Babardian PM has pancreatic cancer

Prime Minister David Thompson of Barbados is suffering from pancreatic cancer but his personal doctor says Thompson is responding well to treatment and is physically and mentally fit to continue leading the country.

In a statement issued Thursday morning Richard Ishmael said the Prime Minister has been undergoing chemotherapy at the New York Presbyterian Hospital to shrink the tumour because it is too dangerous to remove it at this stage.

“After consultation with three world-renowned pancreatic surgeons, it was decided that the best course of action was for him to undergo intense chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumour first to enable its safe removal.

"So far he has had four rounds of chemotherapy followed by a repeat abdominal CT scan which has shown a moderate shrinkage of the tumour with no new spread,” Dr Ishmael said.

“Because of the intense chemotherapy the Prime Minister has lost a considerable amount of weight. He also feels tired at times and needs to rest more than usual to regain his strength.

"His mind, brain and intellect are as sharp as ever and from a medical standpoint there is no reason why he cannot continue to perform his duties as Prime Minister, albeit at a reduced pace,” Dr Ishmael added.

The doctor did not elaborate or take questions from reporters. And he asked everyone to respect the privacy of Thompson and his family.

Dr Ishamel said Thompson had planned to return to New York in three weeks for another round of chemotherapy, a repeat CT scan and, if feasible surgery.

However he said he had to be rushed back to hospital in New York ahead of schedule after he developed intense abdominal pain and vomiting. The doctor said a CT scan uncovered a clot in the veins around the pancreas.

Dr Ishmael explained since getting back to New York Thompson has been doing better. He said the clot has started to dissolve and the Prime Minister is “in good spirits” and is expected to be return home next week.

Dr Ishmael said Thompson had no major health issues prior to the discovery of the tumour in his pancreas.