My Dad

The Palbicki Beaks at Casey's Senior recital

My dad, Bill, was just diagnosed with Stage I pancreatic cancer. I was with him last Wednesday when we got the terrible news after an endoscopy. He has a 1-2 cm tumor on his pancreatic bile duct which is also wrapped 180 degrees around a vein. He had been in for a battery of tests (blood, ultrasound, CT, CT with contrast) after having some nausea and high liver enzymes, but we never expected to hear this.

On Monday, Dad, Linda & I met with Dr. Vickers at University of Minnestoa Medical Center who recommended 6 weeks of chemo and radiation to shrink the tumor away from the vein followed by a complicated surgery known as a Whipple procedure to remove the head of the pancreas along with the gallbladder and part of the intestines. There may be more chemo after surgery as well.

My dad is feeling pretty good most days, although he has some jaundice & itching due to the bile duct issue, but he will get a stent soon to help with that. His spirits are high, as usual, and we are all eager to get started on treatment next week, we are just waiting on an appointment with an oncologist as Masonic Cancer Clinic.

Needless to say, this is very scary and sad for all. Dad's Grandpa Jack had it, as did his brother Rick so that is evidence of a hereditary component which means Casey & I need to see a geneticist to discuss our risks and prevention strategies. Coincidentally, my Grandma Audrey also had it (although we were not blood related as she was my stepgrandma).

Please pray for for peace and healing for my dad! We love you, Dad!

Nori & Papa Bill on his 59th birthday last month