Whipple surgery - any experience

[user2207]

Does anyone have a personal (or relative) experience of Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer. My father was recommended its modified version (when the stomach is left intact) but as this is considered such a risky operation with a significant chance of complications (even death), he is thinking if it is really worth it. It would be interesting to hear any personal experiences.

DFIL had a Whipple at 76. He died aged 90 from something completely different.

The first year post op was difficult as he picked up an MRSA infection in hospital but once he was over that he was pretty much back to a normal life. He was left diabetic and had to take digestive enzyme tablets of course but that didn't hold him back.

I had a whipple aged 40 for chronic pancreatitis. It was a very tough recovery and I had multiple complications - but I was back at work 4 months later

They will not offer it unless you've got good prospects of surviving so he's already surmounted that hurdle. I know somebody who had it recently after cancer was detected at an early stage coincidentally. Trouble with her gall bladder had led to an examination which picked it up. It was a big op but she was otherwise fit and well and she's made a decent recovery,

Thank you very much to everyone who shared their stories. I realise df is kind of "lucky" to have been considered and recommended for surgery and we are well aware of potential complications. It is the unpredictability if it all that is probably the hardest bit (after receiving the diagnosis), but at the same time it gives us hope. I wish you all survivors of this to stay well for a very long time.

My dad was diagnosed with PC and originally told he was an excellent candidate for Whipple. Meeting with surgeon went well and in passing said he would request a PET scan as the more information available the better before he started the operation, It was only after this that the surgeon called to say unfortunately the tumour had spread to the soft tissue around the pancreas and so whipple was off the table.

My dad was offered chemo, and was told he was cancer free at the end of his treatment Three months later the cancer returned and more chemo was not possible. He very sadly died 2 months later. He had 16 month from diagnosis to when he died.

If your dad has been offered Whipple he should go for it. With PC it really is ( as I'm sure you know) the only option for the chance of a good outcome. I wish you all the very best.

I was involved in quite a few during my surgical training. If he is reasonably fit and the cancer is thought not to have spread he should go for it.

It’s a tough couple of weeks in hospital, he will loose weight as he can’t eat while the joins all heal . If all goes well it will buy him extra time or potentially a cure .

My lovely relative was due to have this procedure but it was cancelled multiple times, and on the last attempt at getting them to theatre they decided on the table they were too weak for the procedure.
If you have faith in the surgeons and hospital (we didn't, and we fought and fought for our relative to have this procedure and the hospital totally let them down multiple times) then it could extend your father's life. It's a huge decision, but if he's a good candidate it will be likely his best shot.
It's a truly awful disease. Wishing him and you all the best.

My Mum died of PC and it is the worst death imaginable. She had a scan but by the time her PC was diagnosed she was stage 4. In earlier stages she had been to GP repeatedly but told it was indigestion at first. She lost about 7 stone and couldn't eat. I wish she had been given the chance of the Whipple procedure but her diagnosis came too late. I'd urge your Dad, if he is otherwise fit and healthy to give it a go. It's a big operation but in many cases life saving.

Hi!

I had a whipple 6 years ago when I was 28 - all absolutely fine now after having stage 3 PC.

There's so much that can be said, so I'll hand it back to you - is there anything specific you'd like to know? Happy to help xx

I thought I will update the thread in case someone will be looking for the information and experience as I did earlier.
It has been abour four weeks since my father's surgery (which happened three weeks after the diagnosis was confirmed). I should mention that it was not in the UK, but an EU country.
The surgery itself went as planned, with one minor change. The ICU stay was about two days, and then another 10 days on the surgical ward. Pain relief was managed really well to not really experience any pain, more of a discomfort and nausea for the first week and loss if appetite. The appetite has been slowly coming back, most foods are well tolerated, so it is a matter of trying and seeing what works and what does not. At the moment there is a slight issue with the low blood pressure, but this is one consequence of surgery that affects him the most. Other than that, dad is going for walks, doing light house work, does not feel as tired as he did even a week ago, and is improving. The weight loss was significant before the surgery because of jandice, etc, and then the first two weeks after surgery it was difficult to eat enough, so this is what we will be discussing with the doctors - he needs to get his strength back before the next steps in the treatment.

That's such a positive update, really hoping for the best possible recovery for your Dad .

I was just checking to see if you had posted any updates, and that I great new, sounds like his recovery is going really well