Kay you found total understanding here!

[Guest guest]

I guess I'm just looking for a place where people actually know what

pancreatitis is, where someone understands how severe and life

threatening his condition was even though it ISN'T cancer

Kay,

First I am so very sorry to hear of your husbands condition. Let your

husband know he is NOT ALONE! neither are YOU! There are many of us here that

understand the frustration you are feeling with this illness. Although life is

hectic and it seems I don't post often, all who are part of this group have

been my lifeline on this journey and if it wasn't for this group my son wouldn't

have recieved his second chance at life. I know how severe and

lifethreatening this illness can be, after watching my son survive his first

attack on

vacation in Fla, he also remained in the ICU for days, that is where our journey

began. Brandan had what is called a TP/ICT (Total Pancreatectomy and Islet

Cell Transplant) in Aug of 2002, although he is living with residual pain, he

has no pancreas so there are NO more violent attacks, he is not a diabetic and

he is enjoying what many of us take for granted the simple joy of eating. Our

journey is not yet over and there are still many questions to be answered, for

I was told many years ago when my son was diagnosed with Idopathic (meaning

no known cause) Chronic Pancreatitis with Pancreas Divisum that there was

nothing more to do, and today I still fight for I believe there is more to be

done.

Trust me when I tell you, even if one has cancer sometimes the treatment

is just the same! Knowledge is power and unfortunately with any disease it is

a battle everyday. You certainly have your hands full, but it sounds to me

like Doug is a fighter, and with this disease that certainly is important. I am

here to help in any way I can, just let me know, you can also feel free to

email me directly as sometimes, things get hectic. All you can do is do what

you have been and take things " ONEDAY " at a time, for it truly is all anyone can

do! Please let us know where your from and where Doug is.

Your story truly touched my heart and made me need to write to you

immediately, for all those I haven't replied please know, I think of you and

read

your posts as often as I can. To you Kay and all those who have been here by

our

sides on our journey, Me and Mine are Keeping YOU and YOURS in our thoughts

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

Peg Bates

Brwnbare9@...

Massachusetts State Chapter Rep.

Pancreatitis Association Intl.

" It truly is amazing how one person can make a difference. "