cherbourg

Jeff,

Here’s the short version….*grin*

A pancreaticoduodenectomy, pancreatoduodenectomy[1], Whipple procedure, or Kausch-Whipple procedure, is a major surgical operation involving the pancreas, duodenum, and other organs. This operation is performed to treat cancerous tumours on the head of the pancreas, malignant tumors involving common bile duct or duodenum near the pancreas.

We have several people here who have had this very major surgery. I’m sure they’ll chime in soon!

Hugs,
Pam

TJ,

I think the time has come to throw a “stomp down” fit. You need answers.

I have a hard time believing your Mom’s pain can’t be controlled. Pain is exhausting and wearing on the body. This is something your Mom doesn’t need. There are also appetite enhancers (such as Megace) that can be prescribed.

Any skin rash should be immediately addressed. MRSA is rampant in hospitals and any skin irritation is also uncomfortable for your Mom.

The confusion can be due to numerous causes including Ammonia levels in the blood as well as various drugs.

I would make an appointment with your Mom’s doctor and go in with written questions and not leave without answers.

Be sure you have your Mom’s medical power of attorney so you can be privy to her medical reports. I would also ask for copies of her recent scans and bloodwork.

I hate to say it but sometimes you have to push to get answers. You are your Mom’s advocate and you need to be armed with information in order to make decisions.

It’s hard to talk with Doctors. I’m in the medical field and I tell people to look at it this way. You are paying them for a service and you deserve to get your money’s worth.

Please don’t think I’m fussing at you but you really touched my heart with your concerns about your Mom and the lack of information. There is such a special bond between Moms and daughters. I lost my Mom in April of 2009 and I remember how frustatrating the lack of information can be. TJ, you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how things are going.

Hang in there!

Much love and many hugs!

Pam

Susanne,

I know how you’re feeling. I lost my Mom to CC April 3, 2009. She lived almost exactly one year after being diagnosed. I miss her so much!

I’m finding grief is hard work and has absolutely no timetable. It’s a little like being on a rollercoaster. As I approach the one year anniversary of her death, I’m having more good days with good memories than bad. However, it’s been a long road. Grief is physically, mentally and emotionally challenging.

One website that helped me was: http://www.connect.legacy.com/

I hope you will come back often. This is a wonderful group of people and as you said…we all have similar experiences.

Hugs to you and sympathy on the loss of your Dad,

Pam

Dad’s daughter,

I would absolutely run any herbal suppliments past your Dad’s oncologist. The pharmacy should know about these and they should be in your Dad’s medical records.

Then if by chance there is a reaction the pharmacy or doctor can react faster.

There probably won’t be any problems but I firmly believe the oncologist should know.

Hugs!
Pam

Jeff,

Just wanted to weigh in and echo all that was said above. We are sorry you and Marc had to find us but now you have a data base of information backed by caring, compassionate people that know what you are going through.

I would like to add there is a search function at the top of the page you can access for questions, posters etc.

I would also strongly recommend that you follow Marion’s advice on getting the medical power of attorney. Also make sure that Marc lists you on all of the HIPPA forms that need to be signed. This will make it easier for you to have access to all of his medical records.

Take a deep breath, and get ready to fight. Just remember you are not alone and we’re here for you and Marc every step of the way!

Hugs,
Pam

Debby,

This is so hard. I know this time last year we were starting to see the decline in my Mom’s condition. She died April 3, 2009 after being diagnosed in May of 2008.

To watch a loved one slip away on so many fronts is agonizing. By the time the end was near I was able to tell Mom that we would be ok and that it was ok for her to “let go” – something I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to do. I think I spent the last month of her life teetering between acceptance that she was really going to die and leave us and grief that it had to be. Mom’s passing was mostly peaceful and I wrote about it on this site as we entered the last hours of her life.

As the one year anniversary of her death approaches, I find myself still unable to believe it’s almost been a year. It seems like it was only yesterday I was caught up in helping my Dad make decisions.

There is nothing that we can say to make it better but it is helpful to know you have a place you can come to talk, vent and know that we understand all of the conflicting emotions.

Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and daily prayers. We’re here when you need us.

Hugs and much love,
Pam

Kris,

What a ton of stuff to be hit with all at once! Give yourselves a little time to regroup. Take a deep breath, hug and kiss your beloved and then get ready to fight!

I see this as a “bucket of hope.” What a great thing that so many surgeons and other medical people are organizing to whip Leroy!

You are an amazing woman with an amazing man. Together you will make the right decisions.

You both are always in my thoughts and prayers every single day. Hugs and love coming your way.

Hugs!

Pam

I invite everyone (and especially Kris) to North Carolina for BBQ. Lexington, NC is the barbeque capital of the world…lol

Pam