rhondarn

Hi everyone! I’m Rhonda from southern Illinois, 54 yrs old and a nurse for almost 25 years. During routine labs in late May, my liver enzymes were elevated, then by June 10, they had skyrocketed with a bilirubin of 8. I was admitted to the hospital where my bilirubin shot up to 12.7! Had an endoscopic ultrasound with biopsies taken from a questionable area around the head of the pancreas, then had an ERCP to place a temporary stent in the bile duct.
My numbers came down quickly, I was discharged 2 days later, but then developed pancreatitis so was readmitted. It was at that time that I was told that my biopsies only showed abnormal cells but nothing more definitive. The biopsies were sent off to Johns Hopkins for a second look, and they agreed with the first findings on the biopsies. In consultation with my Dr, I was told that I most likely have Distal Bile Duct Cancer. I have a Whipple tentatively scheduled for later this month, after my pancreatitis resolves. I’m also waiting for a referral to Siteman at Barnes in St Louis.
Even as a nurse, I have some doubts and questions on what the course of action should be. Since my biopsies didn’t show cancer, only abnormal cells, is there no other course of action than having a Whipple procedure? As my Dr says, “Honestly, what else could it be?” They can’t get another biopsy because the stent is where they would need to biopsy.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated! I’m very glad to have found this site.