Daryl was recently diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor on the head of his pancreas. This is considered cancer, yet thankfully not the typical “pancreatic cancer” that we often hear about which spreads quickly and resists treatment. And, PRAISE GOD, Daryl’s scans so far have revealed no spreading of the tumor/cancer to other areas of the liver, pancreas, etc. If it’s of any interest to you the following link to Johns Hopkins does a great job explaining it all: http://www.path.jhu.edu/pancreas/TreatmentEndocrine.php?area=tr
Unfortunately it won't be until the tumor is removed that we learn what KIND of neuroendocrine tumor it is (there are several types of this tumor) and whether it is benign or malignant. Daryl will require a Whipple procedure, which requires the removal of the gallbladder, common bile duct, part of the duodenum and the head of the pancreas. Because the tumor is up against the portal vein of the pancreas, they may have to take a vein from another part of his body to fix it -but we won't know until they're "in" there.
Surgery is scheduled for Friday, March 20th at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. We chose Johns Hopkins because they perform over 250 Whipple procedures a year and have surgeons who have a great amount of experience with these types of tumors.
We'll post more details as we approach the surgery date. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us over the past month....we know that the Lord is involved and has His hand over us. Keep praying for details to fall into place, for peace (it's up one day, down another emotionally), for financial provision and that the tumor is benign. God Bless...
