On 4/28/2008
eddied wrote:
I am 51 and was told mid February that I had pancreatic cancer. I was obese, 20 stone but have now am only 12 stone. I have type 2 diabetes and hypertension, both treated by tablets. But otherwise healthy. I was told that size wise my tumour was on the borderline as regards surgery option, and that a number of lymp nodes were seen to be enlarged also
Bottom line was I was told surgery/treatement was not advised and to make the most of the 6 months I had left.
Start of April I had further test, ultrascan down the throat when biopsy was taken from pancreas. Today I see consultant surgeon (re this test I assume) and tomorrow I have been booked for assessment consulation for my "forthcoming surgery" I have been told nothing about this, possible what today's appointment is to tell me.
The doctor telling me that surgery was not an option was a senior register, as the consultant surgeon was out of the country at that time and it would appear to me that the consultant surgeon has reached a different conclusion. I am very concerned that it is a 'close call' with even higher risk factors than normal and am scared as to best way to proceed. Any advice most welcome :)
Hi and good luck - whatever your decision is.
I had the Whipple done Aug 2006, 2 weeks shy of my 60th birthday. My Doctor told me it was my only chance at survival and that the operation itself might kill me (mine was 8 hours). Well, I trusted her to no end, and here I am today...... Still fighting, but still here.
I had a tumor on the head of the pancreas and a little "leakage" to the lymph nodes. They got it all at that time and I have done radiation for 6 weeks and am still on Chemo (IV and started an oral one 6 weeks ago).
Personally, I'd go for the surgery. If you truly trust your Doctor, go for it.... It's an unknown, but if all goes well, it sure as hell beats a 6 month outlook.
God bless and a speedy recovery (but like the other poster said, we nver really get back to normal, but we feel good and we are here enjoying LIFE.......