Asking for a little prayer...

[indysteel]

Linda, this is all so sad to read. I hope you're hanging in there. Start rallying all the troops if you can. I've had some good friends go through similar things and everyone stepped up to make meals, do yardwork and cleaning and the like so that they didn't have to worry about anything other than their health. Facebook is a great tool for this. It's sometimes hard to ask for help, but those that love your sister and you will be chomping at the bit for something constructive to do to help.

I'll keep you guys in my prayers. I'm truly sorry you're having to go through this.

[ASammy1]

((((Linda and sister)))) Thinking of you guys. Keep us posted on what comes from the appointment on Monday.

Cancer truly does suck

[pll]

Some information sent via a PM.

[redrhodie]

I'm thinking about you and your sister right now. I hope today's appointment goes well! Sending positive vibes!

[GLC1968]

Wow, Linda - that sucks. I'm sorry to hear this. I hope today's appointment holds some good news for you both.

I'll be thinking of you!

[Desert Tortoise]

Linda, I'm so sorry. I don't have any information to share but I do have my prayers and I'm a big believer in those.

It will be a long road with lots of ups and downs. With a good medical team and the love and support of friends and family (fellow TErs), the burden will lighten.

You are in my prayers,
dt

[nscrbug]

So today's appointment with the medical oncologist was...in my sister's own words..."a real slap in the face". Yeah...it's bad. The tumor is in the body of the pancreas and is wrapped around several important blood vessels that feed other nearby organs...therefore, it cannot be removed. Because of this, it is classified as Stage III cancer. Ironically, it has not spread to other areas...that we know of. But because of the blood vessels involved, it's a serious situation. Obviously, we will be seeking a 2nd opinion with a surgical oncologist to determine if it really is inoperable. As for prognosis, the doctor didn't seem like she wanted to pinpoint a timeframe, but kept throwing out "10.5 months" as an "average"...and that was WITH a chemo/radiation program.

I still have hope that seeing a surgical oncologist might see things differently and be able to offer another option for her. She is due to get a detailed CT scan of the pancreas on Wednesday, to get a clearer image of the blood vessels...hopefully this scan will bring a glimmer of hope.

Thank you all again for your thoughts & prayers!

Linda