My husband is 48 and had whipple surgery on 1-29-08

Kristi,

 I see my confusion - I am hoping to get the other John to respond to my questions - the one from Calgary who replied to your post.

I had an open wound like your husband, John.  I had three surgeries - the initial one and then I bled out twice which required two more surgeries within 10 days of the original one.  The first time I had stitches, the second time I had staples and the third time they did a wound vac.  That took four months to heal.  I also did chemo and radiation and unlike the surgery, I sailed through that.  It was all really hard on my husband (I was hospitalized out of state for six weeks and at home another 3 weeks).  He lost a lot of weight skipping meals at the hospital and from muscle mass reduction from sitting around in the hospital with me. 

Remember to take care of yourself also.  I am not the first member of my family to have cancer so I know how hard it is. 

Ellen

 

 

On 2/29/2008 Hutchie wrote:

Hi

 

I was diagnosed with Ampullary cancer in 2005 and had a whipple in Nov 2005 in Calgary Canada. I was told that they had taken everything with a wide margin.

12 months later I had digective issues and after testing I was told it had returned and they must have left some cancerous cells in me. The onclologists in Calgary told me there was nothing they could do for me and I should accept the fatal consequences.

 I then flew to M D Anderson in Houston for a second opinion. they offered me a double chemo treatment that they have had a 50% succes rate with in re-occurring ampullary cancer. I am on the fourth treatment of chemo and the tumor marker has dropped from a high of 158 to 48. The specialist in Houston advises me that this is a positive sign that the double chemo is working and I am confident I WILL beat this.

 My message to everyone facing this is to NEVER accept a first opinion or one they dont accept and seek a second one.

Thank you for letting me share this with everyone

 

John

Dear John,

I also had or have Ampullary cancer and had a Whipple in January 2007. I would be most interested to know what treatment you were given by      M.D. Anderson in Houston with such success.

Wishing you a continued progress,

Zupka

 

 

i live in karachi and my mom is also diagonsed with klatskin's tumour can u tell me the name of the doctor that did yr sugery in aga khan hos.thanks

Hi Kristi.  I'm a 42 year old wife and mother who was diagnosed with ampullary cancer on March 5th and had the Whipple performed on March 25th at University Hospital in Cleveland Ohio.  My surgeon was one of the best in the city and I seem to be recovering well.  I am considered stage 2 as it was found in a few of my lymph nodes.  I am actually meeting my oncologist tomorrow to find out what course of treatment we will puruse.  I know how scared my husband and children are, so I can sympathize with what you must be going through.  Be strong and stay positive----have faith and let your husband know how much he is loved and cherished.  I don't know where I would be without my family and friends.  They are my backbone and encouragement and inspiration while trying to deal with this scary monster.  I wish you and your husband nothing but the best; I'll be praying for us all!  Take Care!  Kim

 

On 4/29/2008 Bomberlover84 wrote:

Hi Kristi.  I'm a 42 year old wife and mother who was diagnosed with ampullary cancer on March 5th and had the Whipple performed on March 25th at University Hospital in Cleveland Ohio.  My surgeon was one of the best in the city and I seem to be recovering well.  I am considered stage 2 as it was found in a few of my lymph nodes.  I am actually meeting my oncologist tomorrow to find out what course of treatment we will puruse.  I know how scared my husband and children are, so I can sympathize with what you must be going through.  Be strong and stay positive----have faith and let your husband know how much he is loved and cherished.  I don't know where I would be without my family and friends.  They are my backbone and encouragement and inspiration while trying to deal with this scary monster.  I wish you and your husband nothing but the best; I'll be praying for us all!  Take Care!  Kim

Kim,

 I just read your message for the first time.  Would you kindly share what your oncologist told you.  My husband just had the whipple and two of his lymph nodes had been invaded.  We are going to the oncologist today.  Overwhelmed by all of this.

Thanks,  Rose

Sorry it took me so long to respond but I have beentravelling back and forth to M D Anderson for treatment and didnt check the board.

I was given a combo of daily xeloda and infusion of Oxaliplatin every 3rd week. After 5 months of this I had a scan and the re-occuring tumor had reduced in size by 60%. & weeks ago we moved on to the same double chemo and daily radiation in 4 places for a 6 1/2 week duration.

I have come through the this 6 1/2 weeks with very little side effects and feel good. They will wait 6 weeks now until they scan me again.

Hope this helps

 

John (Hutchie)