Re: , Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hey there ,

It is definately not alright when dealing with this disease to think that

NORMAL is good, for with pancreatitis although things appear normal they

certainly are not. Besides I guess I am wondering what normal truly is?

Anyways, you said the ERCP shows damage to the ducts, that they are small,

and that her pancreas is damaged. When we recently spoke you said that her

pancreas was small and that it was as described to you atrophied. I think

there is no question with all this and the fact that her pain medications are

increasing, what your options are, especially if she is having more pain.

The fact that this has and will interfere in her quality of life is the main

factor. My thoughts of the pancreatectomy and islet cell transfer were that

this was for my son the best shot at him having a normal life and possibly

diabetes free, and I know it was for him the right choice. Otherwise you

need to think of the other options in hopes that they might help to eleviate

some of her pain. There is no doubt to me that although the road uncharted

as it is that now lies ahead of my son, the road he was traveling with

PAINcreatitis (my definition) was just as uncharted. BUT knowing that my

son will never again endure the daily pain of this disease, never again feel

the agony of an attack at any moment, and is able to enjoy the simple

pleasure of food has truly been well worth the pain and agony of seeing him

endure this very drastic procedure. This is why we chose to go ahead with

it, also as Shirley of this group has so often said that with each attack

islets are destroyed and the chances of becoming a diabetic are greater. I

only wish this was an option for everyone suffering with this disease. Feel

free to email me anytime, but just wanted to let you know we as always are

keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Tell Jackie hi and we are

hoping she is having a painfree day. Please tell her Brandan had that piece

of pizza the other night for her as we were talking about how she is doing.

All you can do is take it " A DAY AT A TIME. " Keep smiling (cuz sometimes its

all one can do!)..TTFN..Peg : )