TP vs other surgeries

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In a message dated 8/2/04 8:59:41 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

pancreatitis writes:

> So each person may have different results. TP's have one

> result....diabetes!

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Hey there...all... : )

Although I do not respond often I do read the posts everyday and try

to add my opinion when I think it pertains to my experiences. Life

continues as most to be very hectic not only battling PAINcreatitis with my son,

but

also my husbands cancer. So pardon me if I am not online more often but this

group has been my everything for many years. If it had not been for Karyn

and the many angels here, my young son would not have gotten his second chance.

And because of what my family has endured and has learned others have gotten

thier second chances too.. : )

First off you are so very right EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT but when

you said that the TP has only one result DIABETES, I have to say you are

totally wrong! My sons quality of life when I first met this group in 2000 was

merely that of a boy existing trying to survive each excruciating day hoping

tomorrow will bring a good day. I learned through this group and those who

cared about a cure for my son. I learned many things through this wonderful

group

that no one else told me. I knew my son could no longer endure the horrific

pain he suffered daily and for him the Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Cell

transplant was his second chance. We had decided we did not want a bandaid but

a cure. I am not saying this surgery is for everyone but for my son the

damage throughout his entire pancreas would never get any better and taking just

parts of it at a time in hopes that it might work was what we thought to be just

a bandaid. If I knew then what I know now the only thing we would of done

different would be to have fought harder to have it done sooner!

Brandan is now 18, his surgery was on Aug 12, 2004 when he was 16, he

no longer endures the horrific attacks he once did. YES the TP/ICT was his

second chance. He is NOT diabetic although they only harvested 129,000 cells

during the ICT and his blood sugars remain NORMAL. He EATS like any other

teenager for the first time in his life and it is a great feeling, and a joy to

watch. Although Brandan is still living with Residual efffects of his disease

and Resdiual pain, unfortunately Nerves are not predictable, he is still seen

at a pain clinic and before surgery his pain was a 10 with meds it would

sometimes reach a 6, for years he was like this...Now his pain can get to a 6

but we hear something we havent heard in many years...a ''0 " ... : ) He has

not been in the hospital since his surgery he has gotten his permit to drive

and will be a graduate this year in Dec. of the class of 2004. He has come

very far but he still has quite a journey ahead with this disease for I have

learned unfortunately once you have Chronic PAINcreatitis as I often called it,

IT will always be a part of your life in one way or another. So as we always

have we will continue to do as we have take it " ONEDAY AT A TIME " . We enjoy

the good and just get through the bad the best we can.

I just wanted to share with you and the many here not only Brandans

recent update but I think everyone has to learn about his or her particular

condition and do whats best for them. WE know for our son that if it wasn't for

this surgery, well lets just say we don't think about that anymore... : )

If anyone has any questions please by all means fell free to email me

directly, for sometimes I dont get to read the posts everyday. As always

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. "

PSS,,,,,BUT oh so very IMPORTANT. I recently got an email that Dr.

Sutherland for those of you who don't know him he did my sons surgery in 2002,

underwent a Kidney Transplant as so he could donate one to his wife. Please

keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. For he truly is an angel

to many..: )