been less fortunate than me in dealing with this wretched disease
Obviously COVID has captured the world's attention but we cannot forget other threats!
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Obviously COVID has captured the world's attention but we cannot forget other threats!
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Finally I would be remiss not to mention all the wonderful organizations & advocates who try to promote improved care year-round:
@letswinpc @lustgartenfdn @panCAN @Run4Purple @CureNETs @drallysonocean @Aiims1742 @PancDoc @MKatzMD @NirajGusani @DianeReidyLagun #pancsm
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@letswinpc @lustgartenfdn @panCAN @Run4Purple @CureNETs @drallysonocean @Aiims1742 @PancDoc @MKatzMD @NirajGusani @DianeReidyLagun #pancsm
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