Re: Pancreatectomy in 15 year old

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/28/02 3:27:35 AM Eastern Standard Time,

pancreatitis writes:

>

> Does anyone have any advice where this is concerned?

>

> I have never been so scared in my life. I can't believe this is

> happening to my child. I wish it could have been me instead.

>

>

Hey there ,

My advice would be follow your heart, and your doing the right thing

letting your son decide what route to take. When Brandan had his surgery in

MN on Aug, 12 of this year he was 16, ultimately the decision was his. We

could only give him the options that we had explored and what each meant, and

how we felt. He was the one that ultimately decided that this was what he

needed done. Brandan chose to go ahead with what he thought was best for

him! The freedom of never having another attack at any moment and the

narcotics that he has been on for years is less now than before the surgery

have more than confirmed the fact that this was the right choice for him.

His blood sugars have been normal for more than 40 days now and he has had no

need for insulin which for us has truly been a dream come true. BUT we know

even if for some reason Brandan was to become diabetic, he can live with

that,he could no longer deal with PAINcreatitis and so as always we take

things " A DAY AT A TIME " .

I know exactly how you feel when you say " I WISH IT COULD OF BEEN ME

INSTEAD " . I cant tell you how many times through the years I have wished

the same thought. YOU are a very strong and courageous Mom and caregiver to

your son. Stay strong and keep good thoughts, he will draw his strength from

yours and with the help of ANGELS like Dr. Sutherland I believe anything is

possible.

Please feel free to email me directly anytime, I am here to help in

anyway I can. As always keeping you and yours in our thoughts and

prayers....Keep smiling(cuz sometimes its all one can do!)... TTFN...Peg

Bates.. : )

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/27/2002 3:29:51 PM Central Standard Time,

pjr1964@... writes:

>

> Does anyone have any advice where this is concerned?

>

> I have never been so scared in my life. I can't believe this is

> happening to my child. I wish it could have been me instead.

>

>

>

Dear , Dr. Sutherland told me he would try to do a partial also but I

strongly objected to that. I told him and made him promise me that he would

do a total. I didn't want to go through another surgery for the removal of

my pancreas. I am so glad that I was so adamant in my thoughts and opinions.

The surgery is a big surgery and one time is enough. It is your choice and

you need to give it a lot of thought. Also I was relieved that he was going

to remove my spleen at the same time he removed my pancreas since I know

people who had to go back to MN and have their spleen removed after they had

their pancreas removed. A few years ago Dr. Sutherland didn't remove the

spleen when he removed the pancreas but I believe he now removes both during

the same operation. I would clarify that with him.

If your son and I believe his name is ? If he is going to have the

pancreatectomy I would discuss the removal of the spleen also. If he is

going to have his spleen removed he should have some inoculations before his

surgery. I am sure you know all about them. Good luck to you. Love,

Shirley