Whipples resection

[Lizbeth]

Hiya,

i was just wondering if anyone knows whether chemo always happens after a whipples Op? my mum was saying that she didn't need to have chemo (doc told her that friday)would that mean the tumour is at a very early stage or?

Thankyou

Lizbeth

[cliffp]

Hello Lizbeth

I think it's usual to have chemo after a Whipple's but it doesn't always happen.

After my Whipple's at the end of July 2009, I was told I was all-clear and didn't need chemo but was invited on to a trial where some had chemo and some didn't. I am one of the 'didn'ts'. As I have had full checks every three months I was pleased not to have chemo but now I do wonder if the extra treatment, even if unpleasant for while might have been a useful 'belt and braces' addition. I might even ask about it next time I see the oncolgist.

So, it isn't perhaps always essential so I wouldn't worry too much either was about your Mum if she recovers well without it. I would guess her tumour was caught early.

I could not be better (so far). Everything seems to work as well as before the disease started. Fingers crossed for us all.

Cleers

Cliff P

[Juliana]

Hi Lizbeth,

After my Whipples I was told that I may do 3 months of chemo as a 'precaution'. I am not sure whether at the time the Dr on the team knew whether it was cancer or not as before the op, they had presumed it wasn't.

Kind regards,

Juliana

[Lizbeth]

Thankyou for your posts...really helpful. My mum has been given the choice of Chemo now so is going to have it as a precaution...im am not sure as to what stage her Cancer was at....my next mission!I have tread carefully around her, dont want her to feel "not in control of everything. Thanks againXx

[Trevor F]

Chemo is not always applied after a Whipples although it is recommended. It depends on the severity of the tumour and the type of cancer. I had 6 cycles of Gemzar and Capcitabine. I made sure that I was never more than 3 minutes away from the nearest toilet.