skip to main content
Get Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Join as a Pro
Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros
Join as a Pro
Houzz Logo Print
Explore Discussions
Cooking
craftyrn

need your good thoughts please

17 years ago

Need you good thoughts--- a few prayers wouldn't hurt either. This surgery the 25th is a bit scary-- takes 3-4 hrs at least.

Bit of background-- tho it's probably TMI--- back in April I was scheduled for my annual Physical-- & at my age that's checking all sorts of stuff-- annual EKG , chest xray,

pelvic, mammogram, a zillion blood tests plus it was time for my 5 yr colonoscopy--- everything came back negative-- within normal limits except for the Rheumatoid Arthritis

complication in my lungs( which was nothing new). And because I'm a retired nurse & wanted everything checked --I asked my primary Dr to set up an apptm. with my urologist

( I had had 2 nasty Utis in the last 6 mns & being on Humira for the RA needed to make sure I didn't have a colonized bladder so I could continue with the Humira). So the appointment was set up.

And then we found out my SD's melanoma was back & they gave her only a couple mns. I did get to the urologist-- had a cystoscopy done, special blood & urine tests for everything including cancer (all negative)-

but given my age & hx of kidney cysts MD thought it would be a good idea to have a CT scan of pelvis & abdomen to be sure there wasn't a problem with the kidneys-- so I had the scan done-- and the kidneys were fine

but it showed "something" in the tail of my pancreas-- special blood tests for cancer screening were all negative-- so over the next six weeks I had an MRI, a PET SCAN, & finally a needle biopsy 'cause no one could figure out just what was going on other than the fact that it didn't seem to be a pancreatic cancer.

The cells were sent to 2 different pathology labs-- both reports said "probable healing fibroid of the pancreas or rare endocrine neoplasm'' -- so I was scheduled to see my gastroenterologist the week after SD funeral.

Saw the gastroenterologist-- & at the same time the report came back on the biopsy cells from the 3rd path lab ( Walter Reed Hosp)-- they thought is was a very rare Endocrine Cancer-& the gastroenterologist though there was a good chance that's

what it was & he sent me to a specialist dealing with just liver, pancreas & spleen- so I saw him & it was reviewed by a couple different oncologists

and a Tumor Tissue committee at Guthrie in Sayer, PA,-- they ordered an Octreotide Scan that

confirmed it was an endocrine neoplasm & also pinpointed a tiny (4 mm) ( probable) metastasis in the end corner of the rt liver lobe.

.
This is not a typical cancer--it's not cancer of the pancreas but of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, it's extremely slow growing & often doesn't cause any symptoms-- they're often found by chance as mine was . They don't do chemo or radiation--just watch it until it looks like

it's going to cause a problem such as growing into a blood vessel or metastasizes. Surgery usually cures it even if there's been a bit of metastasis.One gal I met has had hers for 13 yrs & finally had surgery a couple mns ago.

And as mine is now 2 cm & in the very tail of the pancreas , that part has to be lopped off along with the spleen cause it shares blood vessels before it erodes a major vessel -- and the part of the liver cut off too..

So all this is why I haven't been posting much over the last few months but hopefully within a few weeks will be back to being an active member again.

Comments (23)

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Sending prayers and hugs to you Diane.you have had an awful lot to deal w/lately.Hoping the surgery goes well and you are back to posting very soon.

    Hugs,Shelley

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    You have my prayers, some virtual chicken soup and lots of hugs and good wishes.
    Linda C

  • Related Discussions

    Need your thoughts, advice, information please!

    Q

    Comments (1)
    Sounds like a lot of totin' and haulin' to me.
    ...See More

    Update - no good news here-need good thoughts.

    Q

    Comments (45)
    I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way. I hope everything turns out well for Glen and you. (((Nora)))
    ...See More

    Prayers and good thoughts needed, Please

    Q

    Comments (7)
    It's hard to imagine how this could have happened and the aftermath looked horrific. Such a sweet-looking town.
    ...See More

    My Friend Sally Needs Your Prayers & Good Thoughts

    Q

    Comments (8)
    I hope all she needs is stents but I have had three friends under go by pass in the last month....all in their eighties and doing very well. Good thoughts coming to your friend, Sally. The good news is that she's aware of her problem and can take the necessary steps to correct it.
    ...See More
  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    OMG Diane. I was wondering where you were. You are special to me because you were my first swap partner. So glad you had the medical stuff pull through proactively, now lets hope for the best!

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Good wishes!

    I am extremely impressed with your ability to explain this so clearly. You obviously followed through in situations where those with less knowledge and understanding may not have.

    No one wants to go through this but I hope that knowing, and you really know, that this is the right thing helps. It really sounds like this is a clear cure.

    We will be thinking of you and praying on Tuesday.

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Damn...... that's all, just plain damn!

    Diane, my thoughts and prayers will be with you leading up to, and after, your surgery. For sure it's scary, just plain scary but it sounds as if you have good , competent, health care.

    I'm also so sorry to hear of your SD, that is so very sad.

    Take care, know we are thinking of you, and keep us posted.

    Sharon

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Sending positive energy to you for a quick recovery.

    Alexa

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Diane, Thank goodness you are proactive about your health. And I was patting myself on the back because I scheduled a mammogram. That's tragic about your SD and I'm sure you wish you weren't preoccupied with your own issues.

    Much love and virtual support for you and your family,
    Cathy

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Sending lots of good thoughts and healing vibes, to you, Diane. Will be thinking of you all day on Tuesday and hoping to hear you get the "all clear"!

