Since my last entry, I have met with my father, Suzanne, and sister in Philadelphia at U Penn for an appointment with a top surgeon who specializes in pancreatic surgery. As a '2nd opinion' and what we might have thought was a 'last ditch effort', he felt that my father and his pancreatic tumor were worthy candidates to perform a 'Whipple' procedure. We scheduled it for the next week!
The whipple is a massive surgery to extract the part of the pancreas that houses the tumor. Only 20% of patients are even candidates. Unfortunately, while the surgeon gave it a banner try...gameday proved to be not so possible to perform the whipple. A major pancreatic-double-by-pass was the next best thing, as palliative. The re-plumbing is set to assist with feeling more comfortable, obtaining nourishment with more ease, in short to buy the patient more time and actually have a better quality of life for that time.
My dad stayed in the hospital for just over a week with minor complications and a damn impressive positive outlook - as my mother told him, 'You look chipper!'. And he really did look brighter, face a bit filled out and also with color. He was jocular, chatty and helpful to the medical staff. While there was disappointment - this damn tumor still resides!?! - he did not dwell, and we had just a small yet touching conversation about that disappointment.
Getting to go home was huge - he sounds wonderful and thankful. Hopefully as recovery from surgery progresses, he physically gains weight & strength. And continues with a day to day emotional strength, taking in nourishment from sun, fresh air, home surroundings, family & friendly voices, and love.
