Anyone have preventative surgery for IPMN (not cancer)?

Carol,

First wishing you a great surgery and recovery.

I had a 14 day hospital stay (very abnormal and all my issue) which was due to me having a severe reaction to the post-surgery pain meds. I then was moved to the in-patient rehab for 14 more days.

I had an open incision across my entire abdomen versus laparoscopic small incisions. This was due to needing to remove my entire pancreas.

If I had done exactly what they told me: low fat, low fiber foods, 4-6 small meals per day starting with nutrient dense liquids and walk as much as possible as soon as possible - my recovery would have been so much easier. The need for the open incision complicated everything as well.

So, assuming you do exactly what they tell you and have laparoscopic or robotic surgery your recovery should go smoothly. Big note-get off opioids and on to Tylenol as soon as you can. They cause constipation that only makes the pain worse. Walk, walk, walk.

Toni

@bluemorphos Though different from your situation my husbands mass was only identified due to location and that it had blocked his bile duct causing jaundice, that prompted a CT which showed blockage and enlarged lymph nodes, then further testing was done, MRCP (MRI with contrast) which showed enlarged lymph nodes and 1.8 cm mass. ERCP/Biopsy was done and stints placed, biopsy was positive for PADC. CT scans since all have not shown any Pancreatic mass. Only enlarged lymph nodes. Oncologist shared that CT imaging of Pancreas due to density of Pancreatic tissue is difficult to see tumor. Which for us is puzzling, but he shared they look more at how a Pancreatic tumor affects the surrounding tissue. The only other test they have used was the CA9-19. My husband’s CA9-19 initially was elevated due to his blocked bile duct and after stint placement it became normal and has remained normal, so that test as well has limits. His mother and Aunt both died of Pancreatic cancer. His genetic testing was negative so also a limited marker. There is much still unknown about this cancer and it makes it difficult to diagnose. He underwent Neoadjuvant chemo after his diagnosis and a Whipple which was 10 hour surgery usually 6-8 hours complicated by Pancreatitis/inflammation. He has recovered well so far. He had an excellent surgeon who was experienced in Surgery doing 3-5 a week. Post op he had 30 lb weight loss, pulmonary embolism and small fistula, reduced appetite but quickly got back to normal. He was back to work light duty after 6 weeks. He is 55 years old. Recovery and surgery were rough but he feels it was his best chance to possibly beat this cancer. Wishing you the best.

No exp here yet just wanted to wish you the best outcome . 🙏

I had Whipple surgery & 12 chemo treatments to remove an adenocarcinoma from the head of my pancreas on Nov 6 2024. My gallbladder was removed 40 years ago and part of my stomach 20 years ago during gastric bypass surgery so the first 2 hrs of my 8hr surgery my team spent removing scar tissue! My advice is try to get off pain meds ASAP. I had my pain pump for only 2 days post op. Then muscle relaxers and Tylenol for 10 or 12 days. Do not lift anything heavier than a half gallon of milk. Definitely don't let Physical Therapists bully you into doing any exercises that cause you discomfort much less pain! "Sit to stand" is difficult enough using your hands to help! You need to ease into PT. The day after I was discharged from my surgery they sent a PT to evaluate me. He timed me while I struggled to stand from a straight back chair without using my hands! I told my oncologist I did not want the physical "terrorists" back I needed at least a week to 10 days to heal!!! Be mindful of anything you attempt to do that you use yr stomach muscles for! You don't want to cause a hernia.
I wish you the very best outcome from your surgery and a speedy recovery!