Anyone Have Whipple At 80+?

Today my 80-year-old father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  The doctor who performed the biopsy (via EUS) says that the tumor is about 1/4 inch in diameter, seems to be localized in the pancreas, and has not attached itself to any blood vessels.  Although he said that we would need to meet with my dad's primary physician, he mentioined the various options and treatments available.  He implied that if a PET scan could confirm that the tumor has not spread outside the pancreas, then my father could possibly have the Whipple procedure.  I'm just curious if there is anyone out there who has had this procedure at age 80 or older.  If so, what has been your experience, and what would you suggest for my dad?

This is a very radical surgery, if he feels up to it and wants to he could do it, but it would be a difficult recovery. Having a positive attitude and wanting to get better is 1/2 the battle though!  I'm sure your Dr will advise you on his thoughts on this, if he doesn't look for a 2nd opinion.  Good luck to you and God Bless.

A Whiple is major surgery and takes a long time to recover from even in younger patients.  It is also the only real hope for long term survival.  Most patients who get the Whipple will get recurrent disease, but it does buy time.  So the question is this, how much longer does your dad want to be around and what price is he willing to pay for that time?  Its an easier decision to make at 40 than it is at 80.

It's been a while since you posted your message, so the decision about whether to pursue a whipple at 80+ years old may have already been made.  In the event it has not, here's some info from our experience.

My father was diagnosed at 81, and local surgeons refused to do the whipple because of his age.  Because of other serious complications associated with my Dad's illness, we were referred to a surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, where I had my father transferred.  That surgeon, Dr. Washburn, felt confident in his ability to perform the whipple and in my father's ability to recover from it because of his determination and prior good health.  Dad chose to go forward with the surgery, and Dr. Washburn did a fabulous job.  He and his team are truly experts in their field and I'd recommend them to anyone!  (UTHSC - San Antonio)

My father almost lost his life a couple times following the surgery.  He had many complications - infection, problem with the temporary feeding tube which necessitated another emergency surgery, and he was in ICU for over a month, which also caused ICU delerium with threats of suicide.  His recover was very long and it took months for my Dad's incision to heal.  He also now has a huge hurnia the length of the incision because he never properly healed on the inside - only the outside.  He looks 9 months pregnant.

After all that, it appears the cancer may have returned (not confirmed yet - based only on symptoms he is having).  If that's the case, I don't know that having the whipple was the best decision.  I agree with the nurse who replied before me - it depends on how much time your dad wants to buy and how much he's willing to do to get that time - as limited as it may be.