debnorcal
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Hi Annabel,
I would also like to welcome you to our group. Here you will find members with lots of areas of expertise and a great deal of compassion to help you get through this difficult time.
When I read your post, I was perplexed. Typically, the pathology lab is used to identify the type of malignancy and also to determine whether or not the surgery had “clear margins” (meaning the full tumor was removed and the area remaining that surrounded the tumor was free of any stray cancer cells.). Stating that branches of tumor were identified in the pathology results doesn’t fit with this. I’m guessing that the doctor meant that pathology results show positive (cancerous) cells in two areas samples were taken from so they assume there are “branches” remaining. You may want to clarify that point with the doctor. The other thing that seems off to me is that the top medical centers use a process during surgery wherein they take samples and quickly run them to the lab and then wait for feedback on whether the samples are free af cancer cells. If they are positive, typically the surgeon cuts a bit deeper and runs the sample to the lab again. This is repeated until they get “clear margins” or cannot cut further. (It is possible that very tiny microscopic cells may only show after the surgery is concluded and the samples are cultured over a week or so, as in my husband’s case). It doesn’t sound as if this approach was used for your dad. I have to wonder where he had his surgery. My husband and I learned how very critical it is to be treated by a medical center that is very experienced with cc, as they use the latest and most effective treatments. I would strongly suggest you get a second opinion or two from one such center.
Wishing you all the best.Debbie
Matt,
Glad to hear continued drop in CA 19-9. That’s very encouraging.
The spike in LFTs could also be due to your body fighting something such as a cold as well. In November, my husband’s LFT’s jumped up and I got a bit panicky. Turns out it was due to fighting an infection. Also, it takes some time, if I recall correctly about a week, for the levels to return to baseline. With the repeated labs next week, the docs will want to see levels dropping. It’s not expected that they would be fully back to normal.
Looking forward to your next graph!
Debbie
Kris, my prayers are also with you, and I am also looking forward to meeting you at the conference.
Debbie
(Sorry, my reply got cut off)
Of course every patient responds differently, but my husband started feeling a lot better at around the six week mark.
The pain meds can cause constipation as well as nausea and vomiting. Finding a good balance of pai management and calm stomach can take some trial and error. Water helps with the constipation, as does walking. Actually, short frequent walks is good in so many ways, including lifting spirits. My husband always felt better if he got three walks in per day in the beginning.
Staying busy, like reading short news articles, answering email messages, watching tv sitcoms, and staying positive, can help the patient deal with the difficult emotions that come with all of this. Hang in there. Each day should be a little better than the last.
Debbie
Lisa, I feel for your husband as mine was in a similar situation a year ago. He had an extended resection with multiple reconstructions also. It really does get better, a bit at a time but it comes more slowly than we would like
Victor,
I am so sorry to hear this latest news. I am perplexed about how the cancer in the pancreas could have been missed! I’m not so familiar with pancreatic cancer, but I would think it would show up in scans and blood work. In any event, the tumors in the liver have been removed, so that’s good. I am hoping the cancer in the pancreas was missed because the tumor is small. Also hoping that surgery is possible for you to remove it.
Marion raised some good points – this disease is much better funded and understood. I’m assuming there are more and better treatment options. I can’t imagine how hard this is on you and your family. Hang in there and take it step by step, you will get through this (second act”). My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Please keep us posted on your progress.
Debbie
Julie,
I can certainly understand how you seem to be accepting the new prognosis
with guarded optimism, as this disease doesn’t usually go in a positive trajectory. However, the doctors gave you solid reasons for their assumptions. I think you are wise to continue to insist on frequent follow up scans. Even if recurrence is unlikely, it’s always better to catch it early. For now, though, I hope you can release any worry and enjoy the beautiful life ahead of you.Kris and Lainy,
Love your attitudes – you both have a great sense of humor! I’ll be sending positive thought out to each for your respective treatments!
Debbie
Brigitte,
I’m sorry it has returned and so quickly, but the upside is they caught it quickly and can begin treating right away.
Try not to be nervous about the chemo. My husband was also nervous but it turned out to be rather uneventful. Fatigue but no other notable side effects. You will be in my thoughts tomorrow.
Debbie
Julie, Catherine and Marion,
Thank you for your good wishes. Mike and I are grateful for our many blessings, including having this forum to guide and encourage us on this journey. The caring and support you and the other members of this board is so very much appreciated.
Hugs to all!
Debbie
P.S. We are looking forward to seeing you and others at the conference – just a few weeks away!
Victor,
I’m so happy to hear your surgery went well and that the docs got it all. That’s great news. Hope your recovery goes smoothly too.
Debbie
my husband Mike is celebrating the one year anniversary of his resection. Cancer free one year and feeling great!
Debbie
Holly,
I would also like to welcome you to our group. I know you have been through a lot lately, but thank goodness your cc was detected early and your surgery was so successful! Wishing you all the best,
Debbie
