Dear Vail,
Did you have 24 hour infusion of 5fu? I had a port implanted in my chest and had 24 hour infusion of 5fu for 5 weeks, and radiation at the same time for 5 weeks. It was devastating! Then I had Gemzar one day a week for 9 weeks.
How do you feel now? I am 4 years from my surgery and doing pretty good. I was 56 when I had my surgery, and now I am 60 years old and decided to retire on disability. I still struggle with nausea, pain and fatigue. As a result of losing 40% of my pancreas I have become a diabetic and have a bad case of neuropathy and postherapetic neuralgia from the shingles. I had cat scans done every 90 days for the first 2 years, but now I go every 6 months. But I still go every 90 days for blood work.
I don't know how many of my messages you have read, but once again you must fight this disease with a passion that defies every thing that it does to you...otherwise it will control your life. Over these past 4 years I have had many moments where I still cry...and that's okay, as long as we don't dwell on these emotions too long. Any one of us could sit at home and talk ourselves into a state of depression very easily, but we must refuse to do so.
Do you have a family of support? Is there someone who goes with you to your treatments? I remember my treatments with Gemzar. They were always on Tuesdays. My wife would drive me to the University of Penn and our daughter would meet us there...every Tuesday! She would call it Tuesdays with Dad. Family and friends are so important...especially during your treatments.
Please keep and touch so I know how you are doing. Ever since my surgery I have felt a need to reach out to others. I joined Gilda's Club about 6 months ago and go every Tuesday night. Take care of yourself and I will pray for your recovery and comfort during treatments...Best Regards, Russ