Jump to content

Advice and Information on possible Whipples


Jimbo

Recommended Posts

I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in December 2010, and was described as inoperable as I had spread to the liver. I have recently completed 12 months on Chemo - Gemcitabine and capecitabine. Needless to say that has been a marathon, but after the 12 months, the consultant sent me for a further MRI and PET scan, and believes I am now possibly a candidate for surgery, and I have an appointment with said surgeon on the 4th April


I have read numerous of the posts in here headed Whipples but haven't really got the information I seek.


Basically, I can understand the risks inherent in the surgery, I can understand the recuperation and pain etc, but what I want to understand is what quality of life I can expect 6, 12, 18 months and beyond that surgery.


I'm a self sufficient person who hates to rely on others, I am very medically adverse (don't like whinging to my GP) and I do not want to be, or feel, a semi invalid, and incapable of doing the things I like - walking, swimming, sex, playing squash and badminton, and yes - eating and drinking! I have also not worked for 15 months and would want to resume that too.... but will I be able to travel, stay away from home and be independent which is what my job entailed.


Can anyone help with this longer term understanding from their experiences?


Jim

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello Jim,

I'm pleased to see that your chemotherapy seems to have made you a possible candidate for surgery. I had a Whipple's procedure in December 2010 and since I had had a distal pancreatectomy in April 2009 it was a completion pancreatectomy - in other words I have no pancreas. As a result of that I am insulin-dependent diabetic and need to take digestive enzymes. Nevertheless, my quality of life is good. I have no pain. I am retired from work but quite busy with my mother, husband, children and grandchildren. We go away on holiday but only in this country. I don't play strenuous sports but never did so there's no change there! I've been having three-monthly scans and check-ups since last December but I don't rely on others to look after me and in summary have a pretty good life after my surgery.

You seem to have a good attitude in wanting to be independent.

Wishing you good luck and I hope the appointment goes well on April 4th.

Anne

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dear Jim,


Like you, I am fiercely independent and also energetic. When I had my Whipple two years ago, my big fear was that I would have to depend on others, but in fact that was not necessary. I had a tumour on my pancreas, which had doubled in size in 3 months so was advised to have a Whipple. The surgeons took out the head of my pancreas, my gall bladder, 35% of my stomach, my pylorus and several metres of intestines. The tumour turned out to be non-cancerous. I was in intensive care for 2 days and in hospital for a total of 3 weeks. For 2 weeks I could not eat or drink anything, then just had very small meals. But after 3 weeks in hospital, I went home, escorted by friends, but had no one to stay overnight, and at no time did I have anyone staying with me - and it was bliss to be alone after being in hospital and surrounded by people! I gradually got back my strength and now, 2 years later, do more or less what I used to do. I still have more energy than many of my friends. I eat 6 small meals a day and take Creon to digest. If I want to eat something not really recommended, I go ahead and eat it, but take lots of Creon and make sure I am near a loo, just in case. But, honestly, as I said in a previous post, life goes on! And I did the Hadrian's Wall long distance footpath (rather slowly) last September. I think the important thing is to listen to your body and not do too much too soon. Good luck, and let us know how you get on!


Sue F

Link to comment
Share on other sites

PCUK Nurse Jeni

Jim,


Great news that you have become operable! Congratulations to you and your team for the marathon. Let's hope it was all worth it! I am sure you will have been inspired by Anne and Sue's stories.


Very well done, and hope the op goes well!


Jeni.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"I like - walking, swimming, sex, playing squash and badminton, and yes - eating and drinking! "


Sex, yes................ but if this has spread to your liver I would not advise you to drink at all

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a good point from Trevor F. I only learnt after my Whipple that I cannot drink alcohol - and my tumour was not cancerous and had not spread to the liver. My surgeon (a French lady) told me that I can drink a mouthful of champagne once a year if I am at a wedding, otherwise nothing, no wine, no spirits, no beer, nothing! I have got used to it now but just occasionally would murder someone to have a glass of red wine!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

suef wrote :

> That's a good point from Trevor F. I only learnt after my Whipple that I

> cannot drink alcohol - and my tumour was not cancerous and had not spread

> to the liver. My surgeon (a French lady) told me that I can drink a

> mouthful of champagne once a year if I am at a wedding, otherwise nothing,

> no wine, no spirits, no beer, nothing! I have got used to it now but just

> occasionally would murder someone to have a glass of red wine!



Depends who you speak to. Some people say it's OK to drink in moderation. I don't any more although the occasional beer is harmless.... try the low or no alcohol stuff. But no wines or spirits. Personally I prefer the sex.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

PCUK Nurse Jeni

Hi Folks,


I have had a chat with some of the nurse specialists from around the country with regard to the advice they give to their post - Whipples patients and drinking alcohol.


The answer is in keeping mostly with Trevor's, in that occasional alcohol is ok to have. I think the fear is for pancreatitis which happens with large consumption of alcohol. They did not stipulate whether this was no spirits or wine - just said "alcohol in moderation occasionally is not harmful". I think Trevor is right, it depends on who you speak to and the Europeans seem to be stricter!! I had a tutor once who used to say "things in extremes cause problems", so I think as long as it is not an extreme, it should be fine to have the odd glass of wine and enjoy it!


So, there you go!!


Jeni.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using our forums you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.