On 2/16/2008
TexasMiom wrote:
Originally I thought I had a sudden and very severe case of reflux. Then I got itching and jaundice and ended up in ER. They thought it was gallstones/gallbladder and did a MRCP and CT. On Jan 21, they did an endoscopty (sp?) to remove what they thought was a gallstone with plans to remove my gallbladder a couple of days later. They discovered that my bile duct was blocked and put a stent in. That doctor told me that odds were it was cancer and sent me to an oncologist.
When I met with the oncologist, the blood tests for indicators had not come back in yet and he told me it could just be scar tissue or completely curable cancer and sent me on to a surgeon. I met with the surgeon this past week. He said that, if it is where the other doctors (from the hosipital) siad it was, he was just going to take out the bile duct, gallbladder, lymph nodes and re-route my intestine. But he said if it was up against an organ or involved the blood vessel going to my liver, then there would it would be more invloved (he mentioned a roux de Y).
I had a second CT done on Thursday with a higher contrast done so the surgeon could get a better idea. I got a call from the hospital yesterday about coming in for pre-op. One of the things she mentioned was the possibilty of a Whipple (I'm assuming mentioning it was standard procedure to make sure they have all bases covered, just in case).
Needless to say I am getting a bit nervous and confused as this seems to be possible getting more involved as time goes on. I know they never know the full extent of things until they actually get in there, but shouldn't there have been some sort of indication via blood tests or when they went in with the endescope?
The stent has me pretty back to normal - jaundice and itching are completely gone and I have not had any other symtoms. Surgery is scheduled for this coming Friday. This is happened so fast that I haven't had time to fully digest it all and my head has just now stopped spinning enough to start saying "wait a minute, this doesn't make sense".
Sorry to hear of your recent discovery, the best to you.
Tulsa Oklahoma has a Cancer Center of America with expert oncologists in treating this type of cancer, as well as Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, Dana Farber,Boston, etc.
Mayo was my choice and they have appts within 2 weeks, to review and recommend the best possible options, especially if surgery is an option for you, and it sounds like it is.
I would highly recommend that you check with an oncologist at one of the best centers who perform large numbers of the Whipple Surgery, as this is a delicate and extensive operation. The right steps are important and you will be personally evaluated by a team of professionals and experts in the field to determine best treatment options specifically for you.
I know it gets confusing with so many voices, but I am sure you will be better informed if you take the time to make sure that the drs in your area are on the right track. This is a deadly disease and finding the best measures to treat it is the key to survival.
Just my opinion.....
Blessings to you in your quest and surgery.
My sister's voice
eaglessoar