Support for Pancreatectomy Recovery Journey

As some of you may know, about 15 years ago, I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. I have had many procedures done, spent many weeks in the hospital, and missed out on many days of work, family events and holidays due to this illness. Doctors have been unable to find a cause for why this has happened to me; the best explanation I can get is it just happens to some people.

On July 25th, I will be starting a new journey and having a total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation and splenectomy. So basically, they are removing my pancreas and my spleen. They’re going to take islet cells from my pancreas and put them into my liver, hoping it will start producing insulin. I’m expected to develop diabetes after surgery, so this should make it a little easier to manage.

I currently work 3 jobs to pay my bills, and this surgery is going to put me out of work for at least 4 months. I will be going on short term disability and taking a major pay cut, but the bills still have to be paid. I have a long recovery ahead of me. For those of you who know me, you know I never ask for help; I would rather do what I can to help others.