Test Results from Barnes Jewish Hospital in St Louis

Gary and I just got back from Barnes Jewish Hospital in St Louis this evening about 6:00.  He had tests today that started this morning about 7:00.  He had a CT Scan, Blood Tests, and an Endoscopic Ultrasound.  We met with Dr. Faris Murad, the oncologist, and Dr Chris Anderson, a pancreatic specialist.  We were very impressed with both of them and have the utmost confidence in their skills. 

Although we did not like what they told us, we have accepted it and are moving forward with our thoughts and plans of action.  Here is what they told us:
     1)  The tumor is cancerous
     2)  It surrounds the artery, not just touching it
     3)  Surgery is out of the question for now unless the tumor can be shrunk away from the artery
     4)  Chemo and radiation are the only ways to shrink the tumor and the chances of that happening are slim (about 20%), however 20% is better than none. 
     5)  There is a possibility that Gary could qualify as a participant in a clinical trial if he wants to, which we would want to if it came to that choice.
     6) Gary will probably never gain his lost weight back because the pancreas is not functioning properly.  So far he has lost about 60 pounds. 
     7) He can eat anything he wants to, even a little sugar.  It justs needs to be a healthy diet full of calories, carbs, and protein.

Gary will start a regular routine of chemo and radiation on Monday, January 3rd.  Dr Anderson in St Louis will confer with Dr. Woodall in Springfield and Dr. Leo in Bolivar about the treatment going forward.   We are both handling the situation very well, thanks to Gary's mental acceptance of the facts. The best medicine he can get at this time is all the support from family and friends (and we thank all of you very much for that) and ballgames, ballgames, ballgames!!!

Jannis