Tonpowell

Tonpowell - I had a laparoscopic Whipple last April at Johns Hopkins. Insofar as the surgery itself, physically, it left 6 small scars sprinkled around my abdominal area, but inside, a lot of cutting and re-routing went on (and all of my digestive organs were "trimmed"). Recuperation was faster than the traditional surgery and I was out of the hospital in 5 days. Recovery was more rapid (I'm told) than that of the more traditional forms of the Whipple. But, I did experience an undiagnosed infection in the hospital that in about 2 weeks after surgery, resulted in development of 2 abscesses on my liver - apparently from contamination during surgery (there's not much room for the surgeons to work in). I had to do 3 weeks of IV-mega-antibiotics to get rid of the abscesses.
I recovered from the surgery, but some of the treatments caused issues, especially the radiation: pain on internal incision areas, buldging organs, etc. I'd do it over again, but wish I'd been forewarned about side- and after-effects. Pls let me know if you wish more details. JMS

Hello and welcome, we are glad you found us. Here is a link to our cancer dx page for your type of cancer. Take a look at it to get you started on some information. You will notice at the bottom of that page 4 of our active users who have had that journey already, you may wish to contact them for their experience and wisdom. Also, any questions you may have just post them in the questions tab and everyone will see them there and be able to help you.

www.whatnext.com/conditions/cancer/pancreatic-cancer

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Greg P
3x survivor
Team WhatNext

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