Update: Mom and Kids

Fly_In_VA · #1 08-26-2009, 11:18 PM

Worst diagnosis anyone could imagine. My wife has pancreatic cancer. I wallowed in pity for about 12 hours, was angry for about 4, then kicked into action. I started calling around to contact someone who I knew was a 3 year survivor, made a second opinion appointment, and started a Yahoo Group called Pam's Army to help coordinate support and keep everyone as updated as possible.

I ask everyone to take the time they need to come to grips with it, then we will talk about the support, prayers and positive thinking.

We will not go down without a fight.

cmiller21b · #2 08-27-2009, 02:00 AM

I feel for you and your family. My wife had the same kind of cancer tht Farrah Fawcett died from. She was diagnosed with it almot 4 years ago. We went through some pretty rough times, but thru prayer and friends and family and a whole lot of faith, she made it through. Beliving that she'll get better helps in ways you would'nt belive. Keeping her attitude positive is also a big thing. She has to feel that she'll survive this and she will! Prayer helps tremendously!!!!!!!! Cindy is still on prayer lists all over the country. You'll find that there are support groups that will spread the word and we got letters and cards from people we did'nt even know. She still gets a card a couple times a yuear from a lady in New England. Take a deep breath or two and show her how confiant you are that she'll bet this. Please PM her name and yours too for that atter and I'll have her added to our church prayer list. Believe me it works! Never underestimate the power of God!

Fly_In_VA · #3 08-27-2009, 08:43 AM

Pam and Donnie Havens and children.

Damselfly · #4 08-27-2009, 11:01 AM

Donnie, you just knocked the wind out of me.
I can only imagine the road that you're on, and there's really not a lot of good that words can do right now, so I'm taking it to God.

Remember, I'm fairly close-by and can be there for your wife at all odd hours during the week for going to Dr.s and running errands while you're at work. I've got/will make time for you both if you need it. Check your PMs.
Lauri

jc-l · #5 08-27-2009, 11:30 AM

I'll be praying, and you can post (or even pm me) with specific prayer requests or when it's especially needed.

22midge · #6 08-27-2009, 01:02 PM

Donnie you stand tall ---scream fight or whatever you like....its your fight and you have lots of strong people behind yea.When I was down and needed some help they were here for me.Look over your shoulder and we are there. If you need it tell us and we can make it happen.

**FlyDoctor** · #7 08-28-2009, 07:59 PM

Donnie--words can't express my feelings. You've got the right attitude so fight this thing into remission--Larry

ditchmonkey · #8 08-28-2009, 09:00 PM

donne, same offer goes that lauri made, i'm only a few hours out and not really that busy, you need ANYTHING at all, i'm here for you dude, i'll pm you my number.

yankeefish · #9 08-28-2009, 09:04 PM

Praying for your wife and family

Fly_In_VA · #10 08-28-2009, 11:55 PM

Busy day. Pain mgt is working hard for control so she can go home. She is ready to get the snot out of the hospital. They scheduled a nerve block at 4 where they go in and kill the nerves around the pancreas to stop the pain.

Oncologist meet with us and gave me a list of 20+ clinical trials up and own down the eastern seaboard to consider. With my extensive medical background, I decided that the best way to make a decision was to spread them on the ground and let my dog pee on the one he wanted.

Needless to say, at 2 pm, I was down and out. Then our pastor stopped by and prayed with us and he knows what he is doing. Then at 4, they did the nerve block.

Background: Pam's Father Dan was a doctor in Ft Wayne. He passed away about 5 years ago.

His partner, Dr Hopen, is a 10 year survivor of pc. He called while Pam was recovering. He told me that when he was diagnosed, Dan picked him up from his appointment and flew him to Chicago for treatment with no questions asked. He said he would do anything and everything he could. I asked him to help me pick a trial for Pam. He said that I should spread the out in my yard and let my dog pick cause what the oncologist did to me was cruel. He said that Monday morning, he would start calling University of Chicago and get Pam in for a visit next week and they will pick the trial that they feel is best. With her being young, the clinics will fall over themselves to have her cause she has a good chance at success.

Pam was sitting up in bed when I returned and said she was hungry. I left to get her a baked potato and when I got back, she was still sitting up. We had dinner together and talked about anything other then cancer for some minutes. She laid back in bed, looked at me and said

'I WANT TO FIGHT THIS'