Guest guest Posted September 23, 2004 Report Share Posted September 23, 2004 Hello, Again I am adding my 2-cents worth. For those of you who know me, you know the events that took place and I am working on an updated story of the progression of the disease for Floyd. For those that don't, a breif rundown follows: My husband Floyd was 1st diagnosed in 2001 with acute pancreatitis, by Sept. 2001 he was upgraded to chronic. In May of 2002 he had a Whipple, at the time we were told no cancer was found and they had removed as much of the damaged pancreas as they could. He got better for a few months and then started having complications. The complications continued with weight loss, down to 88lbs at the lowest we tracked, until Oct. 2003, when he went back for surgery to redo his stomach in hopes of alleviating all the blockage problems he was having. Before the surgery we were told cancer had been ruled out and it was hoped that he would do so much better afterwards. Once they opened him again, I was told he had cancer and it had already spread to all areas of his stomach. At this time I also learned for the 1st time that when they did the Whipple, he was stage 4 pre-cancerous. That is the stage just before it turns to cancer. Now my point in recapping this is this: I have often wondered if they had told us how close to cancerous his pancreas was in 2002 and he had been given the option of Chemo then maybe he would still be here today. I do not want to try and scare anyone, the surgery did do some good for him. But, make sure you get a though explanation of how much damage was removed and how close to cancerous it was. This is something I think a study should be done on, because he was still healthy enough at that time he could have handled the chemo. This was not an option we were given though. Just wanted to let you all know so that if you feel this might be something you need to check on, please do so. Sorry it was so long. God Bless All, Ruby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 Ruby, don't worry about the length. I'm so sorry that they didn't tell you about Floyd's pre-cancerous state. It's so horrible when an error like this is done that basically costs someone their life. Thank you for letting us know and warning us to check if any of us are in a stage 4 pre-cancerous state that could be helped with Chemo. I know all of us will now ask, thanks to your info on Floyd. You have my sincere condolences on your loss. Kimber -- Kimber Vallejo, CA hominid2@... Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed physician or health care professional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 30, 2004 Report Share Posted September 30, 2004 Cecilia wrote: I have my whipple surgery at IU Med Center scheduled. I will have my ct scan on Monday, Nov 22, have the pre-op consult on Tuesday, Nov 23 along with all the other tests i.e. lab, ekg. and will have surgery on Wednesday Nov. 24 - Cecelia, I just wanted to wish you well with your upcoming whipple surgery. It seems like it wasn't that long ago that you were doing so well....and now this. I hate to see how this disease eventually debilitates each of us! Good luck with your surgery. It seems I won't be the only one not eating for Thanksgiving! With love, hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth South Carolina SC & SE Regional Rep., PAI Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or opinion only, and should not be substituted for consultation with a medical professional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 Dear family! I am HOME! What a rough six weeks, but I am now on the road to recovery and believe that I have a terrific surgeon, the best case scenario for a cure, and lots of love, support and prayers! My story is long, and when I get a little stronger, I will write it and share. I am thankful that so many friends advised me to to have the whipple when I was still " early " in the disease! I know that I have a much great chance of a cure. More later. Cecilia Mesa, AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 Hi Cecilia, I'm pleased to hear that you're doing so well following your Whipples op. I had a total pancreatectomy (without islet cell transplant) in 2000. As you say, it's a rough road to recovery after such major surgery, but worth it in the end. Take care. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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