These past few weeks I feel I have gone through the medical mill, with appointments with Oncologist, Surgeons and nursing staff. Nothing final confirmed about our next plan of action, but as an unexpected reward (!) I am allowed a few weeks off chemo.
This is great news as I have a few social calls I need to make. Flying visits (if allowed), subject to last minute booking costs, maybe a few nice days out, and hopefully some quality time with friends – which I’ve been looking forward to for yonks.
But going back to the medical ‘bits and bobs’ – I am both excited but apprehensive to know that the Surgical team have provisionally penned me in for the Whipple procedure, which is where they cut out some of the pancreas, some of your stomach and duodenum, your gallbladder, and then they stitch you up again, joining up whatever organs are left. However sometimes when they open you up they see the tumour has spread and the operation is cancelled!
Diagram of the Whipple is below:
In the interim there is one more important Scan I have to pass – so I remain cautious and on shpilkes to find out where my fate lies.
It’s massive surgery, but in the famous words of the Bear Hunt…. “I’m not scared!”
Really I’m not; I’m much more scared that without this surgery I will be counting down my survival in months, not years.
I held my anxiety at bay for several weeks prior to the surgery appointment but since then this new waiting game is derailing my head somewhat faster! Feels like I’m in the last month of the pregnancy waiting game. (of which I’m considered a veteran)
So my friends advice is to fill my time over the next week with fun things.
Last weekend – as an example – my twins belatedly celebrated their February birthday with a trampolining party for all the girls in their classes. It seemed to hit the right note – and hey, do they grow up so fast.
But looking at the week ahead – I’m going to stretch it out with my regular Art Class, a concert to hear Brahms 1st piano concerto, a meeting at Chai Cancer, accompanying a close friend to an appointment at Guys Hospital, Purim megilla and rounding the week of with our annual Purim party at the home of very special friends.
That brings me roughly to the end of the ‘waiting’ week. I have reluctantly decided to defer my plans to travel, as I’m very stressed about the Big Scan – upon which my life expectancy seems to hinge.
Aside from all that – it’s all pretty good. More updates if anything changes.
I hope you all have a great week too.
Jacqueline x
...When all is said and done 
You must be logged in to post a comment.