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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yellie | @yellie | Jul 18 8:52am

My 55 yo husband underwent Whipple (non pyloric preserving) November 2025 for stage 1 PDAC in the head of his pancreas. He was fairly healthy as well. 12 hr surgery and some post op complications but was discharged after 10 days. Recovery has went well but lost 30 lbs. he jokingly said it was all the “guts” they removed. He returned to work after 6 weeks light duty and full duty after 8 weeks. Eating recovery took time and he used Creon, by February 2026 he was able to taper off Creon. He has been fortunate that his blood sugar has been controlled. He is maintaining his weight and has no serious symptoms except Neuropathy from chemo. Whipple is no joke and everyone’s experience will be their own but there is also a very good chance of good results. Like you shared it is a matter of weighing the risk. Find a Surgeon and healthcare facility that does Whipple regularly over 15-20/year. Wishing you the best outcome.

Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | Jul 18 10:19am

In reply to @bilas "@bilas On the 27th of July I am taking Jamie to Sloan Kettering for another opinion." + (show)

@bilas How did the last appointment go?

bilas | @bilas | Jul 19 11:11am

In reply to @djr1206 "I had a similar diagnosis. A cyst on my pancreas. Not cancerous at the time, but..." + (show)

@djr1206 My son Jamie is 49. He is handicapped as well. He did have the Whipple at Penn Medicine Hospital. He does take Creon to calm his stomach down. We are taking Jamie to Sloan Kettering for another opinion.

Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | Jul 20 9:13am

In reply to @bilas "@djr1206 My son Jamie is 49. He is handicapped as well. He did have the Whipple..." + (show)

@bilas I hope things go well at the Sloan Kettering appointment. When is it? I know that Penn Medicine is in Philadelphia. Just for personal knowledge, where is the nearest Sloan Kettering in the Philadelphia area?

bilas | @bilas | Jul 23 1:14pm

Jamie is back in the hospital. Running tests. I don't think we can take him to Sloan at this time

Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | Jul 23 4:41pm

In reply to @bilas "Jamie is back in the hospital. Running tests. I don't think we can take him to..." + (show)

@bilas I am sorry to hear that. That's horrible. I wish there was something more that I can do to help? What landed him back in the hospital?

bilas | @bilas | Jul 24 4:48am

Jamie collapsed in the bathroom. He was basically nonresponse. I called 911. Doctor ordered a CAT and MRI. He had an EEG and EKG as well. Thank you so much for your concern,

Turkey, Volunteer Mentor | @tomrennie | Jul 24 5:51pm

In reply to @bilas "Jamie collapsed in the bathroom. He was basically nonresponse. I called 911. Doctor ordered a CAT..." + (show)

@bilas Hopefully he is feeling better and the results provide some explanation? How are you holding up? It can't be easy?

bilas | @bilas | Jul 25 6:37am

In reply to @tomrennie "@bilas Hopefully he is feeling better and the results provide some explanation? How are you holding..." + (show)

@tomrennie Biopsy was done on the liver yesterday. Results may take days. As for me I an falling apart. I don't show Jamie my emotions. He has enough to worry about. Thank you for asking.

ln100 | @ln100 | Jul 25 10:49am

Has anyone taken Rifaxin. I tried it for one day and I was so sick I thought that was the end. My gi doctor said to continue it but I’m not taking it ever again. I had constant liquid diarrhea bad, terrible hemmorhoids, chills, pain in my legs, pain in my belly, panick, nausea, cramps, stiff joints, everything. It’s been a year since my whipple and I’m still a total mess. Ln100