Biopsy and diagnosis

I went in to UC Irvine yesterday morning for my endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy. Procedure was supposed to take 30-45 minutes, but ended up being more than 3 hours. Dr. Muthusamy biopsied two areas of the pancreas as well as two areas of the liver. He had the lab there take a look at them after each biopsy was pulled. Diagnosis: Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer that has spread to the liver.

After the procedure we asked why the procedure done previously didn't pick up the cancer at that time and he said their machinery was not as precise as his. He could get his biopsy needle within a fraction of a millimeter of the liver tumors whereas the equipment used in the other procedure was not as precise.

Mentally I was prepared for this diagnosis. Although right before the procedure Dr. M. told us what might be expected. He mentioned several possibilities that the tumor could be something other than cancer. So for a while I thought there might be hope.

They gave us a written report and called my primary care Doctor Carrasco and my IG Doctor Ojur to let them know the diagnosis. So, I have an appointment with my IG doc for tomorrow, probably to discuss the removal of the temporary stent and replace it with a permanent one. And my primary doc should be working on getting me a referral to a local oncologist.

Martha and I are still trying to deal with the news and what it means for us going forward. I however, see God's hand in all this and that is a great comfort.