The Story

Hi Everyone-

My family and I started this blog because we realize that many people will want updates on our dad.

So here's the background. About a week ago, October 28th, my Dad started to show a little jaundice. (Yellowing of skin and eyes). On Tuesday, his doctor ran some blood tests, which showed elevated liver functions. We were hoping it was a virus. On Wednesday (Halloween) he had a CAT scan, and that evening we found out that the test showed a mass in his pancreas that was blocking the bile ducts, and causing the jaundice.

The radiologists reviewing the cat scan believed that the mass was consistent with Pancreatic Cancer. On Friday, the doctor at St. Marks did an endoscopic ultrasound, and basically confirmed our suspicions.

The good news: my brother-in-law is an expert in pancreatic cancers, and he reviewed my dad's tests and he believes it is operable. Now, 80 percent of people who present with Pancreatic Cancer are usually past the point where surgery could help. So it looks like my Dad is in that 20 percent where there is hope that surgery could get the cancer out.

Since the mass is so close to a big vein, the surgeon may opt for 10 weeks of chemotherapy (5 weeks on, 4 weeks recovery) before the surgery, in hopes that the mass will shrink away from the vein. We see the surgeon tomorrow, and after that we will have a better idea of our game plan.

But the important thing is: we have hope. And a game plan. And faith. Lots of faith.

We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and love of so many family members, neighbors, friends, ward members. We have come to the conclusion that for a family that can't seem to shut up, we are all at a loss for words when it comes to expressing our thanks.

We will keep you updated. Feel free to pass the blog along to people who might be interested.

Much Love,
the Ashton Clot