GET WELL SOON, PADDY!

Classmate ’Paddy’ Padilla Jr. - writing about his health - says he’ll undergo ‘palliative’ treatment

Classmate Sinforoso “Paddy” Padilla Jr. wrote the following account of his battle with pancreatic cancer, detailing diagnosis and remedial issues, via a email (dated Monday, May 21, 2018 06:54:22 PM) to classmate Roger Austria:

“Just had a consultation visit with Dr. Eric Batts, M.D., the Oncologist at the Holland Cancer & Hematology Centers of West Michigan, and according to the report of Dr. Barber, gastroenterologist of Spectrum Health Grand Rapids who did the Endoscopic Ultrasound biopsy, I have an adenocarcinoma of the pancreas which apparently was of Stage III meaning locally invasive (abutting the mesenteric vein that drains all the intestines, and the portal vein that drains the liver), but no sign of distal metastasis, and inoperable.  (Dr. Barber a few months ago did the original EUS biopsy what showed IPMN, Intraductal Papilloma Mucinous Neoplam that was then benign but with some suspicious cells, and referred me to Dr. Matthew Chung, Oncological Surgeon in Spectrum, who said that because of my age and other medical problems I might not survive the recommended pancreatectomy (Whipple of modified Whipple Surgery). I presume this confirms Dr. Chung's evaluation and the other Dr.s agree.

“Dr. Batts thus recommends that I undergo chemotherapy (later probably radiation which is palliative and not curative), for patients with my diagnosis, they recommend a combination of 2 drugs. He went thru the expected possible side effects. Prognosis-wise, the basic longevity of Stage III is 1 year untreated, and with chemotherapy prolong life hopefully cure it. So I said go ahead. He thus scheduled me to have a port installed by the radiologist at Holland Hospital to be able to administer the Chemo (like a central venous line) and to undergo another cat-scan with contrast to monitor my  progress. I will have have to undergo the cat-scan every few months to monitor the progress, and not have to undergo repeated EUS biopsies. I still have to hear from Holland Hospital when I will undergo these, but Dr. Batts expects to be able to start the chemo within a week.”

Classmates may contact Paddy and extend him their hopes for a speeding recovery at dotpaddy@gmail.com.

MESSAGES:

From: Roger Austria [rogeraustria@yahoo.com]

Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2018 5:51 AM

To: Paddy and Dot Padilla <dotpaddy@gmail.com>

Subject: Paddy's Update

Siony and I are very sorry to receive the sad news about your recent diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of pancreas, Stage III.  I am not a doctor so I don't understand all the intricacies of your diagnosis but as you said it looks like the prognosis is not good.  We can only pray and hope that recent advances in medical science can alleviate your condition, if not add more years to your life. 

I note that I am the only high school classmate with whom you shared the information.  So, I have to ask you if you do not wish to have our classmates know about this at this time.  However, if this is not your intent I can forward your email to our NAC members as well as those in Manila so they can send you and Dot their best wishes for a quick recovery.

I apologize for a delay in responding to your email but our time is consumed by frequent visits to doctors, labs, pharmacies and other medical demands.  We are at that stage, Paddy when these demands take front and center in our life.  Rest assured, we will remember you in our prayers.

Our best wishes to Dot as well. 

Keep the faith ... Roger and Siony

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From: Pete Manansala [p_manansala@comcast.net]

Sent: Friday, June 1, 2018 7:53 AM

To: Paddy and Dot Padilla <dotpaddy@gmail.com>

Subject: Re: Paddy's Update

Get well soon paddy...

Pete

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