Total pancreatectomy

[Jess]

Hello.. I'm new to the forum. My husband 66yrs old has just been diagnosed with a suspected cancer in the pancreas.. The consultants have decided to do a total pancreatectomy.. He is already type3 diabetic and taking creon for chronic pancreatitis... It was only discovered after a failed attempt to fit a stent... I realise how fortunate we are to have the option of surgery.. But I'm really scared about the risk involved and complications that could follow the surgery.. Does anyone have experience of this type of surgery..? And what to expect?... The whole situation is made harder with covid.. As we cannot visit.. Thanks. Jess

[PCUK Nurse Rachel R]

Hi Jess,

It's Rachel here one of the nurses. Welcome to the forum and thanks for posting. I am sorry to hear of your Husband's recent diagnosis. It's good news to hear that he is able to have surgery. I'm sure though you will be incredibly anxious about what lies ahead.

Here at the charity we have a peer support service which is called 'Side-by'Side', this simply links up a person that is planned to undergo, or has recently had pancreatic surgery for cancer with a trained volunteer that has previously undergone pancreatic surgery. We know how valuable it is for someone to speak to another person that has gone through the same thing. There is a bit more information available here via this link;

https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information-and-support/support-for-you/side-by-side/

If your Husband did wish to set this up then give us an email or call us on the support line and we can organise it (contact details are below). I hope that others may reply to your post too with their experiences.

Kind wishes,

Rachel

Rachel Richardson

Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse

Support Team

Pancreatic Cancer UK

email: nurse@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

support line: 0808 801 0707