Journal entry by Jacqui Maxwell —
Hello all. My name is Jacqui Maxwell and I have created this page on behalf of my mother, Debbie Regener. In January of this year, exactly one month after her own father passed away, Debbie was diagnosed with Stage 3 Pancreatic Cancer. Needless to say, we were all stunned. This cancer has a 7% survival rate.
She went to the emergency room for jaundice, and they discovered the tumor. She was transferred to the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA for further tests. There, she received a stent to prop open her bile duct as the tumor was pressing it shut. She was also recommended an oncologist back in our home county.
Debbie began chemotherapy the end of January. She was told she would have 6 treatments before another scan would take place. After her first treatment, she was again rushed to the emergency room. Debbie is allergic to her chemotherapy medications. These are the only medications that will work for her, so she had to endure allergic reactions each time she had treatment (every other week).
The side effects of the chemotherapy of course caused her to lose over 60 pounds as well as lose her hair. After her 6 treatments, she was scanned again. Her surgeon called her with mixed news: the tumor had shrunk enough for surgery, but with the Coronavirus pandemic, she could not have surgery yet. The hospital simply couldn't do it safely. They recommended 4 to 6 more chemotherapy treatments and to have surgery late in August. Debbie, and all of us, we heartbroken.
After her 3rs treatment, Debbie became septic. She was hospitalized for a week. She was given 3 IV antibiotics as well as a blood transfusion to save her life. Debbie then made the decision to stop chemotherapy. She could not take it anymore.
The surgeon was able to move her surgery to early August and she is scheduled for surgery on August 5th. This procedure is called the Whipple. Outside of brain surgery or open heart surgery, it is the most complex and traumatic surgery a body can have. Only 25% of people who have the Whipple last 5 years. The rest, last less than that. Still, it is her only chance.
Debbie, my mother, would and has done anything she can for anyone. She is loving, creative, and generous. If you could find it in your heart to help her in anyway, please do so.
I will keep you updated.
She went to the emergency room for jaundice, and they discovered the tumor. She was transferred to the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA for further tests. There, she received a stent to prop open her bile duct as the tumor was pressing it shut. She was also recommended an oncologist back in our home county.
Debbie began chemotherapy the end of January. She was told she would have 6 treatments before another scan would take place. After her first treatment, she was again rushed to the emergency room. Debbie is allergic to her chemotherapy medications. These are the only medications that will work for her, so she had to endure allergic reactions each time she had treatment (every other week).
The side effects of the chemotherapy of course caused her to lose over 60 pounds as well as lose her hair. After her 6 treatments, she was scanned again. Her surgeon called her with mixed news: the tumor had shrunk enough for surgery, but with the Coronavirus pandemic, she could not have surgery yet. The hospital simply couldn't do it safely. They recommended 4 to 6 more chemotherapy treatments and to have surgery late in August. Debbie, and all of us, we heartbroken.
After her 3rs treatment, Debbie became septic. She was hospitalized for a week. She was given 3 IV antibiotics as well as a blood transfusion to save her life. Debbie then made the decision to stop chemotherapy. She could not take it anymore.
The surgeon was able to move her surgery to early August and she is scheduled for surgery on August 5th. This procedure is called the Whipple. Outside of brain surgery or open heart surgery, it is the most complex and traumatic surgery a body can have. Only 25% of people who have the Whipple last 5 years. The rest, last less than that. Still, it is her only chance.
Debbie, my mother, would and has done anything she can for anyone. She is loving, creative, and generous. If you could find it in your heart to help her in anyway, please do so.
I will keep you updated.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Debbie Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Debbie's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
