Whipple

My Aunt has recenlty been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  This was devestating to my family. My aunt has basically been my mother during my adult life.  The doctor has decided to do the whipple procedure in two days. I"m very nervous about this procedure, as I do not know much about it. I have tried to research it online.  The answers I have found do not sound very promising. If anyone out there has any information on the subject, please respond. Thank you all.

A diagnosis of PC can be terrifying.  

The fact the doctors are confident they can attempt the Whipple surgery is actually a positive thing.  Many cases of PC are found too late and surgery is not an option.

The Whipple surgery is difficult and recovery can be a real challenge for the patient.  But it offers an opportunity for a possible cure.  The surgeon should go over everything in as much detail as your Aunt wants (maybe has already) before surgery.  It's a good idea for someone to be with her during appointments with the doctors to take notes.  I was pretty much in a state of shock when I received the diagnosis, and was so thankful my Husband was at all appointments with me.

Hopefully, your Aunt is having surgery at a hospital experienced with doing Whipple surgery.  It is important that the surgeon and surgical staff have experience with this surgery.  It is complicated. 

I had Whipple surgery over five years ago.  I'm OK.  I hope your Aunt has a positive outcome as well.

Im 29 years old, i had the wipple in january, i just got out from the hospital 3 weeks ago. i stayed there for 3 weeks. It is not an easy procedure or an easy recovery, but with the help of my family and friends wasn't that hard. they were there everyday supporting me. All i can say its that is a slow recovery but i will be able to live a little bit more longer. I really encourage you to be there for her and after her surgery, make her walk, short distances/ 3-4 times everyday. That saves me of having pneumonia. Thinking positive is the key. i will pray for her. God bless.

On 3/3/2008 cherrisneice wrote:

My Aunt has recenlty been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  This was devestating to my family. My aunt has basically been my mother during my adult life.  The doctor has decided to do the whipple procedure in two days. I"m very nervous about this procedure, as I do not know much about it. I have tried to research it online.  The answers I have found do not sound very promising. If anyone out there has any information on the subject, please respond. Thank you all.

I had the Whipple procedure in November 2005 at the age of 32.  If the doctors are recommending it, then there is the possibility that they can remove the tumor.

 The Whipple involves removing the tumor from the pancreas (mine was on the head of the pancreas), removing the gall bladder, the duoeduem (I can never spell it!) and sometimes a portion of the stomach (they removed 25% of mine).  It is a major surgery, but can be overcome. 

Almost three years later, I am well and am expecting a baby.  I have to watch my sugar (I only eat Splenda for surgar), but otherwise, I am healthy and living a full life.

 Keep an optimistic mindset and pray.

 God Bless!