On 2/12/2008 Bayla wrote:
Thank you, Leonard and Iris for your responses. I can not tell you what exactly they found that made them bow out as you put it. I believe that it was in both ducts instead of only one, the entire gall bladder (they believe it began there and then went to the bile ducts) and a large part of the liver. We are in Sloan Kettering and her dr. is Dr. Jarnagin, who is one of the tops in the field, so I do trust his decision because he is quite optimistic and positive in general. Iris, did your husband have any chemo or radiation after he recovered from his surgery? Thanks again for your input.
Hi Bayla,
My Peter did not have any chemo or radiation. It was offered to him after the failed operation, but the specialists said that this could perhaps lengthen his life by a few weeks, but would not cure anything. And the quality of his life would deteriorate. That's why Peter said no and I am very happy with that. Because, since the drains are in, the quality of his life is allmost as high as it was. No pain, no itching. He does have, every now and then, fever. By taking 5 or 8 days antiobiotics this also goes away.
We have a very good marriage and two wonderful grown-up sons. There is, of course, sadness over the fact that Peters life will end sooner than expected. He allways was so extremely healthy and sportive. But there is also a lot of happiness in the fact that he is coping so much longer than predicted and still feeling so well. We do extra nice things, especially in the weekends and with our sons. We love each other allmost deeper and with more consciousness. Even in tragedy you can find a lot of richness.
Will you please keep me update about your situation. And, as Leonard says, look after yourself. This illness is, if possible, even tougher for the bystanders. You are in my thoughts,
Iris.