Update # 10: Whipple and beyond...

The Whipple procedure was performed as scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 9th and the oncological surgeon, Dr. Tyler, related that all went well. I spent another 14 days at Duke, arriving back in Waxhaw on Thanksgiving eve. Unfortunately I was unable to enjoy the feast since my new "plumbing" is still struggling with how to process food. At the moment, the only thing remotely palatable is peanut butter on a saltine. Go figure.

The incision is healing with help from twice-daily dressing changes by the angel who married my brother. Both Diane and Larry have watched over me with a measure of grace and concern for which I shall be eternally grateful. God bless family!

Next milestone is an appointment at Duke with Dr. Tyler on Dec. 12th. Presuming all goes well, I expect the follow-up chemo will begin soon.

Once again, I deeply appreciate your prayers, good vibes, caring thoughts, cards and letters. I can feel your support. Just knowing you are there for me gives me hope for a continuing positive prognosis.

~ in peace and love for all of you ~

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Update # 9: Whipple on!

I apologize for the lack of communication of late, but I suffered a setback of sorts. The stent inserted in my bile duct in Tucson in July became clogged, which resulted in a return of the jaundice symptoms. The stent was removed at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte and eventually replaced at Duke University Hospital in Durham.

However, things are still on schedule. The Whipple procedure is set for Wednesday, Nov. 9th at Duke University Hospital. I am to call the evening before to receive an exact check-in time, probably somewhere between 4:00 and 5:00 AM.

I am already looking beyond the surgery to a speedy recovery and a return to some semblance of normalcy. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers–especially this coming Wednesday morning.

≈ ≈ ≈ Dona nobis pacem ≈ ≈ ≈