Waiting?

My father was diagnosed with PC he is 47 and I am 21 years old. It is very hard to see my father go from the golf course to the hospital with this in a matter of 1 month. He has a tumor around 2 cm that has been determined to be operable after originally being told it was not. A huge sigh of relief as I know now that the whipple surgery can increase survival chances drastically. Now the surgeon is saying that we should let him out of the hospital for 2-3 weeks to get stronger before surgery but it seems to me that if it is operable now then why take the chance of something changing in that time. Does anyone know anything about this? He did have a slight infection and has been taking antibiotics. To me it seems metatasis to other organs and arteries can happen during these vital weeks?

Kannilee - Your dad is young to have this disease but he is lucky as it can be operated on. I was in a similar position 2 years ago (I was 41 at diagnosis) Your dad will be having major surgery so it is vital that he is in tip top condition. He has youth on his side & his surgeon is just making sure he is as fit & well as he can be before the operation, especially as you mention he is on antibiotics which indicates he has had a recent infection. I understand your concerns. However you must try to remain positive for dad and stay well away from scary websites that may not reflect the position your dad is in. It is a frightening experience not only for dad but for you as well ( I have teenagers going through this also) Just to let you know I had surgery 2 years ago and so far so good with no evidence of disease. It took me about 6 weeks to recover from the surgery, so make sure you spoil dad while he gets through this. Good luck & God bless.

Kannilee,

     My husband had a very tiny tumor (adenocarcinoma) which they removed with a Whipple April 29.  He had to wait a month for the surgery because of pancreatitis caused by one of his tests.  It didn't seem to affect the outcome.  Everything went fine, and he is recovering nicely.  He just started some chemo and will have radiation just to be sure it doesn't return.  He has been golfing, working out, eating well, etc. since about 5  or 6 weeks post surgery and he is 69 years old.  Your dad should do fine.

Nancy J

 

brother hoping for whipple and all have said to be in best shape, cut out funny meats, take your vitamins, exercise, get pumped up and even listen to affirmation tapes= picture yourself cancer free ,,,,not woo wooo just get the positive spirit and attitude that can help your stress thus help your body recover and get thru this fine. good luck, Brogan in Seattle