Hi there
I agree with the replies to your letter. I had a Whipples on 4th June this year. Am now 16 weeks post op and have recovered well with no complications and luckily none of the problems others write about. I do have more gas than previously but I'm not complaining.
My ampullary tumor took 2 years to diagnose (I did have symptoms) and when analysed had just turned cancerous with 3mm of cancer in the centre of the tumor (PT1NO). I'm not having chemo or radiotherapy.
I've just returned to work and have been regaining fitness with brisk walking for 40-60 minutes most days. Have also just returned to Pilates to regain flexibility in my torso.
My advice was that this is a sneaky, insidious cancer and needs radical treatment. Yes, the surgery is rough. Mine took 10 hours and the first 5 days are just a hazy memory but from then on it was a slow sure recovery. I'd say go for it. Although they say it is elective surgery, I don't think people with ampullary cancer do have a choice if they want to survive.
Best of Luck
New Chum