The FAP - Whipple Report

 Living with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) I am starting to realize I have a lot of Health Care Workers to thank. From back in the late 70’s, right up to the current day, and into the future. Some I remember well to this day, like the original surgeon who did my Colectomy back in March, 1980, he seemed to live at the hospital. To the surgical team that took care of my Pancreaticoduodenectomy, The Whipple, in Nov 2023, and the complications that followed, I owe these Doctors a big Thank You. But it’s more than that, there have been a number of Gastroenterologists that have followed me on a regular bases, from 3, 6 or 12 month intervals, using their skills checking for, and removing polyps. I can’t say enough about the Nurses that are always there to take care of me, most times I have had more contact with them than any other person on the team, and there are several I will never forget how they went above, and beyond taking care of me. They are all wonderful caring individual...

A summary of the key events for Whipple Surgery , Pancreaticoduodenectomy.  Private document, may only be used with written permission from Scott MacTavish. Warning contains medical graphic picture links. (spelling mistakes were “direct copy” from copied notes). Family History: “A 60-year-old male with a history significant for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Due to this condition the patient had a previous colectomy in March 1980, and has been undergoing surveillance EGDs since that time. His dad died of duodenal cancer in Feb 1980.” Jul 18, 2023 EDG Endoscopic, Reports: “Abnormal mucosa in the 2nd part of the duodenum. Innumerable diminutive polyps.  Extensive large flat adenoma no obvious malignancy, attempted removal, due to limited mobility / angulation of scope polyp could not be removed. There was a tiny erythematous area in the polyp with attempted biopsy but not possible due to above” Jul 18, 2023 ENDOSCOPY, SIGMOID Reports: “Abnormal mucosa. Anastam...

 Originally post on social media Nov 17, 2024. Nov 17, 2024 marks the 1 year Whipple Surgery anniversary, or " Whippleversary", as it's known as. I feel fortunate, and thankful to be able to share how it is now after a full year. I feel like one of the very lucky ones so far. I am still struggling with my strength, fitness, and can't use my core like I use to yet, but that hopefully will improve. Eating is going well, but sticking to the same medication, diet, and small more frequent snacks/meals 9 or 10 times a day. I have to watch my iron (Ferritin), and vitamin D intake, those started to change in the last blood work. The mental healing, and change caught me off guard. I go from feeling, guilty, glad, sad, and mad(at myself) all in one day. It's so confusing, and frustrating to experience the mixed feelings, but it's part of the healing they say. There are times anxiety, and a touch of depression hit me, and I feel over whelmed with simple th...

 Originally posted on social media Sept 8, 2024. "I got to visit another one of my "Happy Places" . It maybe my favorite of all the places that I was dreaming of visiting again after the Whipple Surgery. I also hit the 800km mark on the ebike that was gifted to me by family and friends to help get me back on the trails. I received the ebike on May 24th, I still remember the first time a saw the bike and sat on it. It made my day, it has made my summer. A big thank you for the bike that has made it possible to visit my Happy Places. 🙂 Recovery is a balance between the physical and mental healing. Getting to do something you love, seeing places that hold a special place in your life, helps with the healing. 🙏 I love the people, bikes, and the places in my life. Cheers."  

 Originally posted to social media Aug 17, 2024. "9 month Whippleversary, living Day by Day. Things have been going surprisingly good, I had no idea things would go like this. Eating 7 or 8 small meals / snacks a day, blood work looks good, but need to put on 10 or 12lbs. Energy is fluctuating, and strength is still low . Sense of humor is healthy, positive attitude is strong, and desire for adventures is increasing. 😜 Only taking 2 prescriptions, Viokace ( Pancreatic Enzymes) and Pantoprazole (Proton Pump Inhibitor) , reduces stomach acid so the acid doesn't damage the updated digestive tract. No daily pain or nasuea medication. 👍 Slowly feeling like I am getting my life back and adjusting to the "new normal". At times I forget what happened the last 9 months, and get a slap in the face reminder when I over do things . I still struggle with some tenderness, numbness, and  occasional sharp pain around the old fistula site. They tell me this area is s...