Surgery scheduled for 12/15 please advise

I am a 51 year old female who is scheduled to have a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy next month in NY.  I have a large (4.71 cm) cyst (mucinous cystadenoma) on the body of my pancreas which I've been told is precancerous.  The fluid was biopsied in Sept and the CEA level was high (2598).  All doctors I have seen so far appear concered with the size and cea level. Does anyone know what level is considered cancerous?  Also I am interested in hearing of others experiences (positive or negative) and if you can tell me how to prepare myself pre and post surgery?

Thank you to all.   Marie

 

Dear marie, I am so sorry that you have to go through that surgery. The best person to ask about your cea levels should be your doctor, If he has no good answers, I see you are from N.Y. and maybe you are not too far from the cancer treatment center in Phil. Pa . They are fantastic there and have the most up to date treatments.  If it does turn out to be cancer you have to treat the whole body,that is what they do at ctc. Dont be afraid to get a second opinion its your life! GOD BLESS YOU

Thank you for responding.  I did have two opinions prior to scheduling my surgery.  First at NY Presbyterian/Columbia Hosptial and the second at Sloan Kettering where the surgery will take place.   Both surgeons recommended this surgery so I have to accept that it's the best treatment option for me right now.  Again, they are saying it's not cancer but I am concerned that once they remove the cyst and have it tested it may be. I read that you have recently lost your Dad and I offer my condolescences to you and your family. I am a believer and I know that he has found his peace.   I also am impressed that you continue to remain on this site and to assist others. Thank You!

 

Dear marie ,  Its sounds like you are in good hands,both in this world and in the spiritual. I too am a believer and know God  makes all things work for good for those who love Him. I dont know why my father went thru that, but I trust the Lord, He is a faithful God. Althought my dad is not here, I will be reunited with him when God calls me home. The cancer did not win, my dad did.  The cancer is dead, and my fathers body has been restored. If I can be of any help to you, if you would like me to pray please dont be afraid to ask,that is what I am on doing here.  GOD be with you and grant you peace.      Mary Ellen

How did it go--I'm coming from colorado springs to Sloane kettering in nyc next thurs the surgery is scheduled for Oct 12th--I literally got the appt in two days from faxing records and cat scans--its a big one he said its a mucinous cyst that is starting to go cancerous--their is a vein going through it or many veins through to the spleen so they're removing that as well--my cyst in 6cm--I'm the mother of 5 --I'm 45--the kids are all teens but my youngest two are the ones I know worry too much and my husband would rather have me do this at Denver--but Peter Allen at sloane kettering is the best so I'm going ahead--but let me know ho long your recovery was and how you're doing I hope well--This is scary!  Thanks Julie

 

I had my surgery at Sloane Kettering and all I can say is you're in great hands.  The doctors and nurses at Sloan are excellent. I had my surgery almost a year ago and only had to go back to have staples removed.  It's better to get it done by a surgeon that is experienced rather than trying to stay local.  I had this argument with my wife, and am glad she got me to make the trip to SK.  I think everyone's recovery is different -- my Whipple went without any issues, although many don't.   I was out of work for a month -- mostly because of digestive issues...nothing related to pain from the surgery.     

Thx Dave for the response---I feel very confident about sloane kettering--my husband's feeling excluded because it would be hard for him to come--we have 5 kids and he will probably need to stay at home--I spend more time trying to assuage his concerns about not being there and my Dad being there instead than I do thinking about the surgery--My father lives in Brooklyn and due to his persuasion that is why I am going to Sloane kettering--My father is very supportive but the husband is I just don't know--I know I would want what is best for him--but anyway I am going ahead with the surgery! Wish me luck---Julie

by the way my cyst is 5.8x6.0--that is considered large I expect--dr. Allen said he may not be able to do this laparascopically and he's an expert in that area--but my spleen will be removed also--so 8 day and counting.....

On Nov 22, 2009 8:43 PM MaBoo wrote:

Thank you for responding.  I did have two opinions prior to scheduling my surgery.  First at NY Presbyterian/Columbia Hosptial and the second at Sloan Kettering where the surgery will take place.   Both surgeons recommended this surgery so I have to accept that it's the best treatment option for me right now.  Again, they are saying it's not cancer but I am concerned that once they remove the cyst and have it tested it may be. I read that you have recently lost your Dad and I offer my condolescences to you and your family. I am a believer and I know that he has found his peace.   I also am impressed that you continue to remain on this site and to assist others. Thank You!

 

Hello, My father was diagnosed with pancan in Jan 2011 and had Whipple procedure Feb 2011 at Columbia University NYC. He recovered rather quickly and just finished 6 months of chemo. The surgeons are highly recommended and qualified. Dr Alendorf did the surgery on my father with little to no complications. My Dad was released after 5 days and was golfing 3 months after surgery. He golfed 3 days a week (no golf cart) all through chemo. He is an inspiration. The nurses and staff were generous, caring, and informative. Good luck with your surgery, I hope this information helped.