Can You Live Without A Portion Of Your Pancreas?

I have a dear friend who was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer today.  He has not even spoken to the oncologist to find out what they will do going forward.  Apparently his lymph nodes are clear.  I was wondering if they could remove most of the tumor and his pancreas, followed with traditional chemo and/or radiation therapy and look forward to a long life afterward.  He is 48.  Does anyone know of at least one case of this or am I being too optomistic?

Yes, I'm alive.  My pancreas is now calling a medical waste landfill in New Jersey home as it was removed last October.  Before I was totally gutted like a fish, 75% of it was removed in August.

With only 25% of a pancreas, my body still produced some insulin & digestive enzymes.

A total pancdretomy (I always misspell this word to the point my spell check won't even give me suggestions)  will live your friend a diabetic and his body will no longer produce digestive enzymes.  This means he'll need to be careful of his diet, will be insulin dependant, and will need to take digestive enzyme pills when he eats.   A person can return to a somewhat normal life style if they eat right, exercise, and take care of themselves.  A strong network of support also helps, so your pal is lucky to have you as a friend.

The healing process from a total pancdretomy can be painful.  For example, it can take a few months for one's body to remember that food should go down into the stomach instead of coming back up.  Delayed Gastric emptying is no fun!  I made it a game called Will It Stay Down?  As a friend, one of the worst things you can do it give your buddy tips on how to eat if he experiences delayed gastric emptying.    For example, no one likes to be told to eat slower, take smaller bits, etc.  even if this advice is given out of love.  It's not how a person eats that results in delayed gastric emptying.  Feeding tubes can also look scary, but they play a pivotal role in recovering if they need to be installed.    

 As for the chemo,  that is the wild card.  How and if the cancer has spread outside of the pancreas will play a much bigger factor in a successful recovery than not having all or part of his pancreas.

I wish you the best!

If your friend is able to have a surgery called Whipple procedure, where they remove part of your pancreas and other stuff, and if they are able to completely get the tumor, he has a good chance of being cured.  It is rare, but it does happen when the PC is caught early.  If there is no lymph node involvement, this is a very good sign. 

I had surgery November 2002.  I'm OK and have good quality of life.  Have to take pancreatic enzymes to properly digest food, but that is no big deal. I am also diabetic, but can control with diet and exercise, no medications. Five years post surgery, I showed a slight deficiency of vitamin B, so doctor had me start vitamins.  I was 50 years old at diagnosis and surgery.  I walk 4-5 miles almost every morning (except extreme bad weather), can eat anything I want (with enzymes) and most days feel good.  Is everything perfect - no, but my life is pretty darn good and I'm really happy to be here.  

I hope your friend has a good outcome.   

 

 

I had a whipple in 1992. I am not a diabetic and do not have to supplement enzymes. They removed about 60% of it. I believe they typically find the cancer in the head of the pancreas. The tail of the pancreas has the cells that produce insulin so if they can leave enough he might not be a diabetic.

There is treatment for this. Keep your chin up.

I will be praying for you both.

Traci

I have been without a pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, part of my liver and part of my stomach since Apr 06.  I am a full fledged diabetic.  I will be going on the insulin pump in the next few weeks to help me control my blood sugars.   I am spending time with my family, working, eating, just like everyone else.  

The one thing you will notice about the other posts is the positive attitudes that everyone has.  It really helps to get through things. Some peopel find it morbid to make jokes about your situation (i really liked the landfill comment) but it helped me get by.  Take everything a day at a time and find support through family, friends and church.

 Good luck!!!!!

I had a whipple procedure in 1990.  In this procedure, they remove the tumor, in my case it was an Islet cell tumor in the head of the pancreas, and part of the pancreas.  I am happy to report that I am alive and well and living in Florida enjoying my life.  Yes, it is possible to live with part or, even all of the pancreas being removed.

Larry

Yes - you can live with part of your pancreas.  I had half of my pancreas tail surgically removed by Dr. Malafa at the H.Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida three years ago. - Feb 2005.  I have a good quality of life and I just take pancreatic enzymes to help digest things.  I have no problems with sugar or insulin imbalances, but I do not eat sweets or breads.  I consider myself a miracle on two feet !        I have learned to eat very pure foods - close to the vine as they say - and I feel good.   I do eat small meals - so I get to eat all day !    God Bless you on your journey towards healing.