Looking For Help And Support

Hi Myndie,

 I suggest you try the support board at Johns Hopkins; it is much more active than this one.  The folks are both care givers and survivors and for the most part are very knowledgeable about PC.  They are also mostly very kind, compassionate and helpful.  There is also a bio board and a bereavement side board.  I'm sure you will find helpful answers to your questions on that board.  Just Google Johns Hopkins pancreatic cancer support board.

 Good luck and many prayers.

Joan 

Hi, I had my whipple in NY when I was 47 yrs "young". Not so old. I know younger people who had whipples.  If you let me know what issues you are dealing with, I will be happy to help you with my own experiences. I find this board to be very supportive, caring, knowledgable and compassionate to all who need some kind of help.

Larry

ditto to going to the Sol goldman message board on the Johns Hopkins site. You can post anything about pc and get many responses daily.

Many your age have had pc and Whipple. It gets much better after a tough recovery for most.

 Hang in there and seek advice from nutritionist if you haven't already done so. Drink yogurt "protein" shakes made with whey protein powder to help with building muscles. Talk to nutritionist or gastroenteroligist about possible need for pancreatic enzyme supplements if you have trouble digesting fats, sugars, and/or protein. Ask about probiotics as many eliminate diarreah and can regain lost weight when taking enzymes with probiotics (they keep intestinal health optimal) both very important. Look up info about R+Alpha Lipoic Acid (antioxidant) as it increases energy level (mimics insulin and uploads sugar found in blood to muscles) and has many other health benefits.

Good luck with everything. Hope you recover quickly. Sonnie