magdem

So glad to read this! I rejoice with you and continue to pray for you. Trusting the tumor will continue to shrink. Are they still planning to do the Whipple in the future?

Magdem & Pancrease54,
I have read a lillte about each one of you and your stories. You both have a lot to live for and never give up hope, because hope is the last candle fluttering in the darkness while all of the others have gone out. I believe I read in one of Magdem's emails that she needs to find a purpose. This is so true Magdem, because once you find your purpose you will be able to move forward in your battle against this horrible disease. Being a survivor means that we have another day to live, but we must live it with a purpose, and my purpose is to reach out to many others who follow in my footsteps; those who are newly diagnosed with cancer, and must now go through treatments. That is when we need help the most. We must learn to defy with a passion everything that this disease tries to do to us. Make it a point to get out of the house every day, be it to only sit out front, or take a walk around the block. Do not sit at home every day, because it is too easy to talk yourself into a state of depression. Get out and enjoy the beauty of all that surrounds us.
Best to all....
Russ

magdem,
Been following your "journey" and it sounds like it has been tough. I would highly recommend Vanderbilt in Nashville for a second opinion, don't know where you live or how far that would be for you. But, Refuse to Lose! Keep going with somebody. Trying to understand if you did start new treatment with Gemzar. We have one girl at church that is in our small group and Gemzar worked for her after countless other treatments, both radiation and chemo over 8 years. But, hers started as breast cancer. She even got an infection and had to stop one other chemo. This is the girl that lost her husband 2 weeks ago to a head on collision when he passed out and crossed the yellow line. ( It was his next door neighbor he hit, they both died)
I did have the Whipple, there's a lot they don't tell you. They scraped my tumor off of the perineural nerve and I was on 1200MG daily of morphine for 8 years, finally got a pain pump on 9/11/2011.Even had 6 of the 10MG Lortab for "breakthrough pain" and a 100 MCH Fentanyl patch. During the Whipple they cut through a LOT of nerves, even the vagus nerve in your stomach. I never feel hungry.
We will pray for you. Please stay strong but as importantly, stay in touch here. If you want to call Vanderbilt use 615-322-2120.

Wishing you all the very best on your journey. Let Go and Let God. I know it's easy to say Stay Positive, but, that's all advice I can give you. Thinking of you and praying for all to go well.

One of the things I did after surgery I should have done prior is to have my hair cut to a more manageable length. It's is hard to wash and dry it in the hospital and the night sweats sucks. I could not wear a bra, my incision was from the right upper quadrant to the left lower abd since they removed my spleen. Yoga pants and soft flannel pj pants were my clothing of choice. I went no where without my favorite down feather pillow. It helped to splint my abdomen as I walked or sat up straight. I also had a port put in for chemo and scans. Seatbelts hit right at the area where it is placed. A small coushion put between the seatbelt and the port helps with the irritation from the seat belt rubbing. Take heart in the fact it did get much better for me. I found that prayer really helped me and my loved ones. My thoughts are with you, good luck on your journey

Hello magdem I just wanted to stop by to wish you good luck with your fight with Cancer. I hope you beat it, I will be thinking about you. -Heather