I was diagnosed on June 7, 2023 as stage 2b. I have had 12 chemo treatments. I receive care at a clinic of excellence, which does over 250 Whipples a year.
At my last scan this last week, the PET scan didn't light up anything in the tumor area (head), but the tumor is still there and had shrunk 3 mm. (no spread was seen by the scan). I am scheduled to have the Whipple procedure on Feb 15th. Surgeon said surgery will take 5 1/2-6 hours. My last chemo was Jan 18th. I am trying to get stronger before surgery, trying to walk more. I still feel fatigued and weak at times. My surgeon has to leave the day after my surgery to go out of the country to speak for her work, and she will be gone a week. She is assured she can take care of any of my problems after surgery, over the phone. At this place of excellence, there are 5 other surgeons who do this same surgery, so I am trusting I will still be in good hands even though she will not be there for a week after my surgery.

If you believe in prayer, please pray that my surgery will be successful, that I won't have any long -lasting complications after surgery, and that I will be able to recover quickly and well. Thank you.

I am scared to death of this surgery, and I'm scared to death to not have this surgery. Thank you.
p.s. The scan picked up something in the back of my right hip; the doctor asked if I had fallen or had a bruise- I have no clue what the scan is picking up. I have not fallen and don't have a bruise or pain in that area. The doctor didn't seem concerned; the scan suggested an MRI.
Any advice about anything I have mentioned above is appreciated. Thank you.

Note to myself:
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. "
Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom