Melissa’s Story

Site created on February 25, 2018

Because I am naturally a long-winded person, this will be the short version of what is happening.  If you would like the long, detailed version, please go to my first journal entry.  :)
After Annie was born, I was readmitted to the hospital for an infection.  While searching for the source of the infection, the doctors discovered a mass on my pancreas.  Through many tests, it has been discovered that I have a neuro-endocrine tumor on my pancreas that is large enough that it needs to be removed.  Praise the Lord for taking care of me, as this type of tumor does not typically become symptomatic until it has already become a growing, cancerous mass.  Mine was discovered very early, and therefore should be fully resolved with surgery.  I shouldn't have to do any chemotherapy or radiation, and the rate of it returning is very low.
Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13.  The doctor (Dr. Sheppard - another HUGE blessing, as he is one of the best pancreatic specialist surgeons in the entire USA and is based out of OHSU) is unsure what surgery is exactly going to look like.  His goal is to remove as little as possible in the least invasive way, but there is a very real possibility that I will have a full whipple (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancreaticoduodenectomy) with a 6-inch incision from sternum to belly button.  Please pray with us that this will not be necessary and that he will be able to fully resect the tumor without having to do such an invasive procedure!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Melissa Hooper

We serve an amazing God. He heard all of your prayers, and has blessed me with a quick recovery. I am already home from the hospital and am doing much better. We discovered that taking a muscle relaxer helps tremendously, which makes all of us think that the pain was a combination of muscle spasms and the fluid in my abdomen. There is no real way to test for that, so we are just moving forward with taking the meds that work and hoping for the best. 

Thank you for your continued prayers. The way I feel right now is night and day different from how I felt yesterday, both physically and mentally. I credit that all to the Lord, for hearing and answering your prayers! Much love to all of you! ❤️
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Melissa Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Melissa's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top