Pip is home

[Piparskeggr]

Had to get a new routine established...had surgery last Tuesday (2 June) for pancreatic cancer. Was on the table 6 1/2 hours, all the doctors were very pleased the way I came though it. I will need some chemo, but the surgeon (who has done 100's of the operation) thinks he got everything and the pathology report looks to back that up. Was up and walking 2 days after, started eating solid food 6 days after, am now home. Will be recovering until mid-July at the earliest.

Please folks, if you feel something is off (you or the kitties) get thee to a vet (kitty or human).

[zodiacqueen]

I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with fatigue.  Nothing wrong with a little cat nap or two!!  I do think it's great that you're keeping up with your walking, which should help keep your energy level up.

Thanks for the update.  You know we care about you.

Take care!

ZQ

[CML2014]

Thanks for the update, Pip! Happy to hear fatigue is the only side effect so far.

Well you will be the go to guy for introducing new kittens to old Grand Dames. I know the older you get the less patience you have and you certainly aren't changing your way of doing things---I would not want 2 grandkids coming to live with me at this age, Ugh!

Best wishes for continued improvement.
CML

[Piparskeggr]

Started chemo on 14 July, am having some mild side effects (worst is fatigue), will adjust.

Still walking most every day.

On a bright note, Miss Teia is getting a tiny bit more tolerant of the boys every day.  Cooper especially likes to get near her when she is sleeping.  She doesn't mind if Buff eats just a few inches away.

[dominosarah]

You have a good attitude going into chemo and that is a huge plus, not to mention Anita, the furbabies and us of course as your cheering section!!

[CML2014]

Wishing you all the best Pip. Everything that can be done seems to already be covered. Faith in your Doctor is most important, and they see to be on top of things.

Prayers going out to you and the Family.
Sincerely,
CML

[Piparskeggr]

2 weeks from today I start 6 months of chemo; 3 weeks on, 1 week blood work...infusion should be about 1 hour.  Side effects do not look too bad, may not even lose my hair.

[AnnieBrooke]

Hope it's a good meeting.  I like good doctors, am really annoyed with bad ones.

[Jade59]

I'll be thinking of you, Pip.  Hugs

[Piparskeggr]

Consult with the oncologist this morning...will update when I have more info.

[opus88]

Pip...Pip.....HOORAY....!!!

[zodiacqueen]

WOW!!!!  That's awesome!

[Jade59]

Happy to hear you're doing so well, Pip.  

[Piparskeggr]

Saw Dr Alexander today for a post procedure consultation and to get the staples out. The incision is almost healed, just a couple sore spots.

He is very pleased with my progress, got another "Wow" from him when I told him how much I am walking. He told me some folks stay in the hospital 3 weeks after this surgery before they are in good enough shape to go home to continue healing. Me, I'm walking 2 miles.

I have a consultation with a local Oncologist, will call tomorrow to confirm. Chemo will likely be over the course of a couple of months (at least).

[zodiacqueen]

Sounds like you're healing very nicely, Pip!!

Let us know how everything goes with the dr. tomorrow.

Hugs
ZQ

[Piparskeggr]

Did 2 miles this morning in just 38 minutes.

Go in tomorrow to have the staples removed, get the preliminary plan for chemo and be interviewed for a study on pancreatic cancer.

[opus88]

good for you Pip......!!!

[Piparskeggr]

Got up earlier than I had been today, had breakfast and got out for my walk a little after 8 AM.

Did 2 full loops of the neighborhood, 1.6 miles.

[AppleBr]

Glad to see you are enjoying your "cat therapy" once more :-)
Message I posted previously and in a hurry didnt come,but I keep thinking about you and yours...

[zodiacqueen]

I'm glad you're home.  NOW, you'll be able to get some decent sleep and heal quickly in the comfort of your own home with your fur kids and Anita.  I know they sure as heck don't let you sleep in the hospital....

Hey, I think Cooper has a "thing" for older women!!!  LOL

[Piparskeggr]

Cooper is fascinated by Teia, constantly sneaking up to sniff her flank when she's sleeping.

[CML2014]

Hi Pip,

It is nice to know you are finally home and surrounded by love. That is the best medicine as they say. Hope Chemo goes well, will be keeping you and Anita in my prayers.

Aren't you happy you gotthe threesome accustomed to each other before you had to be gone so much. Yikes wonder what that scene would have been like returning home, LOL!

Best wishes, PIP!

[opus88]

well that all sounds very promising Pip....still on your mind though, it must be very scary when its 'me' going through all this. I have 2 gf's going thru cancer right now as well....it just zaps the H outta a person. but your a big strong man and I know you have alot of fight in you to beat this damn thing and get your life back again.....keep us posted and we'll keep sending our prayers and wishes♥

[Piparskeggr]

Staples come out on 24 June, will likely start chemo the middle of July.  4 of 29 lymph nodes removed were suspect, but none of the other tissue taken was (besides the main tumor in the head of the pancreas).  Dr Alexander said the suspicious tissue was very tiny and is very confident that the chemo will effect a cure.

[dominosarah]

Am glad to hear the surgeon and paths report were good.  When do you start the chemo?  Being home surrounded by your babies(and Anita!) will help when you start.  Take it easy and let yourself get healed up.  All you should be doing is sitting with a camera in your hand!!