Anxiety Over Pancreatic Cancer: Seeking Guidance
At 52 years old, weighing 212 pounds and standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, I'm now taking a daily regimen of vitamins including a multivitamin, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Magnesium, and MiraLAX. Additionally, I've been prescribed dicyclomine to manage my IBS symptoms. For the past two months, I have experienced ongoing abdominal discomfort primarily in the upper left quadrant, although it occasionally affects the upper right as well. The pain sometimes radiates to my back, particularly noticeable when I am walking. I also experience episodes of what feels like heartburn that radiates through the center of my abdomen. This abdominal pain is always present but fluctuates in intensity. It tends to be minimal right after waking up but escalates as the day progresses, especially post-meals. By the end of the day, the pain can reach a level of about 6 or 7 out of 10. Lying down doesn’t seem to aggravate the abdominal pain or trigger back pain, though it can heighten the sensation of heartburn at times. I have found that leaning forward occasionally alleviates some discomfort. Recently, I’ve noticed significant weight loss over the past two months. Initially, I aimed to shed some pounds by limiting my intake to 1600 calories daily, spurred on by a visit to the doctor where I noted my weight. However, I ceased this calorie restriction after a month due to the rapid weight loss I was experiencing. Now, I am consuming around 2500-3000 calories daily, yet I continue to lose weight. The only physical activity I maintain is a consistent goal of 10,000 steps each day. Overall, I have lost approximately 25-30 pounds within a seven-week span. During these seven weeks, I have frequently consulted with my doctor. Initially, I was given a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to address the heartburn, but it proved ineffective for both the pain and heartburn symptoms. After requesting further investigation, I underwent a CT scan with contrast, which, while most results appeared normal, did highlight some issues: - **Pancreas:** Normal - **Liver:** Simple cyst present - **Observation:** Thickening of the rectal wall. This prompted my physician to schedule an urgent colonoscopy, which fortunately returned clear results, aside from the removal of one polyp. Despite these findings, my abdominal pain and persistent weight loss continue without resolution. My physician has diagnosed me with IBS, noting that I do have a background of constipation, yet I still experience discomfort even when my bowels are clear—such as during the colonoscopy. The procedure revealed tremors in my sigmoid colon, which further supported the IBS diagnosis. A medication has been prescribed in hopes of alleviating these tremors and associated pain. However, I am filled with dread over the possibility of having pancreatic cancer. With every search I conduct regarding my symptoms or each time I input my concerns into various AI tools, the responses seem to suggest the same worrisome conclusion. While the initial CT scan provided some reassurance, I later learned about the potential for high miss rates in pancreatic pathology if a specific imaging protocol isn’t followed, namely the “pancreatic protocol.” My CT was merely an abdominal-pelvic scan with contrast. Next week, I have a consultation scheduled with a gastroenterologist to examine the issues surrounding my weight loss and ongoing abdominal pain, but I am overwhelmed with anxiety at the thought of possibly facing a serious illness. To any medical professionals reading this: should I genuinely be concerned? Is my physician justified in assuring me that my pancreatic health is not a cause for alarm? I appreciate any insights or reassurances you can offer. Thank you in advance.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 2:00:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious given your symptoms and the uncertainty surrounding your health. While I cannot provide a diagnosis, I can offer reassurance and guidance on managing your current situation.
Main Points
- Your symptoms, including abdominal discomfort and weight loss, can result from various conditions, and the recent evaluations, including your CT scan and colonoscopy, have thus far shown no alarming findings, particularly regarding pancreatic health.
- Your gastroenterologist consultation next week is an essential step to clarify your situation and address your ongoing symptoms.
Explanation
-
Symptoms & Findings: You've experienced abdominal pain and weight loss, which understandably raises concerns about serious conditions like pancreatic cancer. However, your CT scan indicated a normal pancreas, and the colonoscopy results were clear, supporting your physician's reassurances. It's important to recognize that many gastrointestinal conditions, including IBS, can cause similar symptoms without pointing to severe illness.
-
Anxiety over Pancreatic Cancer: It’s normal to feel anxiety when experiencing unexplained symptoms, especially with online information often highlighting severe conditions. Your doctor's reassurance and the imaging findings suggest that there is currently no immediate cause for concern regarding pancreatic cancer. The fact that you underwent a focused evaluation adds to the reassurance.
Next Steps
-
Follow Up With Your Gastroenterologist: Prepare a list of all your symptoms, including details about your weight loss, abdominal pain intensity, and how they relate to meals. This will help your gastroenterologist provide more targeted advice and treatment options.
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a daily journal of your food intake, symptoms (pain intensity, location, heartburn episodes), and any patterns you notice. This can help the specialist understand your condition better.
-
Manage Anxiety: Consider techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or talking to someone about your worries. Anxiety can often exacerbate physical symptoms; finding ways to relax may help ease discomfort.
-
Diet and Nutrition: Given your rapid weight loss, maintaining a balanced and nutritional diet is essential. If you're worried about your caloric intake, consider focusing on nutrient-rich foods rather than just calories. Foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can provide vital nutrients and help stabilize weight.
-
Monitoring and Evaluation: After your consultation, closely observe any new symptoms or changes in your condition. If you find your weight continues to drop significantly, or your symptoms escalate, request timely follow-up care.
Conclusion
While your symptoms are worrisome, the evaluations thus far have not indicated serious concern for pancreatic cancer. The upcoming consultation is a crucial opportunity to dig deeper into your issues. You are actively engaging in your health by seeking help, which is commendable. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support—you're not alone in this journey.
