A Unexpected Journey

For those of you who know the latest news and for those of you who don't, I've decided to turn this travel blog into my medical journal.  We have so many caring family and friends, I felt this might be a better way to get everyone caught up rather than to keep repeating everything.  So that when we do see or speak, maybe we can move on to more pleasant things "How's that book you're reading"  "Seen any good movies lately". Of course, anyone who wants off the mailing list just say the word.  No pressures. And feel free to call with questions if we can answer them we will.  I am hoping that it might be a cathartic way to unburden myself.  And who knows, maybe help others some day as well.  So here goes:

On Jan 14th, after much testing and imaging, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that metastasized to the liver. This is not good.  Of course, I went into hyperdrive and set up a "team".  A gastro and oncologist in Fairhaven as well as setting up an appoint at Dana Farber.  I met with both Fairhaven doctors and went to the Dana Faber diagnostic center.  Everyone keeps telling me I'm perfectly healthy - except for.......  I am hoping that this makes me a good candidate for a clinical trial.

On 1/22 I was scheduled for pancreatic biopsy. The procedure was done endoscopically with a camera.  They also put in two stents - one to open the bile duct which was blocked and a temp stent in the pancreas to get to the bile duct.  

Not to get into the gory details but the bile duct stent worked but I developed pancreatitis - which is an inflammation of the pancreas.  So back to St. Luke's we went.  I got checked in on Wed, on Thur they pulled out the temp stent.  The biopsy report show that it was inconclusive.  I will need a liver biopsy.  All of this meant that I would not get to meet the pancreatic specialist at Dana Faber. Coming back on Tuesday for the liver biopsy.  I've had enough of St. Luke's hospitality.

Our friend Paula came by yesterday as did Deidre and Geoff.  Geoff came back at night to watch the Celtics blow the Heat away!!

Managed to escape the hospital yesterday morning.  Shivering all the way home.  Got into the shower still shivering - found out it could be anxiety - panic attacks - you think??  Climbed into bed, took an anti anxiety pill and slept till about 7pm.  Geoff had a shake and one of Paula's homemade Italian anise cookies waiting for me.

This morning things are still moving slow but I feel if I can rest up on the weekend I'll be good.

Love you all -- take care of each other -s