Whipple Procedure

I am recovering from the Whipple right now. I had the surgery on 1/23 and was discharged from the hospital on 2/4. What kind of questions do you have?

In my case, there was no alternative treatment. The biggest negatives are those involved with any surgery and clear up after a couple of weeks.

Aren't we lucky to have such rare situations?

I have a 4cm gastinoma in the head of my pancreas. They are taking quite a bit out. Not pylorous preserving, they are taking part of my stomach. How much weight did you lose from the surgery? How long til you could get up and around by yourself? So many questions....Thanks for responding, it helps to know that i'm not the only one...

Julie

They had me up and walking (short distance) the day after surgery.

My tumor was about 3 cm and believed to be benign.

I was urged to not lose any weight after surgery. The first week in the hospital I was on IV fluids, then they switched to a feeding tube. By the time I was discharged, I was eating by mouth. I am now working on stamina.

In my case, the tumor was found by a gastroenterologist. I haven't met with an oncologist yet.

I was referred to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL for the surgery. Where is your surgery scheduled?

I won't deny I had a couple of nights where I was really down, while considering the future. The Cancer Center has psychiatrists on duty to help with that. I hope you have that available to you.

Kathy

I'm shocked that you haven't met with an oncologist yet though. My GI doc referred me to my oncological surgeon immediately after finding my tumor. He then had me meet with another oncologist to start a file on me and do a blood work-up. They do think it may be cancer due to some abnormalities in my liver though. They all seem to be really aggressive, kinda worries me more. I'm trying to stay positive but really, how positive am I expected to be. I have a tumor. That repeats in my head over and over every day no matter what anyone says.

I know that I should talk to a shrink and I probably will. I know that no one close to me wants to hear the down-side of things that I think about. For their sanity I keep that inside. I'm a realist though, I know this is gonna suck and I know that it definately has the potential to suck more. I just expect the worst and hope for the best. Thanks for writing, it's easier to share some of this with someone who doesn't know me at all.

Keep me posted on how you are feeling. Only 2 short weeks until i'm in way over my head. I hope this is the final cure for your tumor and mine.

Julie

Good Luck and I'll leave you a message for pick-up after your surgery.

Hang in there - the surgery will remove everything the surgeons can see from your scans. There's not much they don't know about us, internally.

Kathy

How are you doing? Hopefully you have gotten through the worst of the effects after surgery. It took me about a week - the anesthesia wearing off was the worst part. And they wouldn't let me drink anything - just ice chips! I won't even go into the tubes and drains! Just that I'm glad they're gone.

Were they able to get all of the tumor?

I am now facing chemo and radiation. Have you been told about additional treatment?

Take care,

Kathy

I just found this group and read your posts. I had a whipple procedure done in Dec of 2006 at University Hospital in Syracuse. I am doing very well in my recovery and hope that you are as well! I have been cancer free for the past 18 months. The only issue that I am still facing is the food digestion portion. I still can't quite figure out what to eat, how often to eat and how much to eat so that I feel my best.

I would like to hear how things are going for you...

Shelby

Now I have a question for you: how long did it take to fully recover from the Whipple?

And, I am having the same digestion problems!

Take care,

Kathy

Surgery wasn't bad. I was in the hospital for 1 week and laid-up for 1 week at home. After that I was pretty good. I do sport the big 9 inch scar though! Rockin! Anyway, I hope you are both well and cancer free forever. Happy today and everyday.

Julie