To Peg

[Guest guest]

Hi Peg,

Thanks so much for updating us on Brandan's life these days. With all

you've gone through, I certainly didn't expect that you'd catch my use

of paincreatitis, which is your invention, actually, but I've never

forgotten that spelling of our affliction because it's so perfectly

appropriate.

Those of us that have been hanging around this place for a few years

or more could never forget Brandan, or you, and all the struggles that

your family has experienced throughout the years. I still consider,

in my mind, Brandan as sort of like our " poster boy " , because he was

the youngest member I heard about who had CP and then who had the

TP/ICT after several years of misery.

I'm sorry that Brandan still has to suffer with residual pain and has

occasional food problems, but do believe it was a miracle that he

escaped diabetes and the problems that could have developed in later

years from this disease. I don't know if I believe that after having

suffered from chronic pancreatitis to the degree that he did, or most

do, that even after a successful TP/ICT, one can completely erase the

ravages that CP caused. While I know that life is better,

tremendously better, after the surgery, and most of the problems go

away, the emotional and physical toll that CP introduced initially

must be very difficult to forget and overcome. Brandan has, no doubt,

become stronger and has been forced to mature in ways that other teens

his age never will, and hopefully this will benefit him in adulthood.

I do hope that he continues to do well and that any problems he has

are ones that he can adjust to without too much compromise.

You've been such a fantastic influence for your son, your peers, and

for all of us. It's really great to know that you still have the time

to think of us and remain a friend when you are so busy with your own

life and family issues. I hope you continue to enjoy each day, one

day at a time, and that life is treating you well.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pancreatitis/

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should

not be substituted for professional medical consultation.