Hart Update 9/17/08

Many of you have asked for the pathology report from Bud’s Whipple procedure surgery on August 19th. We had to wait until a week later for the report to be completed.  Chris, Dr. May’s assistant “translated” the pathology report for us.  During the surgery the doctors sent three area specimens to be inspected.  (A)- Common bile duct margin which was negative for carcinoma.  This is good because cancer has not spread up the bile duct into the liver.  (B)- Tumor, pancreatic margin was negative.  This means the margins of the pancreas itself were negative for carcinoma and the duct going from the pancreas to the duodenum are negative and there is a very low risk of cancer spreading to the duodenum.  (C)-Pancreatic, duodenum portions of the stomach and small bowel were negative for carcinoma.  They took out nine lymph nodes all nine lymph nodes were negative for carcinoma.  The tumor which was removed was identified as invasive moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma.  This means this type of cell does not clump together and build upon itself, instead it sends out cancer cells in random directions.  The pathologist said that these cells were not as aggressive as they could be so that is encouraging. During surgery they removed all the tumor they could see, but the cancer can be present in nerve cells, which can then spread through the nervous system. The pathologist checked the nerve cells in Bud’s specimen and only found one nerve cell positive for cancer. That is good, but they will be monitoring him closely for any changes. During the surgery the “mass”on the pancreas was removed as well as part of the pancreas, the duodenum, a large part of the stomach and part of the small intestine and tissue around all these organs to check for any cancer cells. Then all these areas had to be stitched back together, as Dr May referred to “realigning” his plumbing.  

The next step will be to have an appointment with the oncologist, whom we met before the surgery, to set up a series of chemotherapy treatments.  Bud has been out of the hospital for a week and a half now.  He has lost a great deal of weight.  He looks in the mirror and says “ I look as if I was released from Auschwitz”.

Now a word from the “infirm”—I really appreciate your prayers and notes and messages of encouragement. Long boring days in the hospital went by slowly with tubes and lines going in and out my body.  A walk down the hall meant dragging a pole with bags on it with me.  So glad to get out of the hospital but recovery is slow! Adjustments in eating and nourishment needed when appetite is “blah” now is my daily fare.  BUT God is close by and has been the solid rock on which I have stood and trusted. - Bud

Thank you for your prayer support.  We could feel the prayer you lifted up on our behalf.   Thank you too for the words of encouragement you have sent.  We thank the Lord for His presence with us in hard times and the many blessings he bestows to all of His children.