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To whipple or not to whipple? What is quality of life like after?

Posted by calvink69 @calvink69, Dec 9, 2025

Am 56 years old in generally good health, though with type 2 diabetes. Have a very large (41mm) adenoma in my duodenum. It's not malignant but is of a type that will almost certainly become malignant, it will eventually block my duodenum. I also have abnormal cells in the bulb of my duodenum, so endoscopic removal is not an option. Surgeon is suggesting a full Whipple, without preserving the pylorus. Realize that I'm blessed that things are pre-malignant but also didn't have a Whipple on my bingo card at this point in my life. Whole process has moved very quickly - started with anemia in mid-October and am looking at a potential surgery date in January. Would appreciate anyone's perspective on living with a Whipple and on quality-of-life post recovery.

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Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | 4 days ago
In reply to @ellyou069 "@tomrennie The belly band works as a support like a back support/compression stocking but for the..." + (show)
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@tomrennie
The belly band works as a support like a back support/compression stocking but for the stomach/abdomen. It definitely helps a lot.
Through it all I am grateful for the Whipple procedure. Keeping a positive attitude and just knowing my worst days are someone’s best days helps me to keep things in perspective.

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@ellyou069 I understand now. I wear compression socks for neuropathy. Thanks for the analogy. I am a believer in keeping a positive attitude and also realizing my worst days are someone's best days. I used to be that someone. Thanks for the reminder. I sometimes lose sight of that.

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Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | 4 days ago
In reply to @bilas "@tomrennie Yes the condition is very rare. I am taking Jamie to the movies today. He..." + (show)
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@tomrennie Yes the condition is very rare. I am taking Jamie to the movies today. He and I need a break. HUGS

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@bilas Yay for the two of you. I think that the distraction will help. Are you going to see anything fun? A good belly laugh or two might be just what the doctor ordered.

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bilas | @bilas | 1 day ago
In reply to @tomrennie "@bilas I have never heard of dextrocardia with situs inversus. I had to look it up...." + (show)
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@bilas I have never heard of dextrocardia with situs inversus. I had to look it up. I read that it is, "A rare congenital condition where the heart points to the right instead of the left, and other major chest and abdominal organs are arranged in a mirror-image reversal." Is that correct? If so, that is unbelievable. That drawing on his tummy had to be confusing. I have a hard enough time understanding my organs, and they are where they are supposed to be. Your surgeon had to perform the Whipple a little differently on your son didn't she/he? Wow. Doing the best that you can is all that you can ask of yourself. You folks have been through a lot. Just try to focus on the moment and take the rest in as it comes.

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@tomrennie Jamie has an appointment with the oncologist Monday 6th

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Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | 1 day ago
In reply to @bilas "@tomrennie Jamie has an appointment with the oncologist Monday 6th" + (show)
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@tomrennie Jamie has an appointment with the oncologist Monday 6th

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@bilas Please let us know how it goes? Hopefully, you can enjoy the holiday!!!

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bilas | @bilas | 1 day ago
In reply to @tomrennie "@bilas Please let us know how it goes? Hopefully, you can enjoy the holiday!!!" + (show)
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@bilas Please let us know how it goes? Hopefully, you can enjoy the holiday!!!

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@tomrennie Yes, I will keep in contact. Happy 4th of July.

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bilas | @bilas | 9 hours ago
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @bilas and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad to hear that Jamie is doing..." + (show)
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Hello @bilas and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad to hear that Jamie is doing OK after his Whipple procedure in April. Do you know the name of the chemo he will be having? Once you know the name, there will undoubtedly be members who will post with you about their experience with that type of chemotherapy.

Has Jamie's appetite been affected by the surgery?

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@hopeful33250 Jamie will see the oncologist Monday the 6th. Yes his appetite has been difficult for him to eat anything.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 2 hours ago
In reply to @bilas "@hopeful33250 Jamie will see the oncologist Monday the 6th. Yes his appetite has been difficult for..." + (show)
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@hopeful33250 Jamie will see the oncologist Monday the 6th. Yes his appetite has been difficult for him to eat anything.

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@bilas
I hope the appointment on Monday provides you both with some helpful information about his next treatment step. Will you post an update after his appointment?

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