To Cecilia

September 19, 2004

Hello Cecilia,

I'm glad the new job is going well. My situation is similar as

deputy head from the work point of view. I can't do more than work

with students, parents and staff all day, apart from attending

meetings in and out of school, so all my papaer/computer work work

has to be done in the evening. I sympathise!

Does Dr Lehman think you should have the Whipple? You seem to have

some doubts. I suspect the recovery will be a lot longer than you

think. It is still very major surgery even if it is the type of

Whipple which leaves spleen, stomach etc. intact.

Do you know that there is a Yahoo site especially for people who

have had, or are planning, a Whipple? It might be helpful although

many people post here on PAI, or other boards, as well. The link is :

upport/

It is a big step to have pancreatic surgery when you are still

feeling well. I can appreciate your feelings. The development of the

condition is so variable, isn't it? I'm afraid you're right that

there are cases of pain afterwards but I'm not sure how they relate,

statistically, to the pain medication needed beforehand. I think you

must be in a strong position from that point of view as you so

rarely need pain-killers. However, there is certainly a morbidity

risk but you have to weigh that against what is likely to happen if

you don't have the op.

I have decided not to have the TP for the time being, despite my

very high cancer risk, because I am managing the condition quite

well at the moment and there would certainly be a risk of

complications of one kind or another after this surgery. Whether or

not I am making a wise decision is quite another matter.

I certainly wih you every success with your operation AND with the

new job as well!

With warm wishes,

Fliss (UK)

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