Don Bramlett

In early May Don thought he had a urinary tract infection, but  his symptoms did not improve with medicine.  The minor emergency doctor was concerned  and sent Don to the ER.  The ER doc sent Don for a cat scan where a small mass on the head of the pancreas was found.   Don was admitted to the hospital and in the next 24 hours he met with Dr. Drew Dill, oncologist, and surgeon Dr. Stephen Behrman.  He also had an ERCP - scope and a MRI.  It was truly the work of God that all of this happened as quickly as it did.  It was determined that Don has pancreatic cancer.  The tumor is about 1.5 centimeters. His cancer is a Stage 1 and the tumor is a T1c which means it is a very early stage pancreatic cancer and has not grown into the deeper layers of tissue within the pancreas. It is uncommon for pancreatic cancer to be diagnosed this early. 

Don began chemo immediately.  He had 4 rounds of chemo.  His chemo infusion would be on Wednesdays and he would go home with a chemo pump until Friday.  He did this every 2 weeks.  Don did great through his chemo treatment.  He has now completed the chemo and he will have surgery on August 5th.  The surgery Don will have will be a Whipple Procedure.  His doctor has told him the surgery will last 4 -6 hours.  He will be in ICU 2 days, step down ICU 2 days and in a regular room about 10 days.  We will update the site during surgery and recovery.  Please pray for Don as he goes through this surgery.