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Pancreas Cancer Web

DAVID T.


Hello, I'm 43 years old and was diagnosed two years ago (September 1996 to be exact). Diagnosis was followed by whipple surgery, and then a course of adjuvant treatment: 5FU, radiation and 10 weeks of Gemcitabine. I recovered uneventfully from the whipple surgery, and continue to work and play. However, I recently cut back on work (try not to cut back on play) due to pain, weight loss and a rising tumor marker indicating a recurrence. I have always wondered why I would have gotten pc. I never smoked, drank lightly, and tried to ate lots of fruits and vegies. My one vice was that I was a heavy coffee drinker. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and am married with twin daughters age 8 1/2. I've been participating in this chat room since shortly after my diagnosis. I find the chat room both informative and an interesting experiment in human communication. My favorite book related to disease and pc is Jean Shinoda Bolen's book, "Close to the Bone." An examination of life-threatening illnesses and the search for meaning. Ms. Bolen is a Jungian analyst and her book is a powerful one for both caregivers and patients. Her book draws the analogy between pc and a psychic descent to the underground that can be life-affirming and healing. I encourage others to read it. People deal with this disease in all different ways. Given the grim outcome for people with pc, I think we should be open and supportive of all the ways people choose to deal with it.

Posted 10/20/1998 01:00 pm by David T.
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