    So sorry to hear bout your SD (would that be step-daughter?). Lots of prayers going out to her as well.

    Linda

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Diane, Damn is right. I'm so sorry that you are having to go though all of this. Sending good thoughts your way and will be thinking of you on Tuesday.


    Ann

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Diane, I'm sending massive amounts of positive vibes your way.....will be waiting to hear the all clear.

    Nancy

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Sending positive thoughts for you and will pray that the surgery is a success!

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Diane, you'll be in my prayers and thoughts especially on Tuesday. Praying for a fast recovery as well.

    Brenda

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Diane, I'm so sorry to read your post. Sometimes an unbelievable amount of carp happens all at once. Of course you will be in my thoughts and prayers and I'll be watching for a post after your surgery. I've missed you too and I hope it won't be long before you are feeling better and posting again.

    Lee

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Diane, Of Course this is scary for you. I'm sending good thoughts your way, and praying for the best outcome possible. We'll be waiting to hear how you're feeling once this is all behind you. You have lots of support here!

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I'll third that "damn". I'm so sorry to hear about your SD, and I'll be sending all the prayers, positive thoughts and healing vibes I can muster up for both of you.

    I'll be watching and waiting and praying, until you come back with an "all clear".

    Annie

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Oh Diane! I'm sorry to hear about your SD.

    I will be thinking about you on Tuesday and I hope the best possible outcome.

    Hugs to you.

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I'm thinking of you Diane and send my support for you and your SD. May you have a good result tomorrow and a quick recovery.

    Hugs,

    SharonCb

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Diane, I've been thinking about you and why we haven't heard from you. I hope it's not to long before we hear from you and that you have a fast speedy recovery. Sending all the positve thoughts your way that I possibly can. I'm so sorry to hear about your SD.

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    ((((Diane)))))

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Daane, first, I am so sorry for the loss of your step-daughter. How vey sad. I presume she was young. Did she have a family?

    Next -- I applaud you for being so conscientious about your health. So many of us let it slide. One thing I've learned working in a hospital is that early detection of almost any health situation is key.

    The surgery sounds scary but it sounds like this could resolve your condition. I hope so and will be thinking of you.

    (Every time I hear ISlets of Langerhans, I think of Biology class. That "part of the body" was always easy to remember since the name is unique.)

    Hugs to you Diane -- except after the 25th they will be very soft hugs for awhile.

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I just saw this as I was out of town over the weekend. I'm so very sorry for your loss. (I'm glad someone explained what SD meant - I can be dense sometimes.)

    It sounds like they've caught it very early, and that you have a marvelous team of doctors working for you. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

    Sally

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Oh no! I just returned from a short vacation and am dismayed to read your news. Thank you for going to the trouble to describe this rare condition so thoroughly and educating us in the process. My heart and good thoughts are with you tomorrow, and please hurry back to us as you recover.

    >>
    Ellen

  • 17 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Here is a big hug and virtual prayer
    (((HUG))) (((prayer)))

Related Stories
LANDSCAPE DESIGNGood Fences, Good Neighbors — and Good Views
By Carol Crotta
See-through vertical fencing connects a yard with its surroundings while keeping children and pets safely inside
Full Story
49
HOME OFFICESQuiet, Please! How to Cut Noise Pollution at Home
By Christine Ciarmello
Leaf blowers, trucks or noisy neighbors driving you berserk? These sound-reduction strategies can help you hush things up
Full Story
102
BEFORE AND AFTERSMore Room, Please: 5 Spectacularly Converted Garages
By Samantha Schoech
Design — and the desire for more space — turns humble garages into gracious living rooms
Full Story
41
BATHROOM DESIGNUpload of the Day: A Mini Fridge in the Master Bathroom? Yes, Please!
By Mitchell Parker
Talk about convenience. Better yet, get it yourself after being inspired by this Texas bath
Full Story
80
Help Me Design My Wine Cellar - Please!
By Kit Pollard
Full Story
17
HOUSEPLANTSMother-in-Law's Tongue: Surprisingly Easy to Please
By creative jewish mom.com
This low-maintenance, high-impact houseplant, also known as snake plant, fits in with any design
Full Story
40
LIVING ROOMSCurtains, Please: See Our Contest Winner's Finished Dream Living Room
By Becky Harris
Check out the gorgeously designed and furnished new space now that the paint is dry and all the pieces are in place
Full Story
55
DECORATING GUIDESPlease Touch: Texture Makes Rooms Spring to Life
By User
Great design stimulates all the senses, including touch. Check out these great uses of texture, then let your fingers do the walking
Full Story
49
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Snowberry Pleases Year-Round
By Kate Bryant
Bright spring foliage, pretty summer flowers, white berries in winter ... Symphoricarpos albus is a sight to behold in every season
Full Story
18
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGNo Fall Guys, Please: Ideas for Lighting Your Outdoor Steps
By Marianne Lipanovich
Safety and beauty go hand in hand when you light landscape stairways and steps with just the right mix
Full Story
22
Sponsored
Bella Casa LLC
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars17 Reviews
The Leading Interior Design Studio in Franklin County
More Discussions
Cooler Weather Dinner
9
Big cook-a-thon today
8
Using/Storing Extra Pumpkin Puree
8
Chloebud, how important is the icing on the pumpkin bars?
4
Anyone know how to make crunchy thin insect legs?
2