Please help – starting a long fight!!
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Gerry,
I was in the hospital for 8 days. My surgery went really well. I was fortunate that it went so well, I had no complications at all. I was never in terrible pain – they managed that with Morphine. After about 5 days in the hospital they gradually introduced a liquid diet which I was able to tolerate and was on for 2 days. Then 1 day of bland solid food. I had nausea here and there but nothing that Zyfran (sp?) did not control. I think the best thing I did while in the hospital was walk. The first day after the surgery they had me walk, only a few step of course but they had me out of bed. It was horrible. But then every day a little more, my routine was about half hour after my pain meds kicked in I would walk. By the time I left the hospital I was able to walk the entire floor two times around and I was doing it 3 times a day. I’ve been home now about 3 weeks. I stopped taking the pain medication last week. I’m still a little sore – especially going from one position to another – sitting to standing or getting out of bed but a whole lot better. The first week home was tough just trying to sleep but each day was a “little” better than the day before. I’ve had nausea here and there but fortunately I have never vomitted. I really watch what I eat – small meals throughout the day – but I am getting used to it.
Is the norm to have the surgery after chemo or radiation?
2reasons2fight
Surgery is the only curative treatment for CC and having a successful whipple is a cause for great celebration – so well done. There is a great community of people on this site willing to share their experiences which will benefit you as you face your next stage of treatment.I’m on chemo now (Oxaliplatin + Gemzar) with whipple planned for March. I’m interested in how the operation went for you, how long were you recovering in hospital? How do you feel now?
Gerry
2reasons2fight….I would like to echo everything said already. You are here to tell us about your successful whipple procedure and what a wonderful thing that is. I am wondering also: have you thought to search out another opinion re: the follow-up treatment.
All my best,
MarionThere are positive stories out there. Not many, but some. Nobody knows what will happen or what your course will be on this cancer path. You are doing everything right and that is all you can do. Worry about what might be takes away from what is. My psychologist gave me the most wonderful advice that I repeat and repeat and repeat. She said something to the effect of if you had only 3 months to live, would you want to waste it worrying about death? That would be a waste. But what about if you lived 3 years and worried about death for those three years? That would be a bigger waste since you would have spent so much time being worried, stressed and depressed.
Our Sue is 3 years past surgery and has no reoccurance. There are others too whose names have just flitted out my head. There is hope. There is success. There are wonderful things out there.
Kris
Welcome,
The fact that you were diagnosed, able to have surgery so quickly, and have a plan for chemo is a good sign as many complaints on this board involve the long waiting for diagnosis as well as whether or not to get 2nd and 3rd opinions because this is not a cancer most docs deal with frequently. So I am glad to hear your treatment is well under way and keep us posted on your chemo. Where are you located?I am also 39. My mom had a liver transplant for this cancer less than two months ago at the Mayo clinic. We live in CT. there are many people on this board fighting this cancer sucessfully so there is a lot of support for you here!
ashley
Dear 2reasons2fight: A warm welcome to our Family and please know you have come to the best place. My husband had a Whipple 4 1/2 years ago and at 77 he is still going pretty strong. He had no lymph node involvement so did not incur any treatments. He had a few healing problems but now sees his ONC every other month and has LABS every month.
Congratulations on your recovery as it seems you are doing well. No, this is not a death sentence as we like to say, “no one is born with an expiration date on the bottom of their feet.” We also do not listen to many statistics as we are all so different with our CC and what does not work for one works for another.
I know you are frightened as this is all so new to you but I do advise you read up on it as to be armed relieves the fright and then you begin to fight.
We are here for you to come visit, vent or advise and ask questions. Please keep us posted.Hi 2 reasons2fight,
Welcome to the site, although I am sorry that you have to be here. And that is as Katie says, a very powerful name you have chosen. I hope you will come back often as you will get a ton of support and help from all of us. Please feel free to ask any and as many questions as you may have as I am sure that you will get answers from someone who can help.
I am sure that Lainy will be along soon to tell you about her husbands treatment, he had the whipple procedure. In the meantime if you want, you can use the search function at the top of the page.
Please don’t give up hope as there is always hope. We have had quite a few good news stories lately and if you look under the Good news section you can read some of them there.
Stay positive and I look forward to hearing more from you.
My best wishes to you and your family,
Gavin
Hi there 2 reasons2fight,
Firstly welcome to the board and what a powerful name you have chosen….
Well done on your recovery from major surgery, I’m sure your two children and family gave you everything you needed to spur you on to recovery.
You have come to the very best place for support and advice, my experience is that of a daughter not a patient.
There are plenty of people on the board who can answer any of your questions and offer personal experiences.
Can I ask where you are having your treatment?
Look forward to getting to know you and wishing you all the very best,
Katie
Hi – I am a 39 yr old female and was diagnosed with bile duct cancer @ a month ago. I have had a whipple procedure – they believe the cancer is “out” however since 12 of 40 lymph nodes were effected I am beginning chemo tomorrow (gemz.). After a few cycles I will undergo radiation and chemo (5 fu) for about 6 weeks and then finish with more Gemz. I feel total despair – I DO NOT WANT TO DIE. I am sure everyone feels blindsided by their diagnosis. Is this a death sentence?? I need some positive stories if there are any out there. I have 2 very young children and I can’t bear the thought of being unable to raise them. Please help!!
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