DavefromCT

DavefromCT's Recent CancerCompass Activity

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  I had Dr. Brennan in 2010 and had absolutely no issues dealing with the surgery. He has retired but I just can't say enough good things about the entire staff at Sloan Kettering for those on the East Coast.  Obviously, there probably isn't a "best" surgeon... there's a list of them... but you sure want to make sure you go to someone that is considered one of the best with this surgery.   Dave

  April 18 at 11:28 AM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  Gretchen... I think the best answer is "God only knows" for all of us, regarless of whether it's PC or not.  But to answer your question directly, check out the below link... http://www3.mdanderson.org/app/medcalc/index.cfm?pagename=pancreascancer The statistics are from 1998 to 2005.  As my oncologist said, it would not take into consideration chemo such a folfirninox and it's impact since it's being use...

  March 24 at 1:51 PM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  I agree that age has to be a factor in decision.  That said, I had my Whipple at 51 and am coming up on 3 years since Diagnosis  come July and I live a normal life.  I  take creon and eat just about anything other than fat.  My recovery was probably two weeks at most, but I was lucky to have access to a great surgeon and facility.  My enjoy life more now than ever.  Even if the PC c...

  March 18 at 11:04 PM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  I'm sorry to hear about your younger brother.  As  a PC survivor (2.5 years since diagnosis) it has been a rollercoaster ride for sure.  In my case, without Fulfirninox, I wouldn't be alive today.  It allowed me to have the Whipple, and I am currently cancer free.  Unfortunately, there is no good solution for PC, and I think the Oncology community leads with whatever the latest and greatest a...

  January 11 at 9:52 PM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  I would recommend Sloan Kettering or Johns Hopkins if you're on the East Coast.  I would recommend my surgeon who was affiliated with Sloan but he has since retired.  He was very experienced and told me if that chemo didn't shrink the tumor to reduce the risk he would still do the surgery.  Ultimately, the chemo worked and he performed the Whipple and I had no complications and am doing great.  Bo...

  December 30 at 11:50 PM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  I have a regular workout routine consisting of running and weight training.  I started about 2 months post Whipple.  I do not limit myself on anything except pushing myself on ab exercises.  You may find if you may create a surgical hernia if you push the abs too much... take it easy.  Otherwise, for weight training I'm doing exactly what I did pre Whipple.

  December 04 at 4:19 PM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  I had my Whipple done at Sloan Kettering.  You are in great hands!

  November 18 at 1:19 AM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  Tracy- As you mentioned there are very many variables.  If I post here and leave out some of the details regarding my PC situation, I am sorry.  However, you  yourself have not even listed all the variables.  How about adding age, gender, race, and grade of tumor cell to the laundry list...and I'm sure there are others.  Yes, there are two kinds of PC, but unfortunately 95% are exocrine. &nb...

  November 14 at 2:42 AM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  Mine was the head of the pancreas.

  November 14 at 1:42 AM view post

• DavefromCT has replied to a post on the message board

  Near the vein and they wanted to reduce risk.  Once it looks good, I would definitely make sure you choose a surgeon and hospital that does a lot of Whipples.

  November 09 at 6:16 PM view post