Hello:
I had a recent ERCP which showed enlarged bile ducts and a growth concerning for malignancy on my ampulla of vater. Multiple biopsies (over a dozen) were negative for cancer, but I was still referred to a surgeon for a Whipple procedure because benign tumors often turn cancerous and also because there is high incidence of false negatives. I am a patient at a university hospital that does a lot of these procedures, and I have a very good surgeon.
The Whipple procedure terrifies me like nothing else. I've read everything I can about it, but the one thing I can't find information on is: How long do people live after having this operation, assuming everything goes well and there is no more cancer? I am 48 now. Will I be able to live healthily into my 80's (like the rest of my ancestors) after having this surgery? It seems like this surgery is so drastic that it could shorten your life significantly, but I can find nothing in the literature about this.
Also, one of my joys in life is long-distance cycling. In the summer, it's common for me to bicycle 100 miles per week or more. This burns up about 500 calories per hour, and I'm not sure I'll be able to replace all those calories after having a Whipple procedure since you have to eat low fat, frequent small meals. Does anyone have experience with being athletic after having this surgery?