Today we had some strange news. Chris went to see the oncologist about when to start the 6 months of chemotherapy that he has to do. Doctor Whiznant was reviewing the time table and the paper work when he stopped on the pathology report for the sections removed during the surgery (section of the stomach, 10 inches of the small intestines, the common bile ducts, gall bladder, part of the pancreas, and 18 lymph nodes associated with what was removed). He sat for about 30 seconds with a strange look on his face and then said that after reading the pathology report again he noticed that the report stated from the pathologist that the cancer was duodenal cancer, in other words, cancer of the small intestines and not the pancreas. The report stated the pancreas section examined did not show signs of cancer!
Doctor Whiznant stated he wanted to review it again with the whole doctor team in the office, including the surgeon and that he was going to call some friends in San Fransico for a second opinion on the report. He stated that given my history of colon cancer and the way the lymph nodes reduced in January from the chemo and radiation that cancer of the small intestines was more likely than pancreatic. It would also better explain the ulcer that was in the small intestines and why the valve from the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas was swollen closed.
There is a BIG difference between cancer in the small intestines and the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer typically comes back in 12 to 13 months and most do not live beyond 2 years and 5 at most. Cancer in the small intestines can be "cured". 10 to 20 years could be extended on life from cancer of the small intestines!
So more to come on that news after the doctors all get together on the reports.
I am currently taking pancreatic enzymes to see if my food will digest better, right now it is going in and going right through me...not a pleasant experience. However, each week I seem to get better and better at eating and healing.
Thank you all for your well wishes, I sure appreciate it and think it makes a difference in my life!
Chris