Last check-in before surgery: What’s next?

Ros and I had our final appointment with Dr. Cavallucci before surgery today. It was a bit surreal, knowing that this was the last conversation before heading into such a major step in my journey. We wanted to make sure we were fully prepared, and that every question was answered.

The main focus of the appointment was confirming the results of the CT scan, which showed an increase in the size of the tumour: Mildly increased size of ovoid lesion along the posterior aspect of the pancreatic head measuring 16 x 14 x 17 mm, previously 15 x 14 x 13 mm. The pancreas is otherwise unremarkable, and there’s no dilation of the main pancreatic duct.

This confirmed that surgery is the right choice. In just four months, the tumour had grown, giving us the clarity we needed to move forward. While it wasn’t the news I was hoping for, it made everything feel more real. Seeing the actual numbers - the physical change - was a reminder of how important this next step is.

Now, with all the information in hand, we’re ready for the next step. It’s a big moment, but I’m going into surgery knowing it’s the right choice. On to the surgery and the journey ahead.

[Ros] The results of the final CT scan confirmed that the surgical option was best, as the cancer was growing. The surgeon advised that they would look in the small intestine and send off the results to ensure that there is not cancer there too. I still feel very overwhelmed and every test that shows the cancer getting bigger, makes me more anxious. The surgery is very high risk, given the major organs that are involved, which worries me. Its the unknown, damned if you do damned if you don't. I feel like I should be doing something more, there is not a lot of information out there to do any research. 

Jim has been very calm, about it all. I just breakdown in the shower daily, but still cant help being a sook in front of Jim too. He is comforting me...when I feel like I should be the one comforting him.