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What is it like after Whipple surgery plus 1 1/2 years?
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Aug 8, 2023 | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
Thanks Dakota, yes, it's hard to remain positive when you read scientific papers that describe pancreatic cancer as a particularly "deadly" form of cancer. I'm not one of the lucky ones in that I am not a surgical candidate since there is metastasis to the liver. Nor could I tolerate folfirinox, but I had 18 months of chemo with various combinations with good control of tumor growth. I think this experience has taught me to enjoy life moment to moment and not have to have everything planned. I think digestive system cancer is a whole different animal and I've been very disappointed in the nutritionists' information and advice. I'm still doing more digging on that, but I also don't want to spend too much time researching about my disease. I just want to live and enjoy life, knowing my days are numbered. I admire you having horses whom I consider great healers, but I know how labor intensive that is. I'm very fortunate to have a couple friends with horses who are generous to let me come and groom or just hang out with the herd. Standing near a horse is in itself a lesson in mindfulness. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Replies to "Thanks Dakota, yes, it's hard to remain positive when you read scientific papers that describe pancreatic..."
My horse Tucker definitely got me through my chemo and radiation and subsequent whipple surgery. My goal after each chemo was to get to the barn to just hug on him and brush him and eventually ride him. We were jumping fences between treatments in no time because they are healers. I truly believe that too! He knew something was wrong with me and would just stand there and let me hug him. My barn family was also so supportive encouraging me to get out to the barn. I have lost 20 pounds mostly all muscle. I was in good shape before surgery and now am working to figure out my new digestion and gain back at least 15 pounds. I am down to 100 pounds. Working on how much Imodium AD and how many enzymes. I get tons of gas with broccoli so no broccoli. I stay away from all soda. It’s only been 7 months since surgery and am so blessed to have clean scans. It’s been 15 months since diagnosis.
Going to ride my horse tomorrow! Love to all!
My mother died from pancreatic cancer in her 70s. I should have done more to protect myself although I did catch it early but only after going through three Drs who wanted to give me anxiety drugs, physical therapy and well just eat more fiber! I didn’t give up and found a Dr who did blood showed high liver enzymes which got me an ultra sound (they thought it was my gallbladder) I finally got an MRCP revealing pancreatic cancer adenocarcinoma on the head of my pancreas. If I hadn’t advocated for myself I wouldn’t be here today. Never give up!
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Are you a candidate for steroriotactic body radio surgery? There is at least one center in NY that claims good success for this treatment if regular surgery is not possible. Mayo may have its own dept. specializing in this therapy. Just an idea. Best wishes for a recovery.