When we had our second meeting with the pancreatic specialists at MD Anderson, they spelled out a suggested treatment plan. They suggested 44 weeks of chemotherapy with one session every two weeks. While they were quick to say that not all patients react the same to the chemo, some patients have little or no reaction, while others feel nausea, flu-like symptoms and occasional diarrhea, that was pretty much the extent of the impact FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE.
They said that I may experience some slight weight loss, but nothing dramatic.
And the capper? They said that most likely I would not lose my hair with this suggested chemo treatment protocol. Now most of you who know me are aware that I am, and have pretty much always been, follicly challenged. So I got quite the chuckle out of the irony of perhaps not losing the two or three hairs that I do have up on the head.
Here’s a recent reminder.
fighting damien 
November 2, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Derek, I’m hoping you remember me, I peek in your office once in awhile. I’m the one that noticed how pretty your plant was on your desk. I stopped by Pam’s office one day and I asked her, “When the heck is this guy coming back, is he on a permanent vacation or what”? That’s when she shared your news. Funny, we get someone we like, works hard and is just starting to make a difference in the communication’s department. I can honestly say I’m sad and I think about you often. Your on my prayer list. It’s going to be a rough road but you sound very positive and that’s the first step. Take care of yourself Derek, Phyllis
November 2, 2010 at 1:29 PM
Phyllis, thank you for the very kind sentiments. Seems like I have a permanent vacation going, doesn’t it? Thank you for your prayers. Phyllis, I will be back, and hopefully very soon. Best to you and your family. Stay warm.
November 3, 2010 at 8:19 AM
From one follicly challenged man to another -Why can the doctors in this country get something right for a change? If a guy is “follicly challenged” go ahead and take the little that remains in exchange for not getting something like diarrhea. It just makes sense. But no “let’s save the (one) hair” instead.
We can now add “Save the Hair!” to other more common ones like “Save the Whales!” Doo, you remember “Save the Whales!” don’t you?
November 3, 2010 at 9:04 AM
You have me on this one, Jim-Bob. Should I even ask about “Save the Whales”? As they used to say when I was in journalism, “Remember, this newspaper is read by families.”