caligirl
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Catherine
That is awesome!!!! I needed to hear that, 2 years is such a blessing with no evidence of disease. I love to share these stories with my Dad. First we need a negative PET scan before we really know his options. The Dr described your mothers scenario exactly and said that was one of the most common reasons to abort. Appreciate your insights. Thanks so much for sharing.Thanks again for your support!
Debbie
Yes Marion we are going to USC Monday to see Dr Selby. My Dad really wants surgery. He knows how huge it is and that the complication rate is high, even higher in his age group. So I’ll keep you posted on our visit with Dr Selby.
Positivity-I advised my Dad, and he knows, we will all support him of any option he decides on and really none of us, including my Mom, has influenced him in anyway. He’s pretty determined. Now if PET scan monday shows anything these options may change. Dr. Difronzo said they do bile duct biopsies through out the surgery and stop taking out bile duct when they get clear margins. So my guess is, like many cancers, we wont know until they know extent of cancer. Positive nodes etc. I assume that will dictate chemo options? And this site has help educate me on whipple aborts and the various reasons they cannot continue. As they say, life happens while we are making other plans. So we are literally taking it one day at a time. Each day his stint stays in, he’s not jaundiced, and has only minor pain, is a good day. Three long hospitalizations in last 8 weeks. Reading these posts have helped me understand what a rollercoaster this disease puts the one affected and their loved ones on.
Dr Difronzo told him to work each day as much as possible and take long walks. He wants him in best shape possible in case he has surgery. Since he is staying with me until this is resolved I asked “can he redo my kitchen cabinets” Yes he said, keep him busy. Music to my ears.
Appreciate each of your caring and support!! We do believe in the end he is in God’s loving arms,
Debbie
Update- went to the Kaiser Los Angeles clinic and met with Dr. DiFronzo. My parents and I were so impressed! He took a great deal of time explaining things to my father. Even at age 84 he said he would do the Whipple surgery as long as the PET scan comes back negative. Although he still has not had a positive cancer biopsy, as the doctor said, with a blocked bile duct, abnormal cells on a few brushings and a couple of biopsies, elevated CEA and CA19 marker tests and evidence of a tumor on EUS that was enough indication for surgery. What I found interesting are the other two options are chemotherapy, and just live with it and treat the symptoms. He said the doctors would not give chemo therapy without a positive biopsy. We will get another opinion from USC and pray the pet scan doesn’t give us any surprises. Post again in the next 10 days or so when we hopefully have an answer on the PET scan. It sounds like that Whipple procedure can have a great deal of complications the first 7 days post op In my dad’s case he said to expect a six hour surgery. Of course that’s with no complications.
Marion, Positivity and Lainy,
Thanks so much for your advice and support!! My Dad is my hero and although this is the hardest thing I have ever had to face, I am blessed to do what I can and help him through this incredibly difficult journey. This site, made up of caring people who have either faced this situation themselves or helped a love one through this, is so helpful and comforting. Friends and relatives have a difficult time understanding why answers and solutions are not quick, nor easy.
He has Kaiser so we have an appt with Dr Louis Difronzo surgical oncologist Kaiser LA and a second opinion with Dr Selby at USC. So the next two and a half weeks should give us more answers.I will keep you posted and comments/suggestions are welcomed and much appreciated.
Debbie
