As you may already know, mom was admitted into the hospital on November 16th, 2010 to investigate an acute jaundice condition. That admission began an eleven-day stay in the hospital as her team of doctors (gastro-interns, radiologists etc.) investigated the cause of her condition. Through many procedures and tests, it was determined that a mass of unknown origin was completely occluding her bile duct.
The suspicion immediately led to the possibility of either pancreatic or bile duct cancer. Initial biopsies came back benign. This was both good and bad news as it gave doctors very little to go off of in determining the real cause. The pancreas has a tendency to develop a very tough layer of scar tissue around tumors or masses which makes it difficult to pull accurate samples to get a positive test for malignancy.
More tests (CTs and blood work) revealed that the mass was more than likely cancer. The mass resembled more characteristics of a malignant tumor than that of a benign tumor. The only way to be 100% positive on the diagnosis is to perform an open abdominal biopsy.
In the mean time, a bile drain was inserted to alleviate the back up of bile which was causing mom's jaundice condition. Upon the successful insertion and placement of that drain, mom's biliruben and jaundice began to slowly dissipate. Mom was discharged from Mercy Mt. Airy Hospital on Saturday, November 27th.
It was determined that mom needed to see a surgical oncologist for further assessment and determination of the proper course of treatment. Mom was assigned to Dr. Syed Ahmad, an Associate Professor of Surgery at University Hospital. Dr. Ahmad specializes in gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary malignancies.
Further tests confirmed that mom's mass had an 80% chance of being a malignant tumor. While, this was somewhat deflating news, we also learned that the tumor is very small (about 1cm) and has not spread anywhere in the body. In other words, we were very blessed that the tumor began to grow in close proximity to the bile duct, alerting mom to a problem.
Through a great deal of prayer, questions, and research, it was determined that mom will have surgery to remove the tumor. This surgery is called Whipple's Procedure. This is a very invasive surgery which involves the removal of the gall bladder, portions of the bile duct, head of the pancreas, a portion of the stomach, and the duodenum. The organs are then placed back together so that everything functions as normal. Amazing!!
Mom's prognosis is very good after successful completion of the surgery!! After the tumor is removed, it will be biopsied to confirm malignancy. If it is benign, nothing more will need to be done. If the tumor proves to be malignant, then they will follow the surgery up with light amounts of chemotherapy and radiation as a safety blanket of treatment. This form of chemotherapy would be very light and would hopefully have relatively little side effects on mom (no hair loss, weight loss etc.).
While several risk factors are involved with this procedure, mom determined that this is the correct course of action for her. She believes firmly that God is in control and wishes His will to be done. Mom has amazing strength and determination all which has been God-breathed into her wiring!! Mom is continuing to feel well and is looking forward to spending Christmas with her family!! What a true Season of Thanks this is!!!
As of the time of this posting, a date for the surgery has not yet been determined. However, Dr. Ahmad is anticipating that the surgery will take place within the first week or two of January.
At this time, we ask that you continue to pray for mom. Please feel free to become a follower of this blog by clicking on the "follow" link at the top left corner of this page. Leave posts for mom as desired. Thank you for your time and continued prayers!!
This blog will be updated with each new piece of information that is available.
Thanks!!!
Will
