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What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?
Can anyone give me information on how their recovery was after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy? After 2 years of MRIs every 6 months and watching an MNC slowly but steadily grow, my doctor said that I should have this procedure. I'm 45 and typically a fairly healthy and active female. I'm trying to figure out how much time I'll need to be off of work or if I can manage to squeeze in in during the summer yet while I'm off.
Thank you for any information you have!
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@grampskids
I just had a distal pancreatectomy (my spleen was removed a long time ago) on Oct 17. It was intended to be a robotic surgery but was switched to "open" as there were complications getting to the pancreas easily. It was a 6-7 hr surgery. It is now 25 days after surgery. My surgeon says I'm doing well but to expect another 2-3 weeks of recovery before feeling more "normal". (I also share the birth year of 1951...) My belly is quite tender, my lower back hurts a lot, and sleep doesn't come easy. But I can take care of myself (personal hygiene), drive, walk my dog (tho not as far or as fast as she would like), cook (tho food isn't very appetizing right now), can now carefully bend over if I drop something, etc. They removed 65-70 % of my pancreas and got the cancerous mass in it's entirety, but, of course, still a 40 % chance of it coming back. I have been directed to start chemo (Gem-Abrax) in 2 months, but I am very reluctant. I'm told the chemo will only reduce the chance of recurrence from 40 % to 25-30 %...not sure how I feel about this. Good luck on the 28th! Stay positive...
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1 ReactionGod bless you! You keep up the good work. You give me hope. Oh I'm positive. , You too! Thanks! Let you know when I get out of the woods. You should consider the chemo!
@grampskids I have to have the wipple surgery in the new year. They plan to remove half of my pancreas. I was born in 1952 so we are all in the same age range. I’m scared. I do not have cancer yet, but my main duct is Dia later 8 cm and. Have mucinous cysts. I’m having my surgery at Penn med in Philly. My surgeon is Charles Vollmer. His credentials are impressive. I just found out on Monday. I’m also in AFib and I’m going to have ablation in December. I have alot to process. I’m praying for you and anyone else going through this. I wish you the best of luck for a smooth recovery. I will look forward to hearing of your progress after your surgery. You both give me hope. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
A lot to process I agree! I'm scare too but at least there could be some light at the end of the tunnel. We can only hope the surgeries we get to have can extend our lives a little longer. If not I'm ready that way too. The good lord will take care of everything. Just enjoy yourself till you surgery. Hugs.to you and I will post my situation after mine. The wierd part of all is I feel completely normal body and mind like I have all my life. Oh well hugs to everyone that have to face it and god bless you all and families as well.