1. < Pancreatic Cancer

Husband had Whipple surgery and chemo: He's uncomfortable

Posted by joanalc @joanalc, Jan 31, 2023

I'm trying to be supportive, but he's to undergo chemo for 6 months, and have 5 to go. He's uncomfortable much of the time. Help!

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nvan22 | @nvan22 | Jul 13, 2023
In reply to @wjk "I earlier stated Dr. Kendall, but I meant to say Dr. Kendrick. Was your laparoscopic Whipple..." + (show)
@wjk

I earlier stated Dr. Kendall, but I meant to say Dr. Kendrick. Was your laparoscopic Whipple done robotically? Did he do a full Whipple or a modified Whipple and preserve your pylorus?

Thanks for your reply. Hearing from someone who precedes me on such a similar path (in the same clinic and with the same surgeon no less) is very helpful. Congrats on your good outcome and ongoing improvement.

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I also have Dr Jethwa radiation oncologist and Dr Ma was my oncologist at Mayo. Dr Jethwa was great loved him.

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nvan22 | @nvan22 | Jul 14, 2023
In reply to @wjk "I earlier stated Dr. Kendall, but I meant to say Dr. Kendrick. Was your laparoscopic Whipple..." + (show)
@wjk

I earlier stated Dr. Kendall, but I meant to say Dr. Kendrick. Was your laparoscopic Whipple done robotically? Did he do a full Whipple or a modified Whipple and preserve your pylorus?

Thanks for your reply. Hearing from someone who precedes me on such a similar path (in the same clinic and with the same surgeon no less) is very helpful. Congrats on your good outcome and ongoing improvement.

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I did have a pylorus saving Whipple

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joanalc | @joanalc | Sep 19, 2023

<p>My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed to be doing well until 2 months ago. He is in lots of pain(shoulders and knee), lacks energy, is lethargic, hasn't gained much weight, has difficulty walking due to joint pain. He also has neuropathy in his hands and feet. His last scan in July was clear; another is scheduled for Oct. I'm concerned. Any tips?</p>

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4 replies
c2pricorn66 | @c2pricorn66 | Sep 20, 2023
In reply to @joanalc "My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed..." + (show)
@joanalc

<p>My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed to be doing well until 2 months ago. He is in lots of pain(shoulders and knee), lacks energy, is lethargic, hasn't gained much weight, has difficulty walking due to joint pain. He also has neuropathy in his hands and feet. His last scan in July was clear; another is scheduled for Oct. I'm concerned. Any tips?</p>

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Hi I would take him back to the hospital to be admitted and thorough review. Make sure you step up and take the lead. 🤗

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kjc12 | @kjc12 | Sep 21, 2023
In reply to @joanalc "My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed..." + (show)
@joanalc

<p>My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed to be doing well until 2 months ago. He is in lots of pain(shoulders and knee), lacks energy, is lethargic, hasn't gained much weight, has difficulty walking due to joint pain. He also has neuropathy in his hands and feet. His last scan in July was clear; another is scheduled for Oct. I'm concerned. Any tips?</p>

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Don’t hesitate to contact your Oncologist and let them know right away. They will lead you in the right direction/testing for your husband. Please let us know how he is doing. Will keep him in my prayers.

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lvtexas | @lvtexas | Sep 21, 2023
In reply to @joanalc "My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed..." + (show)
@joanalc

<p>My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed to be doing well until 2 months ago. He is in lots of pain(shoulders and knee), lacks energy, is lethargic, hasn't gained much weight, has difficulty walking due to joint pain. He also has neuropathy in his hands and feet. His last scan in July was clear; another is scheduled for Oct. I'm concerned. Any tips?</p>

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Ask for a vitamin panel; whipple affects vitamin absorption. Take supplements.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 1, 2023
In reply to @joanalc "My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed..." + (show)
@joanalc

<p>My husband had Whipple surgery in Nov 2022, followed by 6 months of chemo. He seemed to be doing well until 2 months ago. He is in lots of pain(shoulders and knee), lacks energy, is lethargic, hasn't gained much weight, has difficulty walking due to joint pain. He also has neuropathy in his hands and feet. His last scan in July was clear; another is scheduled for Oct. I'm concerned. Any tips?</p>

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@joanalc, how are you and your husband doing? Were you able to make an appointment to see a symptom management nurse or his oncologist?

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dantina777 | @dantina777 | Nov 20 8:03pm
In reply to @nvan22 "My results are the same Dr Kendrick was my surgeon everything was done laparoscopically 5 tiny..." + (show)
@nvan22

My results are the same Dr Kendrick was my surgeon everything was done laparoscopically 5 tiny incisions but I can barely see three of them. I am NED. Went back to Mayo for the 3 week intensive radiation vs the 5 week. In the end my tumor was dead he just peeled it off during surgery. The journey is far from over though it’s like having bariatric surgery so you learn to eat all over again and expect to lose weight. I lost 20 lbs I know people who have lost 40 lbs it’s very hard to gain the weight back. My highest CA-19 was in the 60s I believe the highest maybe it was a little higher. I am also done to very low single digits. Best of luck to you. You are in great hands!!

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@nvan22 just want to ask, was your surgery done at St Mary's Hospital in Mayo? When did you have it done with Dr. Kendrick? Thanks!

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1 reply
nvan22 | @nvan22 | Nov 21 8:08am

Yes it was at St Mary’s we, my family stayed across the street at the Staybridge Suites. My surgery was October 13 2022
I’m doing great no signs of disease returning. Gained 5 pounds. 🙂

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1 reply
joiedevivre | @joiedevivre | Nov 25 6:55am
In reply to @joanalc "Many thanks for your responses. His appetite is good, but still no weight gain 😞" + (show)
@joanalc

Many thanks for your responses. His appetite is good, but still no weight gain 😞

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My husband lost 10kgs after having had 66% of his pancreas removed. Surgeon put him on Creon. He takes 3 tablets with every meal and in a year he has regained his pre-surgery weight. He is still on chemo but fortunately no nausea.

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