Scared of procedure..

[Miki8]

I have previously blogged about my husband and his gemzar treatments and now we are going to the doctor next tuesday (Dec 13) to see about getting the whipple procedure. The more I read about it the more scared I get about my husband having it done. It seems like such a radical procedure. Does anybody have any input on this. Is it the only way to be sure the cancer is gone???

[PCA_AliStunt Pancreatic Cancer Action]

Dear Miki8

Surgery is currently the only potential there is for a cure for pancreatic cancer. I can understand your fears about the Whipple procedure as it is major surgery. However if done in a specialist centre with surgeons who do a large number of these operations (do check with your own team) most people recover well. We have some survivor stories on our website which give varied accounts of patient experiences with the Whipples. Our latest is Howard who has had a good experience at the age of 70 - you can read his account here.

pancreaticcanceraction.org/...

Perhaps there are other Whipples patients who can comment here?

All the best

Ali

[Delly1]

Hi, I do know it is major surgery, but at least you have been given a lifeline, most patients are not given this option, so I would take great comfort from the fact you have been given the option, thinking of you and your husband !!! Please keep us updated with yr progress, PMA positive mental attitude, del xx

[Miki8]

Thank you both so much...yes, you are correct, I should be alot more thankful that my husband may have this opportunity at all....I will keep you updated...

[editfmrt]

Whatever the outcome, you need to hang onto the knowledge forever that you have been offered the only lifeline for this dreadful cancer. How I wish this could have been the case for my husband. He was offered no hope and indeed he and his whole family were treated with contempt by the NHS staff as we tried to fight for better treatment options and decent end of life care. Take this chance with open arms and remember this is the best option.....my thoughts are with you on your journey towards recovery xxx

[Miki8 in reply to editfmrt]

I am so very sorry for your loss... Thank you for making this easier knowing that at least he has a chance..

[Roddders]

I had the whipple procedure in February 2005 at the recommendation of my consultant although it was not confirmed as pancreatic cancer until after the operation. I know it is major surgery and is daunting but from my own experience I am convinced that it was the best way. I hope this helps in some small way.

[Miki8 in reply to Roddders]

Yes it does help....Knowing that someone who had the procedure would recommend it helps alot...thank you

[Delly1]

Miki8,

My mum was diagnoised with pancreatic cancer in September 11, we wish we had this option, but unfortunately mum showed no symptoms, until she went jaundice and we rushed her in !! We had a battle with the NHS, and mum is having chemo at the moment, she is 68 years old, so we don't know how long we have, that is why I commented earlier, I really do wish we had had the option, take it in your stride, and embrace it, your priviledged to have the option, when so many people don't, I wish you and yr husband all the luck in the world again for next week !! Del xxx

[Miki8]

My husband also went jaundice which is how we found out....I feel bad that not everybody has the opportunity to have the surgery...this is all so sad...We still are not positive that we will get the surgery but it looks like we have a good shot at it......thanks for sharing with me....xxx

[Duchess]

My husband was offered the whipple procedure went he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I can imagine exactly what your thoughts are and how scared you are, my husband and I were exactly the same. My husband was taken in and had the op within the week and it is a lifeline if you can have this op. As other people have commented, just like our surgeon said to us when we said we wanted to think about it, he said there were not many people he could sit opposite and offer them this op, only 1 person in every 2000 he came across with this cancer could he offer the whipple procedure. It is a major op but I am so glad my husband had this, the surgeons that do these ops are the best, it gave my husband a better life.. I wish you and your husband all the best in the world when you go and see your doctor on the 13th, thinking of you .Duchess xx