I had a Whipple 12 years ago for a diagnosis of high grade, poorly differentiated pancreatic cancer with portal vein involvement. I wouldn’t say it was awful but it was challenging and got through it to where I feel as good as before onset of illness. It was a new experience and I found ways to successfully deal with the challenges.

I am retired from a 40+ year career in clinical cancer, immunology and stem cell research and began my career as a medical technologist. I am very active as a research patient advocate on the GI Cancers Committee of the Eastern Comprehensive Oncology Group (ECOG-ACRIN), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association. I am also a 12 year survivor of stage IV metastatic to the liver that was imaged a week after the Whipple.

Back in 2012, the resolution of a CT was less than today. Being diagnosed and quickly having a Whipple, the metastatic disease was below the detection threshold of a CT at that time and how I ended up having the procedure as a stage IV patient. Aggressive chemo and the detection of a gene mutation from genetic testing led to targeted therapy for maintenance monotherapy.

@steffi2, I add my welcome. What have you learned about your treatment plan? Any update?

Hello @steffi2 , I am sorry to hear about your pancreas cancer diagnosis. I am a five + year survivor that worked with Dr Truty at Mayo, Rochester. His plan for me included Folfirinox, and then Gemcitabine/Abraxane, which was followed by radiation and then, surgery. I had a pancreatectomy on 10/23/18. I am cancer free and am fully recovered. I now wear a OmniPod 5 insulin pump and Dexcom G6 CGM. They communicate with each other and it helps me avoid blood sugar lows. You could check out my blog which is more for emotional support for those walking through a cancer diagnosis to healing: RitaAnn.org/blog Peace to you, Rita Ann