My brother 54

by Dave
(Dayton, Ohio)

My brother was diagnosed in April 2013 and had all of the classic symptoms mentioned. However, it seems he is lucky since the tumor was pressing on his bile duct early.

He was treated with chemo to bring his tumor markers down and then had surgery this past Friday (10/25). He is in a lot of pain, but seems to be pulling through.

The pathologist report indicated no cancer spreading beyond the head of the pancreas so it seems like that has been contained and we can focus on the recovery.

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Mar 06, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Heartbreaking Loss...
by: Jane

Dear Dave,

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your brother. The grief can overwhelm, and as you shared, the sadness tears the heart. Please know you and your family are very much in my thoughts and prayers... Trusting that memories of life before pancreatic cancer are held close and that Rich's life will be a legacy to the irrepressible fighting spirit so evident in your tribute.

May Grace usher in a Peace that is ever-present as you journey on without him. Sending hugs across the miles, In Grace Always, Jane
Feb 04, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		My brother passed away on Feb 1st
by: David Morgan

Paul passed away on Sunday Feb 1st. He lived 22 months after diagnosis. It was a long struggle, but we had more time to spend and enjoy his life. Thanks for this website.
Jan 20, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Follow up on my brother
by: Dave

My brother is now 55 and in final cancer stages after the Whipple from October 2013. It looks like the procedure was successful, but they found cancer outside of the surgery.

The procedure probably extended his life, but his quality has been very miserable throughout 2014. He has been near death a few times, but each time he has rallied a little.

As of this writing, he sleeps most of the time and doesn't talk too much. It is sad, but he does find comfort with family close by.

I didn't journal the experience here, but thought I'd write a note of update. I will post what will happen next when it comes.

Jan 20, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Follow up on my brother
by: Dave

My brother is now 55 and in final cancer stages after the Whipple from October 2013. It looks like the procedure was successful, but they found cancer outside of the surgery.

The procedure probably extended his life, but his quality has been very miserable throughout 2014. He has been near death a few times, but each time he has rallied a little.

As of this writing, he sleeps most of the time and doesn't talk too much. It is sad, but he does find comfort with family close by.

I didn't journal the experience here, but thought I'd write a note of update. I will post what will happen next when it comes.

Nov 06, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		My brother 54
by: Rich D

I had a successful whipple surgery last November 12, 2012 to remove a 1.3cm tumor from the head of my pancreas along with 4 lymph nodes that showed cancer cells. After recovery from surgery I started chemo (Gemzar) in January 2013. After 15 treatments in May 2013 I developed a rare life threating blood disease caused by the Gemzar called HUS. From the end of May until the middle of July all chemo was discontinued and I was treated for the blood disease. I was immediately hospitalized for 14 straight days and had either a blood transfusion or a plasma exchange treatment everyday of that stay (the doctors were very worried that I would'nt make it, somehow I did). After I was released I did the same out patient treatment everyday with weekends off for 2.5 weeks. My blood count stabilized and as of the end of July I have discontinued any kind of treatment and outside of fatique I am doing very well. The doctors aren't sure if what they did worked or if my body just fixed itself.

So after 1 year after surgery and all that craziness with the blood I am still here and I am still cancer free.

It can be a bumpy ride, but if you can have surgery to remove the tumor, fight and hopefully have great doctor care you can overcome a hideous killer disease such as pancreatic cancer.

Keep your chin up and fight like hell and everything will be alright,

God Bless

Rich D
Oct 31, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good News!
by: Jane

Dave,

Thanks so much for sharing your brother's story. We are keeping him in our thoughts and prayers much as he continues to recover from the surgery. But it is with thanksgiving to hear the good report from the pathologist!

It keeps a smile on our heart whenever we hear someone is beating pancreatic cancer! Tell your brother we're cheering him on!

In Grace Always, Jane

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