Friends, we didn’t get home yesterday (Monday) until 9 p.m. from Moffitt Cancer Center.
But we did come with good news.
According to my doctors, not every Pancreatic Cancer patient is a candidate for Whipple Surgery.
The Captain and I were praising God when we learned that I am a “good candidate” and the scheduled surgery date of 13th of March is a “Go”.
The doctor moved the date from 17th to 13th.
My oncologist had so many “tests” for me yesterday, along with 4 combination vaccine shots, an EKG and so much paperwork to fill out.
The week before surgery has me drinking supplements of all kinds along with the knowledge that a feeding tube will be added at surgery and remaining in my stomach for two weeks.
Proper nutrition is needed for proper healing.
My doctor also said to keep away from people (crowds)…and don’t catch a cold or flu ….that the window of opportunity is very narrow for this surgery.
The vein that the cancer is so close to, is something the doctor will evaluate and if necessary she will graft a vein from my leg to replace that one.
I had to sign papers agreeing to all the different scenarios that could possibly arise during this 8-10 hour operation.
The doctor said her plan is to remove the neck and head of the pancreas….leaving the tail and body, if the situation agrees.
If that works out, there is only a 10 % chance that I would become a diabetic. However, if she has to remove the whole pancreas …a full blown diabetic would be inevitable.
She will also remove the gall bladder, part of the stomach, the bile duct, part of the intestine…as well as a few other body parts if needed.
She also warned me that I would ‘blow up like a balloon’ due to all the chemo and radiation that is currently in my body….it takes time for it to go away.
I will be in the Moffitt hospital in Tampa about 10 days.
My dear friends, I so appreciate your prayers for my healing.
We have seen God’s work in laying the groundwork for my surgery, and there is no doubt that He will carry me through this.
Blessings to all of you wonderful prayer warriors!
Kari, my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family, for hope, best outcome and a speedy recovery from surgery.
So anxious to hear if you had your surgery yesterday and how thing’s went 🤔I have been praying 🙏💕
Kari, I am praying for you and your husband and will especially pray all day on the 13th. You are brave and are such a testimony for your faith. I am so glad you are a candidate for the surgery. I will be praying for your surgeon and all the team. May it be a great success and glory to God.
This is good news to hear! PRAISE THE LORD!!! I will be praying for you especially on the 13th!
Praying for you sweet Kari!
Praying for your doctors!
Praying for peace through all this!
Sending lots of hugs!
I hope that you can feel all the love and hugs being sent your way. Praying for a speedy healing and recovery.
Kari, I am rejoicing that you are a good candidate for this surgery. I am praying for your doctor and the medical professionals that will assist her throughout your hospital stay. I pray for the doctor’s hands that they will be steady and precise and for clearness of mind. I pray for you sweet friend as you have been so courageous for your journey, a true trophy of a God’s amazing grace. What a beautiful testimony that you have shared of your complete trust in the Almighty Hands of God to hold you and sustain you. He is the ultimate Healer. Prayers for your faithful Captain as he cares for you, may God grant him peace and strength. I love you and am praying for your healing. We serve a mighty God!
You have quite a journey ahead and I hope that with every step there is reward.
Kari:
What an eventful day you had yesterday. So much going on and yet you seem to keep it all in perspective. So glad that you qualify for this surgery.
Thanks for keeping us updated. Get your rest & make sure you take all of your nutritional supplements. You can do this!!
God bless both you and Tom. Thoughts and prayers always!
Kari, I’m happy that you’ll be able to have this particular surgery, considering many others aren’t candidates for it. I’m praying for peace and comfort for you and your Captain and for wisdom for your doctors. May God continue to be with you on this journey.
This sounds good. Keep up your optimism and I will too! Still praying for you and Tom. Love, pj
Kari, you and your Captain most certainly will remain in my prayers throughout. You are a testimony to God’s faith and healing already. Prayers for no obstacles between now and then either!
Dear Kari and Captain,
May all of our prayers be answered that you come through this surgery gloriously and you are cancer free.
Love you both!
Continued prayers for healing and strength. You are a courageous and amazing woman with a testimony so strong!
Prayers for all of the medical staff who take care of you that they will remain strong and steadfast in their commitment to you and that their expertise will shine brightly!
Jemma
I will be praying and praying as hard as I can for you brave Kari! Your attitude continues to astound me! ❤️ Remember, March is a Lucky ☘️ month!!
Jenna
Dear Kati…PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW….Iam so happy for you and the Captain..We muss you terribly at church and in the Elite group. Prayets will continue for you..love you dearly sister
Continuing prayers for you. God is in control.
🙏💕
Pido a Dios todopoderoso que te acompañe a cada momento, también que de a tus Dres. sapiencia para esta cirugía pido mucho y tengo Fe por ti toro irá bien. Adelante guerrera con toda la Fé
Kari, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I admire your courage and determination.
Kari – I live in Tampa if there is anything you or your husband need while you are here please let me know.
So pleased to hear this news Kari. I was thinking about you earlier today and made a special prayer last night. You are in God’s hands and so is your team and surgeon. All is well. Here is a little Irish prayer,
Bless to us O God,
The moon that is above us.
The earth that is beneath us,
The friends who are around us,
Your image deep within us.
Amen
And even shorter:
What can afear
With God the Father near?
Continued prayers for you and the Captain dear Kari. God has got this! Blessings to you!
Kari, our Elohim will take care of you as we all continue to pray for your successful surgery.
Kari, I continue to pray for you each day and the good news you have been posting is wonderful to hear. I will continue to pray for your recovery, for your Captain’s strength, and for wisdom for your doctors. Through it all, your great sense of humor and positive attitude shine in your posts. I look forward to more great news. May God continue to hold you in His arms on this journey. Much love to you!