When I first came back to the fu last night there were alot of people asking where I had been. Here is the story for those that want to know.
Approximately 2 months ago I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Anyone that knows anything about this type of cancer knows the battle I face ahead of me. And if you don't there are plenty of places on the net that you can find information about it.
New years eve I was in the emergency room and diagnosed with pancreatitis. It was a mild case and instead of admitting me the doctor put me on a liquid diet and sent me home. Two weeks later I made a trip to see my kids on the other side of the state. By the time I got there my gut was hurting so bad I could barely walk. I being me, figured I could take care of it myself and put myself back on the liquid diet. A couple days later I was in the hospital being fed intraveneously for 2 days.
A visit to the cat-scan and some other tests revealed a "growth" on my pancreas.
A few weeks ago I had a biopsy done and the results were positive for the cancer.
I did not tell anyone but my family and a few close friends. I told a few of you here that I was having problems and that the biopsy was negative. I am sorry for lieing to you but I wasn't sure I wanted to air it to everyone at that time. I am still having reservations about posting this but a couple of good friends here have encouraged me to share with you guys.
Anyhow, this past monday I went in and had the "growth" removed. The doctor said the surgery went good and they removed the growth and a small part of my pancreas. But there is no guarantee that there are not still cancerous cells hanging around in my body.
The next step is chemo therapy. I personally would rather go with the radiation therapy but the doctor said that is too localized and the chemo will spread out a bit more to neutralize any cancer cells that are out of the range of radiation therapy.
I am vain when it comes to my hair. It has taken 4 years to grow it back to the length it was before I foolishly cut it really short. I don't want to lose it. But I have to do what I have to do I guess.
Anyhow. I hope that answers some of the questions some of you have had.
There is a lot of information on the net about this disease and some of it is so diverse its hard to sort it all.
Basically patients with pancreatic cancer will die. Even with surgery. Mine was discovered early and my chances of survival over 5 years are better than most who are diagnosed. But I also have to face the reality of the situation.
I am going to kick up my charity events a notch and live my life as good as I can.
Maybe go skydiving or rocky mountain climbing.
Anyone know where I can find a bull named Fu Man Chu?
For more information on the research being done on this disease or would like to find out how you can help, start at one of these two sites:
The Lustgarten Foundation
Cure Pc
Highwaysong
