June 22, 2019 (
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marykaczor2/journal/view/id/5d0edef3431f310f267e0fe3)Journal entry by Mary Kaczor — 18 hours ago
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am headed into surgery next Friday, June 28th at KU Med Center. After a scary 10 days of not knowing for sure what my diagnosis would be, it was determined that I have a tumor in my pancreas of the neuroendocrine type. This is the type of tumor you want to get if you have one in your pancreas. And the kind I have looks to the surgeon to be easily removable. More will be known when they get in there, but it is likely I may not even require chemo or radiation.
Around Mother's Day I started feeling extremely tired and lost my appetite. I also had some nauseousness and pain in my stomach and back. Every day I wanted to get back in bed but life must go on so I tried my best to continue on as usual. My mom and I even flew to LA the end of May to visit my cousin Christina and Aunt Ruth. A second round of blood tests revealed high liver enzymes and a sonogram was able to detect the mass in my pancreas (which is about the size of a racquetball). A CAT scan gave more information that same day.
I was scheduled then at KU Med for an endoscopic ultrasound and possible stint placement to relieve some symptoms that were causing me to feel sick. This would provide the biopsy needed to determine what exactly the type of tumor. Because of the size and location of the tumor we knew it was likely malignant but were holding onto hope that it possibly could be benign.
The procedure left me with pancreatitis so rather than head home on Tuesday the 18th, I was admitted to KU and stayed there until Friday (yesterday) in order to get the pain under control. This turned out to be a good thing in that we were then able to meet the surgeon and were there at the hospital to hear the diagnosis and have it explained.
Although the tumor is malignant, everyone is hopeful that this is a very good prognosis due to the type of tumor and it not being connected to anything that would prevent it from being removed. I will be in the hospital three to five days after surgery and then have about a six week recovery at home.
I appreciate all the prayers and love sent my way. I have been blessed with people coming to spend time with me, hold my hand, laugh with me and cry with me. Love is flowing and for that and so many other things I am truly grateful.
My coauthor Jana Wallen will be on here Friday or Saturday to let everyone know how the surgery goes.
Blessings,
Mary (
https://www.caringbridge.org/assets/ugc/2l/30/l/5d0ee6f88a466781057c9a69.jpg)
