1. < Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

Tomorrow is Surgery Day: NETs in pancreas tail

Posted by billyfeet @billyfeet, May 25, 2023

After a surprise CT Scan revealed a 2CM Neuroendocrine Tumor on the tail of my pancreas in February I am finally going in for surgery to remove it tomorrow. I have benefitted from the information gathered in the posts on this forum provided by the folks suffering from similar fates. I feel so much better prepared mentally for what lies ahead since joining this group. Thanks to all who participate in sharing experiences and knowledge. I hope to be able to provide some recovery experience posts as time goes by. Looking forward to having this behind me.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 7, 2023
In reply to @vmchow "It's been 2 weeks, tomorrow staples come out. Pathology reports came out hopeful and we aren't..." + (show)
@vmchow

It's been 2 weeks, tomorrow staples come out. Pathology reports came out hopeful and we aren't planning on any further intervention beyond this completed surgery at present. Eating and digesting are not a problem, but fatigue and pain and tightness at the 8 inch incision are still issues. I'm doing fine with no complications at this point. I was petrified before surgery. I'm peaceful now in spite of the pain and the enforced slow down after this major surgery. I know lots can happen even now, but i am at least content that i did what i could as soon as I could and the rest is in God's hands.

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I look forward to hearing from you again, @vmchow. I hope that your pathology reports are helpful to you and your medical team regarding further follow-up.

Will you post an update as it's convenient for you?

REPLY
michellesimpson10 | @michellesimpson10 | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @vmchow "Your advice about getting up and walking really helped me two weeks ago after surgery. I..." + (show)
@vmchow

Your advice about getting up and walking really helped me two weeks ago after surgery. I walked like a mad woman as soon as they would let me and I went off of pain meds by the fourth day. It was very tough but it really helped in working through the pain. I'm 65 and my mobility and energy is everything to me, so this enforced rest now, which is also crucial to recovery, is also tough. I had open surgery and it's painful, but I'm praying that this drastic surgery will give me a few more good years of precious life. Thank you for your testimony, Michelle, and hoping you are fighting fit soon.

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I’m so glad you are doing well. I’m doing well and trying to walk further each day I don’t like to sit around so this has been a struggle to get the right balance of rest and movement.
I had an open surgery when the spleen tore during removal.
I’m praying for your continued healing💜💜💜💜

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vmchow | @vmchow | Jul 6, 2023

It's been 2 weeks, tomorrow staples come out. Pathology reports came out hopeful and we aren't planning on any further intervention beyond this completed surgery at present. Eating and digesting are not a problem, but fatigue and pain and tightness at the 8 inch incision are still issues. I'm doing fine with no complications at this point. I was petrified before surgery. I'm peaceful now in spite of the pain and the enforced slow down after this major surgery. I know lots can happen even now, but i am at least content that i did what i could as soon as I could and the rest is in God's hands.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @vmchow "Your advice about getting up and walking really helped me two weeks ago after surgery. I..." + (show)
@vmchow

Your advice about getting up and walking really helped me two weeks ago after surgery. I walked like a mad woman as soon as they would let me and I went off of pain meds by the fourth day. It was very tough but it really helped in working through the pain. I'm 65 and my mobility and energy is everything to me, so this enforced rest now, which is also crucial to recovery, is also tough. I had open surgery and it's painful, but I'm praying that this drastic surgery will give me a few more good years of precious life. Thank you for your testimony, Michelle, and hoping you are fighting fit soon.

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Thanks for your encouraging story!
So glad to hear that you are walking and doing better, @vmchow. I have had two open surgeries and I understand how tough the recovery can be, but like you, I walked and walked, and it made a difference.

When will you be following up with your surgeon?

REPLY
vmchow | @vmchow | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @michellesimpson10 "I had the same surgery on May 8. It’s quite the surgery and the pain can..." + (show)
@michellesimpson10

I had the same surgery on May 8. It’s quite the surgery and the pain can be a bit much but as others have said, please stay ahead of the pain. I missed 2 doses at home and had to play catch up. Each day will get better. Just pace yourself and don’t over do anything. Listen to your body and rest. Let your body heal. Big hugs and prayers 💜💜

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Your advice about getting up and walking really helped me two weeks ago after surgery. I walked like a mad woman as soon as they would let me and I went off of pain meds by the fourth day. It was very tough but it really helped in working through the pain. I'm 65 and my mobility and energy is everything to me, so this enforced rest now, which is also crucial to recovery, is also tough. I had open surgery and it's painful, but I'm praying that this drastic surgery will give me a few more good years of precious life. Thank you for your testimony, Michelle, and hoping you are fighting fit soon.

REPLY
2 replies
michellesimpson10 | @michellesimpson10 | Jul 5, 2023
In reply to @billyfeet "So after FINALLY getting an appointment with Interventional Radiology I had my abscess/ fluid collection area..." + (show)
@billyfeet

So after FINALLY getting an appointment with Interventional Radiology I had my abscess/ fluid collection area aspirated and drained. They got 200ML of purulent fluid from the cyst. Installed a drain. Within 24 hours my temperature dropped into normal range and has stayed there since. I have regained my appetite and am sleeping so much better. This procedure should have been done at least 2 weeks before……I blame my surgeon’s lack of attention to my situation. I am feeling so much better….

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It’s so good to hear from you and know you are feeling better

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 5, 2023
In reply to @billyfeet "The procedure is normally outpatient……but I was admitted to hospital for overnight observation because of my..." + (show)
@billyfeet

The procedure is normally outpatient……but I was admitted to hospital for overnight observation because of my poor condition and some severe pain associated with the procedure.

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@billyfeet
Oh, I'm glad to hear that there wasn't a long hospitalization. Do you still require pain meds?

REPLY
billyfeet | @billyfeet | Jul 5, 2023
In reply to @hopeful33250 "It's so good to hear from you, @billyfeet and know that you have some relief from..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

It's so good to hear from you, @billyfeet and know that you have some relief from the fever and pain you were experiencing. That is good news!

Were you hospitalized for this drainage procedure or was it an outpatient procedure?

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The procedure is normally outpatient……but I was admitted to hospital for overnight observation because of my poor condition and some severe pain associated with the procedure.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 4, 2023
In reply to @billyfeet "So after FINALLY getting an appointment with Interventional Radiology I had my abscess/ fluid collection area..." + (show)
@billyfeet

So after FINALLY getting an appointment with Interventional Radiology I had my abscess/ fluid collection area aspirated and drained. They got 200ML of purulent fluid from the cyst. Installed a drain. Within 24 hours my temperature dropped into normal range and has stayed there since. I have regained my appetite and am sleeping so much better. This procedure should have been done at least 2 weeks before……I blame my surgeon’s lack of attention to my situation. I am feeling so much better….

Jump to this post

It's so good to hear from you, @billyfeet and know that you have some relief from the fever and pain you were experiencing. That is good news!

Were you hospitalized for this drainage procedure or was it an outpatient procedure?

REPLY
1 reply
billyfeet | @billyfeet | Jul 4, 2023

So after FINALLY getting an appointment with Interventional Radiology I had my abscess/ fluid collection area aspirated and drained. They got 200ML of purulent fluid from the cyst. Installed a drain. Within 24 hours my temperature dropped into normal range and has stayed there since. I have regained my appetite and am sleeping so much better. This procedure should have been done at least 2 weeks before……I blame my surgeon’s lack of attention to my situation. I am feeling so much better….

REPLY
2 replies
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