My companion of 20 plus years has been diagnosed with tumors (mass) at the top of his pancreas. The doctors at University of Va. are pushing the whipple surgery. I am concerned - especially after readiing the dismal results of this surgery. His statistics are: 80 years old, has pace maker, is diabetic, & has rheumatoid arthritis. He was diagnosed over a year ago. He has some stomach pain. They wanted to do surgery then, but he wanted to wait to see progression. This past year has been good for him -- we took a trip to Mexico, he cuts his grass & also mine. Drives daily, plays cards weekly with friends. Right now he is having a good life & at his age, I feel he shouldn't do this surgery. The medical doctor (this is a research, teaching hospital) & he is also director of pancreatic services, tells me now to ask him questions, about the surgery & he is going to set up appt. with us to talk to surgeon & he can answer questions. I am so confused. I can't advise him what to do & I'm so sad to know his outcome with surgery could be worse than just doing nothing --knowing he will probably die from this. They can't say if it's malignant until they operate, but all of the doctors say it is almost always malignant
Any Advice would be so appreciated..