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To whipple or not to whipple? What is quality of life like after?
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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There is another section here where there is a great amount of chat on constipation. You might want to read through that. Soaking in warm baths can help. There is also a foam suppository dr can prescribe. I am sure you have tried the OTC remedies. The main thing is to keep your bowel movements soft until healing begins. Ask if you can take Senna pills, which are OTC and not heavy duty laxatives.
I have felt your pain! It’s not pretty.
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1 Reaction@johnny1955 Checking back in on you Johnny to see how your recovery is coming along? Are you starting to somewhat back to normal?
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1 Reaction@gamaryanne I know. At my age (69) I feel like an idiot talking about all this stuff so much. But it is awful. I have diarrhea and constipation with soft stool. I just found out I have severe pancreatic enzyme insufficiency and possible ibs or uc. I’m devastated. Ln100
@ln100 I wanted to let everyone know Jamie passed away August 1st. Jamie was my hero.
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3 Reactions@casey1959 Sorry for the delay, I really started to walk as fr as I could without overdoing it, mileage may vary. At first less than. Half mile. Locally now I am up to about 3 - 4 miles, I live on a mountain so it’s not flat. When at the beach we do about 5 miles a day. It has helped strengthen legs, stomach and lower blood sugar, now that I am back on chemo the strengthening and glucose management has been my main focus.
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1 Reaction@bilas Hello. I am so sorry to hear about Jamie. I feel close to you and to him and he is a hero and so are you. All of our hearts are broken. Condolences to you and your family. Ln100
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1 Reaction@bilas Awwww. I am so sorry to hear that. Giving you lots of hugs.
@tomrennie thank you so much. Jamie was my hero.
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1 Reaction@ln100 thank you so much. I am lost without my buddy.
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1 Reaction@bilas That's a great picture. Thanks for sharing it. I understand why he is and always will be your hero. He will live forever in your heart and your soul. That love is eternal.