Barbara’s Story

Site created on July 24, 2018

** My mom Barb agreed to let me update friends and family through a Caring Bridge website. I will check frequently and pass on any messages. **
On Sunday June 10th, Barb went to the urgent care due to signs of jaundice. She was then sent to the ER and admitted to Methodist Hospital. Test showed that her liver levels were significantly elevated and there was a small mass on her pancreas. On Monday, June 11th, a stent was placed to help the flow between her liver and pancreas. A pancreas biopsy was also performed at this time. Following the procedure, Barb developed pancreatitis and ended up staying in the hospital for 5 days total. Her biopsy was not back at this point, but she was told that it had been sent to the Mayo Clinic for further testing. 


A few days after being discharged from the hospital, Barb received the news that the biopsy came back as positive for pancreatic cancer. She began exploring treatment options through the Frauenshuh Cancer Center at Methodist Hospital, and Mayo Clinic. After meeting with both teams of doctors, she decided to complete chemo first, through Methodist Hospital, and then have surgery at Mayo Clinic. 


A port was placed on July 12th, and her first chemotherapy treatment happened on July 17th. On Monday, July 16th, she moved into a room at my house, kindly donated by Ginny Pekuri. I will write an update on chemo as the first journal entry.


Caitlin

Newest Update

Journal entry by Caitlin Pekuri

Not much new to report. Barbara was moved to a new room this morning, since her last roommate had so many doctors that were in and out. She got a shower this morning, so felt a lot better. She is still having nausea and is very tired. We never received definitive answers about why she was so sick, but the doctors are assuming it was due to infection. Barbara has been receiving many forms of antibiotics since Wednesday night, so that is most likely what is making her feel better. The doctors told us today that they don't feel comfortable sending her home until she's feeling well again, so we don't have an exact release date yet. Thank you for all the kind messages!
Caitlin
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