Hi there, I am 34 years old female, had a whipple procedure done 4 1/2 weeks ago. I also had a non-functional neuroendocrine tumor in the neck of my pancreas. When I first found out, I like you was worried all the time. I saw an Aboriginal medicine man and I participated in a healing sweat ceremony where he applied natural radiation to the area. The experience was phenomenal. 3 weeks later I had my surgery. Surgery was the only best option for this type of tumor. I too have been told, this is the "best" kind of tumor to have. Not sure why. But I think it's because we're lucky to be good candidates for the surgery. I was thankful to the doctors and the team of nurses who took good care of me in the hospital. I was in the hospital for 11 days, began walking after 3 days, began eating solid foods after 5 days. I was 102 pounds before surgery, and only lost 10 pounds while in hospital. Now at home, I am eating more now, feel so much better, but have been told not to do laundry or heavy lifting for at least 6-8 weeks. I am a school teacher, so I don't think I will be back at work until September. I am not able to drive a car yet, my incison hasn't quite healed yet. The best advice I can give you is that it will be difficult the first 2 weeks after surgery. Thank goodness for pain meds, I was on an epidural for 4 days, then on morphine, then was taking percocet, then T3's when discharged. Good luck with everything! When is your surgery?
Eriko