News about my mom

[debster913]

Hi, all--

I thought I'd post about my mom while my students are watching Hamlet. It's been pretty busy lately. She had surgery May 4th--a Whipple procedure to re-route her bile duct directly to her small intestine, and removal of 1/4th of her pancreas. Cancer had spread to surrounding tissues, so the surgeon had to remove those tumors as well. All together, Mom's surgery took 8 hours.

Mom is still in the hospital recovering. The surgery took its toll on her body, and she's been slowly coming along. She still needs to be able to tolerate whole food as well as walk on her own, and she still struggles with both. Until she can, she will be in the hospital, so her return home is still unclear. Mom still has lots of pain. When she does come home, Mom will need a home nurse as Dad is 72, has back problems, and can't handle my mom.

Any continued prayers and support are appreciated. I'll post later how she's doing, but Mom is strong, and I know she's fighting this cancer with all her might.

Thanks,
Debi (debster913)

 

[WayneGM]

Continued best wishes to your Mom.

 

[Phyllis]

Sending prayers and best wishes to your Mom.

 

[Pegasus]

Sorry your mom is having a rough time. Continued thoughts are on the way. Hope she will feel better soon and able to go home.
astrid

 

[Ross]

That type of surgery is tough on anyone of any age. It's going to take a long time to recover. Prayers from my end too.

 

[Superbob]

Certainly sending prayers and good wishes for your mom, Debi.

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Debi,
I will keep your mom in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[Karlynn]

Debi - thanks so much for letting us know. Your Mom has my prayers.

 

[Curtsmum]

sending prayers, hugs and good wishes for your mom. Paula

 

[susieq14]

Please give your Mom a big hug and best wishes. She's in my prayers. Sorry she is having such a rough time. Must be hard on you to see her hurting so you get a big hug too!

 

[EireCara]

* Sending prayers and very best wishes to your Mom. My brother died from Pancreatic cancer 2 years ago, aged 35...he had no chance...they didnt even operate, so as tough as it is, at least your Mom has a fighting chance, and it sounds like she is a fighter. * I will pray for her.

 

[twinmaker]

Debi, I'll be keeping your mom, you, and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. LINDA

 

[debster913]

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement!

I spoke with my dad and brother today, and Mom is doing much better, but she is reluctant to move and gave the physical therapist a hard time. Mom was dizzy and couldn't stand very long. My brother said that Mom could've tried a little harder to work through the dizziness like the PT encouraged her to--I remember being dizzy the first time I got up after my valve surgery and angioplasty, but that's a whole different animal.

Anyway, Mom should be home sometime next week--at least that's what her doctor said today, but first she has to get used to being up and about.

The doctor also suggested genetic testing for my brother and me as we have a family history of pancreatic cancer: our biological dad died from it in 1984, our mom's brother died from it in 2001, and Mom has it. The doctor referred to an article published recently about a genetic mutation that can cause the cancer in family members.

Again, I'll keep you updated, but overall, I am glad Mom had a pretty decent day.

Debi

 

[geebee]

Debi,

Adding my prayers and good wishes that your mom's recovery gets easier.

 

[hensylee]

Thoughts and prayers for your mom and wishing her well.

Be sure she gets up and walks some. When I had a major surgery 3 yrs ago, I refused to get up. I had gotten somehow injured (hip) while under anesthetic and was to foggy on the meds to know it. I got up once and told them I would not get up again. They allowed me to stay in bed and not move. I just slept. And came down with pneumonia. She must do some moving about.

 

[catwoman]

Debi:

Sorry about your mom. I have her & your family in my prayers.

 

[Praline]

Prayers going your way.

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Debi - Hoping it goes well for your mom.