Larry, Whipple is a long and arduous surgery with a long and often difficult recovery, especially for an older person after chemo. I can guide you (I am not a MD) but need more information in order to do so. What stage is the cancer? If she is not metastatic there are many less invasive, lower risk options. What is the hospital you are at? If they offer nothing other than surgery, that give me reason for concern. I strongly recommend a high volume cancer center. Depending are where you are located, I can suggest one. Has she had a multi-disciplinary consult (Oncologist, Radiologist, Surgeon, interventional radiologist (possible), pathologist (possible) and a dietitian? Possibly a nurse or social worker as well. Cancer requires a team of specialists. I personally am fine with chemo being outsourced to local facilities, but beyond that a major high volume hospital with a Pancreatic cancer center is a must. Send me a private message.