On 7/4/2009
Rose 123 wrote:
My friend had kidney cancer 5 years ago and had that removed. She had bee fine until a test revealed systs on the pancreasis. The next time the two had grown to 4 and now....
They want to remover her pancreasis. How do you live without one?
Cancer is not diagnoised yet but they are afraid that it will be cancer if it isn't rmoved.
Will she be able to eat? live etc.
rose
Hi Rose, I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Here are some words of encouragement. I was diagnosed with stage IV neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer in April of 07. I had the Whipple surgery, which I'm guessing that is what your friend will be having, The surgery took 14-15 hours and in the end my pancreas had to be completely removed. The tumor was so large that it encumbered the entire pancreas and involved some nerves and blood vessels.
You can live without your pancreas. Your friend will become diabetic needing insulin to control her blood sugars. As for eating she can still eat what she wants but she'll have to count carbs and take insulin accordingly. Before each big meal like breakfast, lunch and dinner she will have to take enzymes, these will help her body to break down the foods she eats. Your friends doctors will give her complete details and instructions. It's alot to take in all at one time but your friend should be able to handle it. I thought I was gonna go crazy when all the doc's and nurses were explaining everything to me, like I said its ALOT to take in all at one time.
I thought I would never be able to give myself an insulin shot in the belly but once I started it got easier and easier. Your friend will have to see a diabetic doctor. I started seeing my diabetic doctor on a every 3 month cycle, but once I got my blood sugars under control, and the doc was extremely happy, I started seeing him every 4 months.
I'll be praying for your friend that what the doc's find is just cysts and not cancer. If you need and other info please feel free to ask, you can also email me at dlm12101@yahoo.com. Take care and God Bless,
Dawn Miller