Waiting for Wipple surgery

[ChrisP]

Hello

In lots of ways I am probably quite fortunate in that my lesion, which is in the uncinate process of the pancreas, is not yet cancerous but at almost 3cm wipple surgery appears to be the only option as it continues to grow and is extremely likely to become malignant.

More than 40 years ago I had a colectomy (removal of the colon) due to inherited polyposis at xx Hospital when it was in xx but is now attached to xx Hospital in xx. I do not have a pouch. Polyps still grow in my rectum and are inspected every 6 months and the larger ones removed but, as time passes, they have spread to my duodenum. Because of this I was referred to UCH London about 5 or 6 years ago and the polyps in my duodenum have remained small and not needing surgery. However the lesion was discovered and is a problem.

I went on a trial which involves removal of the lesion by an endoscopy procedure to drain the liquid and use heat radiation to remove what remained. The team were very positive about the likely outcome but, after having the procedure, I was told that they could not do the procedure because of 'echobright' which, apparently, means that they could not see the lesion and it, therefore, could not remove it. I was obviously very disappointed.

If anyone is aware of other trials or procedures which might be an option to the wipple procedure I would be happy to hear from you. I'm already type 2 diabetic.

Thanks for reading my story so far.

Best regards

Chris

[Veema]

Hi Chris...I've never heard of your particular problem...perhaps give the nurses a call on Monday, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

If you do have to have the whipples, although major surgery, it's not that bad...my husband made a remarkable recovery from the surgery, but his cancer soon returned.

Good luck

Vx

[PCUK Nurse Jeni]

Hello Chris,

Thank you for your forum post, and sorry to hear that you were unable to have treatment as part of the trial.

If you would like to contact us then please feel free to do so - the details are at the bottom of the signature.

Kind regards,

Jeni.

Jeni Jones

Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse

Support Team

Pancreatic Cancer UK

email: support@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

support line: 0808 801 0707

[raun cesar]

Hey Chris, I cannot help you with the problem but hope someone else will add some advice for you. Meanwhile you can ask your nurse in the appropriate direction. Good Luck!!