Related Questions
Unusual Yellow Growth on Eyelid
**Patient Information:** - **Age:** 24 years - **Sex:** Male - **Height:** 178 cm - **Weight:** 68 kg - **Current Medications:** None - **Smoking Habits:** None - **Past and Ongoing Health Concerns:** None - **Complaints Duration and Location:** 1 day, observed at home **Description of the Issue:** Upon waking, I experienced mild discomfort in the outer corner of my right eye. While examining myself in the mirror, I noticed an unusual protrusion from my eyelid. I lifted my eyelid's outer edge, only to be startled by what I found. Initially, I believed it could be the typical yellowish discharge often seen after sleeping. I attempted to wipe it away with a tissue and gently brushed it, but it wouldn't come off. Could anyone provide insight into what this could potentially be?
Query About Post-Surgery Recovery
I underwent a sistrunk procedure about four to five days ago. Thankfully, there were no issues during the surgery, and I was allowed to return home the following day. I received guidance to maintain the tape over the incision and to gently pat it dry after taking a shower. However, I've noticed that the tape has started to peel off despite my best efforts to follow these instructions. In response, I applied some skin color strips from the pharmacy. Unfortunately, I observed that more of the tape came off this evening, and the appearance of the wound surprised me. The left side, which corresponds to the right in my photo, seems more red and raised compared to the rest of the wound. As someone without a medical background, I’m curious to know whether this is a normal part of the healing process or if it warrants further evaluation. Overall, I have been feeling relatively well and have been managing any pain with paracetamol as needed. I have a follow-up appointment with my surgeon in three days. I am a 38-year-old woman, with pre-existing conditions including reflux and anxiety that is primarily health-related. Currently, I take paroxetine and esomeprazole every day.
Unusual Heart Sensations?
Greetings, I'm a 24-year-old weighing 69 kilograms with no known heart issues. Last year, I made the decision to leave a job where I experienced harassment, which led to the onset of tachycardia and elevated blood pressure. During moments of panic, my heart rate would spike to 150 beats per minute or even higher. Fortunately, when I was at rest, everything returned to normal. As time progressed, I did not take any cardiac medications, and gradually, my episodes of tachycardia began to fade. However, I started noticing sporadic PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) from time to time. Nowadays, instead of experiencing tachycardia when I'm anxious, my heart actually slows down—while still within a healthy range—resulting in a strong, pronounced pulse on my stomach following what feels like the initial heartbeat. Although these beats are regular, they don't feel entirely right; almost as if the first beat is succeeded by a pronounced echo. During these occurrences, my breathing remains unaffected, and I generally feel fine, yet this sensation makes me extremely anxious. I plan to consult a cardiologist, but if anyone has any insights about what might be happening, I’d greatly appreciate your input. UPDATE: Additionally, there are days when I don't experience PVCs at all, contrasted with days like today, where I encounter numerous episodes every time I stand up! It's incredibly frustrating.
Persistent Lump in Cheek: Should I Be Concerned?
Greetings! For context, I’m a 21-year-old female. Approximately a decade ago, I noticed a small bump developing on the inner part of my left cheek, just above the jawline. Initially, it was quite minor, firm, and I could slightly shift its position. It remains imperceptible both from the exterior and within my mouth. Medical professionals provided no definitive answers; although I was advised to have it examined and possibly removed, lengthy wait times in my country, often exceeding five years, deterred my parents from pursuing this option, especially since it hasn’t caused me any pain. Over the years, the lump has varied in size. At times it becomes very small, almost unnoticeable, while at other moments, it returns to its average size, comparable to a small coin. Given its long-term presence and lack of discomfort, I've never felt alarmed. However, recently it has enlarged to the dimensions of a larger coin — roughly equivalent to a 50 cent euro piece. While it isn't particularly painful, there is a degree of discomfort when I touch it. Should I consult a physician regarding this change? What could it potentially be? It somewhat resembles what I’ve read about swollen salivary glands, yet I thought these typically recede over time. The duration of its existence remains perplexing to me. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Struggling to Communicate My Health Concerns with My Doctors
Hello everyone, I find myself in a challenging situation and wanted to share my experience. I am a cancer patient facing an ongoing struggle, and last November, I developed pneumonia. Fortunately, after being treated with three different antibiotics, my condition has improved. However, I am still dealing with a persistent pulmonary effusion. I underwent a thoracentesis, which revealed transudative fluid in my lungs. Fortunately, there was no bacterial growth, and the protein and LDH levels were low. I have regular blood tests, a full CBC every three weeks, all of which have returned to normal, and I also have weekly urine tests. My nephrologist recently evaluated my kidney function and indicated that everything was satisfactory. Additionally, I consulted with my cardiologist, who confirmed that my symptoms are definitely not related to heart issues. Now, regarding my medication, I have been taking amlodipine besylate at a dosage of 10mg for nearly a decade. Lately, PET scans indicate that I've started accumulating fluid in the lower portions of my lungs. I have been diagnosed with a moderate to severe pleural effusion, and I can't help but question whether my medication is contributing to this issue. My cardiologist has repeatedly suggested that I consider discontinuing the amlodipine, although I never personally viewed this matter as urgent until now. When I inquired if stopping the amlodipine might help, I was assured it would not impact my condition. My dilemma is whether I should attempt to stop taking amlodipine before proceeding with another thoracentesis. I want to explore every possible avenue to avoid undergoing this procedure again, as the next step could involve placing a catheter in my lung if the thoracentesis is ineffective. Additionally, I'm unsure how to approach my doctors about discontinuing this medication, as I'm not particularly skilled in advocating for myself when it comes to these discussions. Any advice or insights from those who might have navigated similar waters would be immensely appreciated!