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Vikki’s Story

Site created on March 22, 2022

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

On February 25th, Vikki was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

On February 23 we noticed that mom had a yellowish tint to her skin and eyes but otherwise she had a few other vague symptoms but no pain or nausea. On February 24th, she was seen by a doctor. Her labs were abnormal and a scan showed a blockage in her pancreatic duct. She was admitted that evening to the hospital. On the 25th, she had an ERCP that found a lesion in her pancreas. A biopsy confirmed it to be malignant. Her bilirubin (bile in her system) was elevated so a stent was placed to help drain the bile.

Chemo was planned for the next week, however, labs showed that her bilirubin was still elevated. It had actually more than doubled since her discharge. Another scan showed that the bile duct was once again blocked. Another ERCP was done and a new and bigger stent was placed to better drain the bile.

Chemo was again planned, but cancelled, due to labs showing that her numbers were still elevated but beginning to decline.

On March 22nd she had a follow up with her oncologist. It was decided that she can start Chemo. An aggressive blend will be used but due to the elevated numbers they will only be starting at 50% due to possible liver damage that can happen with chemo and a high bilirubin.

She will have her fist round on March 23rd. They will do her labs again next week to see if any adjustments need to be made.

Her treatment plan is 4-6 rounds of chemo. 1 round is every 2 weeks. After the last round they will do a scan to see if the lesion has shrunk. If it has shrunk, they will plan a surgery to do a resection of the pancreas.

The doctors have been very optimistic that they have caught it early and that this treatment plan can be very effective.

Our mom is very tough and her positive outlook on life with help her on this journey.

We will keep this page updated as often as possible. If you have an questions or would like to reach out to us, you can contact her daughters Maren or Molly via Facebook.

We all appreciate your love, support, and prayers so generously given!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Maren Raden — Oct 27, 2022

Mom wanted us to post a message from her.
" I have had my last chemo treatment. This makes about 6 months of chemo therapy this year. These last treatments were to catch cancer that may have been left behind, but the surgeon considered me CANCER FREE at this time. The surgical healing of the inside surgical sites may take 3-6 months. So still on my healing path. I will be watched closely with labs and scans every 3 months to begin with. Pancreas cancer is a sneaky one. I want to express my gratitude for all the phone calls, text, messages, cards and the prayers. All lifted me. No one should walk with cancer alone. You have all been a village to surround me. After the holidays with family, Bruce and I plan to act like snow birds the end of Jan. We will go to New Orleans, then over to Florida for 6-8 wks. A few of our girls are planning to come visit us in Florida! You have each brought much joy to my heart. Be well, be happy, be kind. Love& hugs Vikki

Lots of love from Bruce and the girls for all the support as well!

Read More of the journal titled "October 27, 2022"

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