Steven L.’s Story

Site created on April 22, 2021

The appointment we have all been waiting for...

Mom and Dad met with Dad's Surgeon and Oncologist today.  While us girls were unable to be with them in person, due to COVID-19, we were able to attend both appointments via phone.  Today we received some promising words that, in the words of dad, "gave us some light at the end of the tunnel". 

Trying to figure out exactly what is wrong with dad has been a "roller-coaster ride".    It was cancer and then it wasn't, then it was cancer and then it wasn't...until it was CANCER.  As of Monday, April 19, 2021, the cancer that wasn't cancer was found; to be exact, invasive adenocarcinoma, superficial and background high grade dysplasia.  The doctor from Monday's procedure thought it was pancreatic cancer that has invaded the bile duct at the opening of the ampulla.  Today, we learned that dad probably does NOT have pancreatic cancer; however, he either has bile duct cancer or cancer of the ampulla of vater.  While no cancer is good, this cancer just may be our "light at the end of the tunnel".  We learned that the tumor is believed to be very small, NOT believed to be in the lymph nodes and NOT believed to be metastasized.  While neither doctor could promise any of this today, it will be confirmed when dad has what is called the Whipple procedure.  We should know soon when the surgery will be.   If you are unaware of what the Whipple procedure is, I encourage you to visit this site which provides a wonderful short video that explains it perfectly:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zxvm3MSb8k&t=11s

Newest Update

Journal entry by Adria Trueblood

Happy Spring to all!!!  FINALLY!!!

It has been a long time since I have updated Caring Bridge; however, today marks the very last post for this very scary journey!  What a blessing ❤️

I want to thank each and every one of you for following dad's journey and for providing so much love, encouraging words, support and prayers.  Dad may have gotten through the physical side of this journey on his own, but I fully believe his whole army had a hand in pushing him mentally.  Each and every message mom and dad have read have always provided smiles.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

We finally got the second opinion back from Cleveland Clinic regarding dad's tissue slides from surgery.  As you already know, both Community Hospital (where the biopsies were done) and Cleveland Clinic found cancer in the biopsy tissue.  They said it was either pancreatic, bile duct or ampulla of vater cancer.  However, we are very relieved to learn that IU Cancer Center AND Cleveland Clinic were unable to find any cancer anywhere in any of the surgery tissue, including all 27 lymph nodes.  Either a miracle happened or they got all the cancerous tissue in the biopsy, which would also be pretty much of a miracle!!  Both IU Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic said they have only seen this happen one to three times in the last 30 years!!!  In addition to this wonderful news, the possibility of IgG4-related disease/autoimmune pancreatitis has also been ruled out.    

Dad does now have an Oncologist that he will continue to follow up with; however, the Oncologist did not recommend any type of post-surgery treatment.  Per IU Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic, any current findings represent predominantly dilated biliary system with features of chronic pancreatitis.  I do not know about you, but I call that a major win-dad definitely kicked cancer's booty! 

Again, many thanks and so much love-  The Browns.

 

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