Whipple Surgery

I have read some of your comments on whipple surgery which I am schedule to have July 9th I have not been diagnoised 100% with cancer but, my doctor is almost certain. I am 49 yrs of age and have a lot of concerns about this surgery and treatment. Does anyone have a positive outcome after this surgey? I would love to hear it

 Thank you
Melinda

Melinda,

I am 29 and had the Whipple in Feb of this year (when I was 28), and am doing good.  The recovery is hard and painful, but you'll get through it.  My energy level is still not as high as it used to be, but I'm doing a lot better and no longer have to take naps every day.  My diet is close to what it used to be but need to take enzymes.  Did the doctors try to biopsy your tumor but it didn't work?  That's what happened to me.  But, by the look and location, they were almost positive it was cancer, which it was.  What type of cancer do they think you have?  I had neuroendocrine neoplasm, not the typical/common PC.  Where do you live and are you confident with the hospital and doctors?  How many whipple's do they perform ech year?  That really is a big deal!  I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have!  Before my surgery I looked for positive stories, and was scared when I couldn't find many.  But I promise, there is tons of positive outcomes, I'm one of them!  Hope to hear from you.

You're in my prayers!

Christine

My husband, Len (69), had the Whipple surgery April 29.  We did not know for sure if it was malignant until the surgery.  It turned out to be adenocarcinoma, the most common type of PC.  He is recovering nicely and back to exercising and playing golf. His tumor was only 1.3 cm, had clear margins, and didn't spread to other organs.  He will be having chemo/radiation shortly as recommended by his surgeon and oncologists.

The doctors are usually correct.  Small tumors are hard to detect.  Len had ultrasounds, Cat scans, MRIs, ERCP, and EUS and none of them were conclusive.

 Good luck.  Nancy J

 

Melinda.

I had a whipple in February 2008 when I was 47.  When I had the surgery they knew I had a tumor and suspected it was cancer but were not 100% certain,  This caused me a lot of grief because I didn't want to go through this procedure for nothing.  As it turns out it was stage 2 cancer and was just starting to spread.  My onogolist later told me that without the surgery I probably would have been dead within 6 months.  So even though it's a pretty aggressive surgery, you really don't want to take any chances. 

The initial recovery from the surgery was tough, but not as bad as I thought it would be.  I was in the hospital for 2 weeks,  About 2 months after the surgery I had chemo and radiation for about 6 months as a precaution.  The last month of chemo was the worst for me, but not because of the pain,  By this point I had not really felt 100% good in months and I was starting to wonder if I ever would.  But I'm happy to say that about 2 months after I finished chemo I started feeling mostly normal again.

After the surgey there were some foods that I did't want to eat, but I was never on a special diet and did not need enzymes. Now I eat the same as before the operation. 

I was able to go back to work after 4 weeks, but I was lucky in that I work out of the house and could take naps when I felt tired,  In my case, I didn't have a lot of physical pain, but I was tired alot and the chemo made me feel a little sick.  

It's now been about 16 months since my surgery.  Every once in a while I have some pain where the incision was but for the most part I feel great, if you met me on the street you would never know I had cancer or a whipple procedure. The recovery period is long, but you still can do things,  I worked, went on vacations, coached softball and had a pretty much normal life during my recovery.  You will be tired, but eventually you will get your energy back. 

The one thing I would caution you about is doing strenous activity after the surgery, they told me to take it easy, but I wanted to get on with my life as soon as possible, so I was out coaching my daughters softball team and running around after 2 months which was way too early. As a result, I ripped the stomach lining where they cut me open and now have to have a hernia operation to fix the tear.

I hope all goes well with your surgery and wish you well

John

 

Thank you so much for the postive outcome. I just had a grandaugher June 12 th and am worried I won;t be able to see her grow up along with my grandsons. I belive in positve thinking and and inspired by your story hope everything stays well

 

Melinda

Melinda, the key is catching your problem early.  If it is cancer it is early and the procedure will be worth the effort.  I have made a good recovery, I an working, just had two new grands a boy and a girl and want to see them grow up.  I was out of the hospital in 7 days.  I have not had pain after the about the 4th week of surgery.  I so scared when told I needed the whipple.  But my experience has been positive.  I am experiencing anemia and get tired still, but other than that I'm back to my old self. I am 63 and had the surgery Feb, 10, 2009. I was diagnosed with ampullary cancer which is the nipple where the bile ducts drain into the stomach from the liver, pancrease, and gallbladder. The tumor was on the nipple. I was stage 2.  I called MD Anderson in Houston, TX because I was so afraid of the surgery, I wanted someone who knew what they were doing.  I have not received chemo or radiation after, I received it before.  But, once you have cancer, you are always scared it is going to come back.  Good luck to you.  I know you will do well, just make sure whoever does the surgery is experienced. jm

Dear Melinda,

I recently lost my fiance to PC.  He  was 51 and was diagnosed in Dec.  The surgery is really your only option.  We were not a candidate, only 20% of pts are, so feel blessed that yours was caught early.  You need to PLAN TO LIVE! 

Good luck,

Lisa

JM

Thank you so much for the positve information. I work for Trinity Mother Franes Hospital in Tyler and have been told I have the best surgeon around. My boss told me he is a man with God on his shoulder, Very comforting to hear.  I am praying they have caught this tumor in time. I fell very positive about it and so does my family. I plan on living a long time and have always been a very strong person. I will not let this beat me.

 

Melinda

Christine

 Thank you for your concern. I have a biopsy in the moring hopefully this will turn out well. I have the best surgeon that;s around. I have a positive attitude about everything.  I know I will be fine..

 

Melinda

Melinda,

I had a Whipple about 5 weeks ago.  I was surprised because it went much better than I had thought, after reading about it.  I had it done at Georgetown University in DC.  I was out of bed the next day, walking about, and each day walked a bit more.  This was very helpful in getting my body working again, after the anesthesia.  My wife gave me a boost to a sitting position, and then I was able to stand and walk on my own.  I had a morphine pump which I used the first few days, and it was helpful, although I can't complain about excessive pain.  My surgery was on a Thursday, and I was home the following Thursday.  For weeks I've been craving a Whopper with fries but don't have the courage to try it.  I lost weight and find it tough to gain it back.  My doctor prescribed enzymes which I've been taking for 10 days and I do see a very positive difference.  I can eat a wide variety of foods, especially pasta which I like, sandwiches, pie, fruit, and I even ate some chocolate yesterday and today with no effects.  I get fatigued and nap usually in the afternoon for an hour max.  I'll be starting chemo and radiation in another 10 days or so.  I wish you all the best.

Gary