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Chuck was diagnosed with acute recurrent pancreatitis caused by a genetic mutation during the summer of 2017 after three (now four!) hospitalizations. To stop further episodes, and to prevent other problems from developing, it was decided that Chuck would require a total pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplant (TP-IAT). This decision was made in consultation with specialists at Oregon Health Sciences University and University of Minnesota Health.
The surgery is scheduled for Thursday, March 29 in Minneapolis. Surgery should last about 12-14 hours. Chuck and Liz will arrive on Sunday, March 25th for pre-operative appointments. Chuck will likely remain in the hospital for about 2 week. Liz and Chuck will then remain in Minneapolis for another 4-6 weeks. Fortunately, Liz's mother, Alice, is able to come up from Palo Alto to Portland and stay with Frances and Katherine as they finish up their 8th grade year.
Chuck will be on medical leave from his work at Pacific University until the fall. You can learn much more about the surgery by visiting:
https://www.mhealth.org/care/treatments/total-pancreatectomy-and-islet-auto-transplant-adult (
https://www.mhealth.org/care/treatments/total-pancreatectomy-and-islet-auto-transplant-adult )
