Update on My Brother

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Polly
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Update on My Brother

Post by Polly »

Hi Good Buddies!

Good news! During surgery for pancreatic cancer on Mon. Aug. 8th, the surgeon decided that the tumor was operable, so they went ahead and did the full Whipple procedure. The tumor was large, necessitating removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, a small piece of large intestine, part of the stomach, and the gall bladder. The surgeon thinks they got all of the tumor, although it was tricky around the mesenteric blood vessels. They did several liver biopsies which were normal - no metastases seen. He did require 4 units of blood and some plasma.

This Whipple surgical team is nothing short of fantastic - they did the surgery in only 3 1/2 hours! (half of what it is in most hospitals). They have never lost a patient during Whipple surgery. And the ICU nurses tell me that the Whipple patients all seem to do well with that team at that hospital.

My brother is doing amazingly well. Today (less than 48 hrs. after surgery) he is sitting up in a chair reading in the surgical ICU, and his condition has been "downgraded" in severity. He has had very little pain (they are terrific at pain management) and looks wonderful. Laughing and smiling even. They are talking about trying clear liquids by mouth tomorrow. Imagine, after having much of your GI tract removed and "replumbed"!

So far things could not be any better. Of course, he still has challenges ahead, but at least he is on his way to enjoying life again.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts, prayers and good wishes - they were very much appreciated.

Love,

Polly
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sarkin
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Post by sarkin »

Polly,

Wonderful news! It must be such a relief to see him reading, smiling and laughing. How great that this team is so terrific, and not only at the surgery itself, but at post-op pain management.

Thanks for the update - we'll keep the healing thoughts headed his way, but I think we can uncross our fingers for a moment for a round of applause and cheering.

Love,
Sara
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Post by JLH »

Wonderful news! So very happy for all y'all.

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mbeezie
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Post by mbeezie »

Wonderful news Polly! Sounds like he hit the jackpot with surgical teams. Continued thoughts and prayers for an uncomplicated recovery.

Love,

Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
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Kari
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Post by Kari »

Polly,

What an absolutely heart warming update!!! Your brother is so fortunate to have you by his side - have a feeling things would be quite different had he not come to stay with you and gotten a new, superior, medical team. Hope he continues on a solid road to recovery :xfingers: .

Love,
Kari
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Zizzle
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Post by Zizzle »

Yay!! It sounds like nothing short of a miracle! Looking forward to continued good news. :grin:
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patc73
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Post by patc73 »

Hooray! Prayer works! We're thinking of you and your family! :grin:
Pat C.

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natythingycolbery
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Post by natythingycolbery »

I second everything that everyone else has said! this is such good news xxx
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tex
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Post by tex »

Polly,

Awesome news! You've proven once again that one should never give up. What appears to be inevitable is usually negotiable, and dedication and hard work can accomplish miracles.

I hope the recovery goes as smoothly as the surgery. It sure sounds as though he is doing amazingly well.

Love,
Tex
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Joefnh
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Post by Joefnh »

Polly thats great news, I'm not sure you could ask for a better outcome. Your brother is beyond fortunate to have a sister like you in the right place at the right time.


My best to you and our family, I can only imagine how stressfull this time has been

Take care Polly

Joe
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jme22
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Post by jme22 »

Polly,

Such wonderful news! A neighbor had the Whipple procedure and I well remember how extensive that surgery is for the patient. That your brother did so well is remarkable! Surely a good sign for his recovery.

Continued good wishes to your brother and you as well,

Julie
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Gloria
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Post by Gloria »

Fabulous news, Polly! How fortunate that he had access to the best team for the Whipple surgery, no doubt due to you. I hope you enjoy some stress-free days and your brother can breath a sigh of relief.

Gloria
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Gloria
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Post by Gloria »

Fabulous news, Polly! How fortunate that he had access to the best team for the Whipple surgery, no doubt due to you. I hope you enjoy some stress-free days and your brother can breath a sigh of relief.

Gloria
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MBombardier
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Post by MBombardier »

Wonderful, Polly!! I had prayed for him (and you) and was wondering how he is doing. Great news!!
Marliss Bombardier

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MaggieRedwings
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Post by MaggieRedwings »

Absolutely thrilled with the news Polly and he is lucky to have such a caring and knowledgable sister. Hope everything keeps going well. Prayer does work!

Love, Maggie
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