Paging Polly

mbeezie · Post by **mbeezie** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 2:07 pm

Hi Polly,

I just wanted to send you a :bigbighug:

I have been thinking about you and hoping that things are going well with your brother's move. This is a such a stressful time for you and your family. We are here if you need us.

Love,

Mary Beth

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 5:34 pm

Hi there Mary Beth,

Thanks so much for thinking of me and sending a big hug. Much appreciated!

Actually, things are looking up a little. My brother has been here now for a month, and we have been running almost daily to doc appts., tests, etc. Although originally diagnosed as stage 4 pancreatic cancer in CA and given a few mos. to live, the docs here think the cancer may be an earlier stage and therefore operable. We just found this out and are waiting to hear when the surgery is to be scheduled. At least we now have a sliver of hope.

When George arrived here, he was so jaundiced and frail (had lost 30 lbs. in 7 wks.) that I had no hope. However, the docs jumped right on his case and found that the reason he couldn't eat was because the tumor had wrapped around the duodenum, which had narrowed to a pinpoint. Since no food could get through, his stomach had swelled to huge proportions (because of undigested food). He was hospitalized for 3 days to have suctioning of the stomach and placement of a stent in the duodenum. So he has been able to eat since then. They also revised the biliary drain so that he is no longer jaundiced. In fact, he looks and feels 100% better now, and we are trying to build him up some for surgery.

Here is the plan.....when they open him up they will see if there is any metastasis of the tumor to the liver (the PET scan is normal; however, the metastases have to be a certain size to show up on this test). If so, they will remove the tumor and re-route things to remove the stent and re-attach the stomach to the small intestine below the duodenum. This is only a palliative procedure. If no liver metastasis is seen, they will do a full Whipple operation (very serious surgery, often taking 8 hours and requiring 2 weeks in the hospital and 2 weeks in rehab.). But without the Whipple, there is no chance of cure at all. There is a great Whipple team here in town - they do up to 150 a year.

I have been lurking as much as possible and try to post when I have a few free moments.

Thanks again for checking up on me. It made me feel special. Hope all is well with you and your family. Did you figure out why you were having such problems running outside?

Love and namaste,

Polly

Post by **tex** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 10:27 pm

Polly,

It's great to see such encouraging news. I realize that he's still in a tough situation, but that plan is so much better than the original plan, that it's awesome, by comparison. I certainly hope that everything goes as planned.

Please keep us updated when you can, and don't forget to take care of yourself, as well.

Much love,

Tex

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 11:05 pm

Polly,

What heartening news that your brother is feeling better, and his jaundice is vanquished, and he can *eat* and start to restore some strength and energy. I hope that gives him optimism as well as some extra pounds to face the procedures and recovery to come.

I'm thinking of you - and seconding the votes for making sure you care for yourself as well.

Love,
Sara

mbeezie · Post by **mbeezie** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 6:07 am

Polly,

Obviously coming to stay with you was the right thing to do. The new doctors are offering much more hope.

Thanks for asking about my BP/exercise intolerance. I'm quite certain it's all related to the autonomic dysfunction that was triggered by the flu shot, but will wait and post after I see the cardiologist. I am feeling better and BP is mostly normal now.

Love,

Mary Beth

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 1:00 pm

Polly,

It sounds like there is a ray of hope for your brother. That's great news. Plus, he has a better quality of life right now, with eating and feeling much better. Staying with you certainly proved to be the right choice.

that the Whipple team will be able to operate.

Gloria

Post by **tex** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:05 pm

This is apparently the same surgery that Steve Jobs had, (assuming that the surgeons will be able to save the pylorus).

Love,
Tex

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:04 pm

wow Polly what a turn around of horrid news concerning your brother up to much better prognosis----

the docs who checked him over(in Calif) dont appear to be to credible

what wonderful news that there is a hopeful outlook---

Barbara

ant · Post by **ant** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 5:55 am

Dearest Polly,

Just coming under your wing has opened up new medical possibilities and hope. And, whatever the outcome, you have given a timeless message of love to your brother.

In awe, love ant

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:03 am

Hello Polly what a great possibility, talk about timing in that he made it to you and now has this chance. It's amazing how things work out in unexpected ways at times. Your brother is very fortunate to have you by his side

The best of wishes for you and your family

Joe

hoosier1 · Post by **hoosier1** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 10:25 am

Praying for you and your brother Polly. That is encouraging news.

Rich

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 5:39 am

Very encouraging news Polly and you and your brother are in my prayers.

Love, Maggie