Fear of the Whipple for Pancreatic Cancer

I am posting this because I am scared out of my mind and don’t have any other outlets to express my fear. My 75 year old, active wife has been diagnosed with a 2¼ cm tumor on the head of her pancreas. Tomorrow morning Dr. Joe Levi of the U of Miami Medical School will be performing a Whipple on her. I have no real concern with Dr. Levi or his team. My apprehension is post operation.

I am concerned about her pain, her losing all of the organs in the operation and her prospect for a “normal” lifestyle. I don’t want my wife to suffer and I want her to have a full, great quality, lifestyle. Some of the posts here indicate this is possible.

I am reading your post on November 9 so I hope and assume that everything has gone well with your wife's surgery. My 78 year old mother had this surgery almost six full months ago. Mom is still having all kinds of problems trying to eat, etc. I wish you a better recovery period than my mom is having. There may be some dark days but stay as upbeat for your wife as you can. Also get as much help from your family as possible. There is only me and my brother most of the time. Don't let the situation get you down. Hang in there. Remember they say most people eventually get through it. Everyone has their own timetable. Remeber that and don't count the days and you should be all right. God bless.

On Oct 26, 2009 10:50 PM amberwild wrote:

I am posting this because I am scared out of my mind and don’t have any other outlets to express my fear. My 75 year old, active wife has been diagnosed with a 2¼ cm tumor on the head of her pancreas. Tomorrow morning Dr. Joe Levi of the U of Miami Medical School will be performing a Whipple on her. I have no real concern with Dr. Levi or his team. My apprehension is post operation.

I am concerned about her pain, her losing all of the organs in the operation and her prospect for a “normal” lifestyle. I don’t want my wife to suffer and I want her to have a full, great quality, lifestyle. Some of the posts here indicate this is possible.

 

 

I am reading your post on November 9 so I hope and assume that everything has gone well with your wife's surgery. My 78 year old mother had this surgery almost six full months ago. Mom is still having all kinds of problems trying to eat, etc. I wish you a better recovery period than my mom is having. There may be some dark days but stay as upbeat for your wife as you can. Also get as much help from your family as possible. There is only me and my brother most of the time. Don't let the situation get you down. Hang in there. Remember they say most people eventually get through it. Everyone has their own timetable. Remeber that and don't count the days and you should be all right. God bless.