WORRIED AND CONFUSED MOM/LINDA

February 8, 2005

In a message dated 2/8/2005 12:57:09 AM Eastern Standard Time,

I am still so confused about this disease - my son was diagnosed in

> august with CP.

Hey there ,

My name is Peg, Brandan my son has endured this horrific disease for

many years. He was first diagnosed with acute PAINcreatitis in 1997, and was

not

diagnosed with CP until 2000. He underwent the TP/ICT (Total Pancreatectomy

with Islet Cell Transfer) in MN under the care of Dr. Sutherland in

2002. Brandan continues to have his good days and bad. Although the dreadful

attacks he once endured are a thing of the past, and the TPN and numerous

hospitalizations are too, and the fact that he is NOT a diabetic, and the

biggest

factor of all is he now enjoys at times the simple pleasures of food, as before

food was never a pleasure. BUT he lives with what is called and it is a known

fact that the odds are 50% NO PAIN, 40% RESIDUAL PAIN 10% NO CHANGE with this

type of surgery. BUT ITS A CHANCE that is taken with any surgery. Brandan

lives with residual pain, but compared to his quality of life before surgery

and his quality of live now, we wouldn't change our minds on going through it

again, only perhaps we would've done it alot sooner. We are not sure what the

future holds for Brandan but we do know that for him this surgery was his

Second Chance. All we can do is to continue as we have " ONEDAY AT A TIME " for

its

all anyone can do! Please feel free to write to me personally at my email.

Although I don't post often, I still try to keep up with all that is going on.

To all who have been by our sides on our journey, this site for me has

been and always will be a part of my life, for with out it and the special

people who belong to this group my son wouldn't have recieved his Second Chance.

in closing I too, like so many others are as confused as you about

this disease, but it has truly always helped me to know that I am not as alone

as I thought I was.

As always keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers always....

Keep Smilin*(cuz sometimes its all one can do).

Peg Bates

Brwnbare9@...

Massachusetts State Chapter Rep

Pancreatitis Association Intl.

" Its truly amazing how one person can make a difference. "

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