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Recently Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer | Sky Foundation Guide – TEST

Next Steps After a Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer can feel overwhelming. This page provides accurate information, structured guidance, and trusted resources to help you understand your diagnosis and take your next steps with confidence.

Table of Contents

1) Start Here
Understanding Your Diagnosis
What it is, types, and staging basics.

 

 

2) Do This Next
Next Steps After Diagnosis
Your step-by-step checklist.

 

 

3) Options
Treatment Options
Surgery, chemo, radiation, more.

 

 

4) Consider Early
Clinical Trials Access
Match your case to trials.

 

 

5) Get Help
Resources for Patients & Caregivers
Financial, caregiver, navigation.

 

 

6) Quick Definitions
Glossary & FAQ
Common terms & questions.

 

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas, an organ that helps regulate blood sugar and produces enzymes for digestion.
The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which arises in the ducts of the pancreas.
Less common types include neuroendocrine tumors.

Staging (localized, borderline resectable, locally advanced, or metastatic) is determined through imaging (CT, MRI, EUS) and biopsy.

Next Steps After Diagnosis

Use this checklist to stay organized and move forward with clarity. You don’t have to do everything at once—start with Step 1 and build from there.

Step 1
Confirm Your Diagnosis and Stage
Use imaging, biopsy, and bloodwork (including CA 19-9) to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of pancreatic cancer.
Step 2
Seek a Second Opinion
Outcomes often improve when care is coordinated through high-volume cancer centers. Sky Foundation partners closely with
Henry Ford Health,
Karmanos Cancer Institute, and the
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center—and we can help connect you directly to any of these hospital systems upon request.

Step 3
Understand Your Treatment Pathways
Common options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, and palliative care. Understanding each pathway helps you and your care team make informed decisions tailored to your needs.
Step 4
Explore Clinical Trials Early
Access to new and emerging therapies can improve survival and quality of life. We recommend
TriCan Health,
which can match your specific case details to active clinical trials that may be the best fit for you.
Step 5
Build a Multidisciplinary Care Team
Assemble a team that includes experienced surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterologists, and nutritionists. If you’re a candidate for the
Whipple procedure, research your surgeon carefully—experience matters. Look for someone who has performed hundreds, ideally thousands of successful Whipple surgeries.
Step 6
Prepare for Appointments
Bring a trusted caregiver and a written list of questions to each visit. Staying organized ensures you get the answers and support you need.
Refer to our
questions for yourself and your medical team page.

Treatment Options

🩺 Surgery
Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy (curative intent).
💉 Chemotherapy
FOLFIRINOX, gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel, or gemcitabine alone.
☢️ Radiation Therapy
For borderline resectable or locally advanced disease, or symptom relief.
🧬 Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
PARP inhibitors for BRCA1/2 mutations; pembrolizumab for MSI-H tumors.
🧪 Clinical Trials
Options may be available at multiple stages of care—not just as a last resort.
🤝 Palliative Care
Pain management, nutrition counseling, enzyme replacement, and emotional support.

Clinical Trials Access

Clinical trials test new therapies, including targeted drugs and immunotherapies. Patients often benefit from enrolling early.
Clinical trials are often looked at when patients “have no other options.” But in the words of pancreatic cancer survivor, Kay Kays:
“Clinical Trials should be the appetizer, not the dessert.”

Resources for Patients & Caregivers

Support & Emotional Well-Being

🧠 Counseling & Mental Health
Emotional health is an important part of your care. Oncology social workers, psychologists, and cancer support groups can help manage anxiety, depression, and the emotional challenges that come with a diagnosis.
🫶 Peer Support Communities
At Sky Foundation, our community includes many individuals who have personally experienced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. They offer understanding, encouragement, and guidance.
Join our Facebook Support Group or consider joining one of our
Boards or Committees.
🧍‍♀️ Caregiver Health
Caring for a loved one with pancreatic cancer can be emotionally and physically demanding. Caregiver-focused programs and respite care can help prevent burnout. We recommend reaching out to Gilda’s Club for trusted caregiver support and resources.
🌿 Integrative Therapies
Incorporating practices such as meditation, yoga, gentle exercise, and nutrition support can improve overall well-being and quality of life during treatment.
💜 Connect with a Sky Advocate
Many of our Board Members, Committee Members, and volunteers are either survivors or have supported a loved one through a pancreatic cancer path.
We would be happy to connect you with someone who understands what you’re going through.

Contact Annie to be matched with a supportive Sky Advocate:
📧 Annie@SkyFoundationInc.org
📞 248-385-5143

Glossary & FAQ

Adenocarcinoma: Most common pancreatic cancer type.
Biopsy: Tissue sampling to confirm diagnosis.
CA 19-9: Tumor marker used for monitoring, not diagnosis.
EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound): Imaging test for detailed pancreas evaluation.
Whipple Procedure: Complex surgery for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
Palliative Care: Specialized care to improve quality of life alongside treatment.

FAQ Highlights

  • How is staging determined? – Imaging, biopsy, and tumor spread.
  • Should I get genetic testing? – This can be an important conversation with your medical team. (Your care team can advise based on your situation.)
  • What if surgery isn’t possible? – Options include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, or clinical trials.
  • Where can I find clinical trials? – TriCanHealth.com (and ClinicalTrials.gov).

Closing Note

Pancreatic cancer care requires expert guidance, advanced treatments, and strong support systems. At Sky Foundation, we are here to connect patients and caregivers with top medical teams, clinical trial opportunities, and a supportive community that understands this journey.

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