just diagnosed

KRay · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 8:47 am Post subject: Re: just diagnosed

Hi chestermom,

Welcome to the Forum but sorry you had to find it this way.
As a member here I have had the Whipple as so many others on this forum have. My PC was discovered on 12-05-2005 and Whipple performed on 12-16-2005 and as you can see I am still here at age 70.

As each case is different I can only tell you about mine. The Pain after the Whipple will be controlled by medicine so don't worry about that. Your stomach will be asleep for weeks afterward but no fear because you will be fed by the feeding tube. I say don't fear the Whipple but look forward to it as a possible cure from this dreaded disease. I was in the hospital for nine days and went home on Christmas Eve 12-24-2005. You will have a feeding tube to carry with you during the recovery period. Mine was removed 2-9-2006. During the recovery period I could only eat mashed potatoes and peaches. You will find what taste good for you. Eat and drink what you can. I had some problems with digesting food (still do) and GasX has become very helpful to me. After the first six weeks I ate bananas topped with peanut butter to help me gain weight.

Do not think negative thought but stay positive. One day your stomach will wake up(when it is ready) and you can't get enough to eat. During recovery period at home, GET UP out of that bed or chair and walk around the room. By April of 2006 I was able to walk two miles and took a two week trip pulling my RV. I went on a hike yesterday of three miles.

I believe that is enough information for now, but look forward because in my case there is "Life after the Whipple". Each case is different but negative thinking is not the way to go. I stay true to my faith and truly believe that God healed me. What a blessing, age 70 1/2.

I hope this helps.
_________________
Ken

Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma
Whipple Procedure 12-16-2005
Tumor Staging: pT2 pNO pMX
Moderately differentiated invasive Adenocarcinoma of Ampulla of Vater, 3.0 CM Tumor Invading but not through Muscularis Propria
Two Oncologist stated no benefit would be gained with Chemo or Radiation so none was performed

KRay · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:04 am Post subject: Re: thanks for the information!

[quote="chestermom"][quote="KRay"]Hi chestermom,

Wow, your reply was just what I needed to hear. I am comforted by your post about the whipple and what to expect. I really had no idea. The Dr. tries to tell you but he doesn't quite get into detail, maybe he can't who knows, but all he said was that i would have a pump for pain. But if the procedure takes away the pain I have now it would be welcome. I am encouraged that you were able to go out and do things shortly after surgery, four months isn't exactly short, but after that major surgery I think it is. The Doctor has said that chemo is something Iprobably will go through and by May I might be able to do some normal things again. Were you able to go out or do anything during your recovery period or did you just have to stay in bed and rest? And your are feeling well now? Is there no reoccurance of the cancer, do they feel they got all of it? Thank you again for your information, it has given me some hope. My feelings range from hope to despair in a heartbeat sometimes.

Teddy[/quote]

I believe Doctor's are trained not to tell you too much so you won't worry. They only told me what parts they were going to take out and nothing about the recovery. The pump worked. I rarely clicked it but my wife and her sister did for me because the nurses said to. I don't remember much pain afterwards. I probably should have stayed in hospital beyond the nine days but they seem to want me home for Christmas. I got out of bed every day when I got home. Sure I got tired quickly and went back for a rest but then back in my chair after resting. Don't push it but try to get up if you can and then rest some more. I did not go outside for about one month (post surgery) and did not have too many people over due to fear of catching a winter virus. I caught one anyway so guess it did not matter.

As you read my signature block below I did not have Chemo.

I started feeling better when my stomach woke up and got the feeding tube out.

Yes I am feeling ok. You will have a change in your digestive system but we can talk about that later. Sure my cancer could return but the Whipple is the only chance of a cure. Who is your Doctor and where are you having the procdure done?
I hope I have answered all your questions.

God Bless you.
_________________
Ken

Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma
Whipple Procedure 12-16-2005
Tumor Staging: pT2 pNO pMX
Moderately differentiated invasive Adenocarcinoma of Ampulla of Vater, 3.0 CM Tumor Invading but not through Muscularis Propria
Two Oncologist stated no benefit would be gained with Chemo or Radiation so none was performed

KRay · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:19 am Post subject: Re: just diagnosed

Thanks Teddy,

My Doctor was John S. Bolton, M.D. Ochsner Medical Center (New Orleans). I live in Biloxi Mississippi some 75 miles from there. You can google his name to see if desired. My Cancer came just 3 months after Hurricane Katrina hit here. In addition to the Cancer we had to deal with getting house repaired.

We will be praying for you and watch for your post upon your return in a few weeks. Be sure and ask for written copies of all report including Pathology data as you need this information to be informed on all aspects of your condition. You may not be able to get them until your followup visit. Also be sure your caregiver obtains full instructions on the operation of the feeding tube, including liquid flow rate, cleaning, etc.. They will send a nurse to your house but the one I had was unsure. Be knowledgeable.

Keep your faith and think positive.
_________________
Ken

Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma
Whipple Procedure 12-16-2005
Tumor Staging: pT2 pNO pMX
Moderately differentiated invasive Adenocarcinoma of Ampulla of Vater, 3.0 CM Tumor Invading but not through Muscularis Propria
Two Oncologist stated no benefit would be gained with Chemo or Radiation so none was performed

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