Re: Scared/Poss Surgery Keri... : )

[Guest guest]

Keri,

My name is Peg, my son Brandan now 17 had the TP/ICT on Aug 12 last year,

My son has never had surgery before this and he had fought this battle

against PAINcreatitis as I always called it as a true hero in my eyes.

My son was always very active till our journey began when this beast

reared its ugly head. He became a boy who riddled with pain could not even

leave

the couch, never mind enjoy all the activities he once did. He lost many

important years in his life, his first three years of high school where gone

before we knew it. But he endured and tried to the best of his abilities to

stay

up with his peers at least as far as his education was concerned for him it was

important and it was something he had control of. I knew thanks to the many

that have shared thier stories with me over the last few years how this

disease would probably progress, I could see it progressing. I was told there

was

NOTHING that could be done. I found through the pain of many that there was a

surgery, and I knew for my son it was his second chance. I was told this

surgery that my son faced was " DRASTIC " , " TOO RADICAL " ...I thought my son is no

longer living he is merely existing. What he is going through is drastic and

something radical had to be done. Brandan made the final choice he knew as we

did that he no longer could live as he had been, truly at times wishing for

death. WE ALL WERE SCARED, BUT we knew this was his second chance. With all

the love, compassion and support of the many angels here along with a few very

special angels, Brandan recieved his second chance on Aug, 12, 2002.

The recovery hasn't been easy, but you ask Brandan now and he would tell

you it was the right choice. Brandan no longer endures attacks that control

his every moment, the ugly beast PAINcreatitis for him is a thing of the past.

His blood sugars to date remain normal, he eats like any teenager should, he

recently has started to become more active again a year later. He has played

golf with dad, He has thrown frisbee and played whiffle ball with his cousins

in MT., we have recently got to take a vacation for the first time in many

years, he is LIVING again. His recovery has been slow but steady and some days

it seems its five steps forward and three steps back, BUT he is better than he

was a year ago. HE IS MUCH BETTER than he was a year ago.

Brandan does continue to have what has become known as residual pain, we

are still seeing pain specialists to try and see if we can get him completely

off all pain medication, BUT the amounts that Brandan takes now are minimal

compared to where he was just a few months ago never mind compared to a year

ago. So as always we will continue as we have to " TAKE THINGS ONE DAY AT A

TIME. " After all its all anyone can do!

I know its scary but your not alone, you have many here to help and

suppport you, also just imagine what life will be after your surgery and dwell

on

the positive. Brandan will be going back to school for the first time in

three years in Sept. for his senior year, its a dream that a year ago I could

only

imagine. I guess thats why " I don't believe in miracles, I RELY ON THEM! "

As always keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers...Keep smiling(cuz

sometimes its all one can do!)..TTFN..: )

If you have any questions or just need to talk feel free to email be directly

and I will be happy to call you if you would like.

Peg Bates

Brwnbare9@...

Pancreatitis Association Intl.

Massachusetts State Chapter Rep.

" It truly is amazing how one person can make a difference. "