On 4/29/2008
stephen22 wrote:
I underwent a full Whipple procedure on February 25th. My initial recovery went smoothly and I was released after 6 days in the hospital. However, 3 days later I began to vomit profusely and was readmitted, suffering from delayed gastric emptying. I spent 4 weeks additional waiting for my stomach and intestines to work together again. Finally, after a baloon dialation, things started to work. I have been home for 2 weeks and began a part time schedule at work this week. I work in downtown Chicago and commute by train from the suburbs.
I am now looking for an every-day oncologist--all I had was a surgical oncologist--and have seen one doctor. I have a second opinion next week.
My tumor was cancer but all my lymph nodes are clean. There appears to be no spread.
Does anyone know what the normal treatment is for post Whipple surgery--for pancreatic cancer? Is it a combination of radiation and chemo, chemo only, or ? The first doctor recommended 6 months of Gemzar chemo with no radiation. He said there is little to prove that radiation makes a difference. I have no idea what to believe and need advice in which doctor to go with, once I see the second.
Any information, stories, or advice would be greatly approeciated.
Thanks
Hi and welcome to the world of survivors.
I had a Whipple done Auugust 2006. Had a tumor on the head, they got that, nothing they saw in the nodes. Took 1/2 my stomach, 1/2 my intestines, gall bladder too. Also restructered ducts to the liver and kidney. Was in the hospital for 3 weeks, got out on my 60th birthday.
I did 6 weeks of radiation and started chemo in October 2006 (still on it). I get GEMZAR and 5FU every week for 3 weeks, then 1 week of vitamins, then back to chemo. They found some VERY SMALL spots on my lung and have since put me on oral chemo (Xeloda) also. They don't know what the spots are, but being proactive I guess.
No complaints, still here, that's all that counts.....
Good luck and God bless.