Looking to connect with others who have had Whipple surgery in past 12

I would strongly encourage you to connect with the Seena Magowitz Foundation.

We have pancreatic cancer support group meetings several times a month, bringing together professional counselors, survivors, and patients who understand what you are going through.

I have been living with pancreatic cancer since 2018 and am actively involved with these groups. Although I have not had Whipple surgery myself, I know how valuable it is to speak with people who have firsthand experience.

Our meetings are a wonderful place to ask questions, share concerns, and receive encouragement from people who truly understand.

Please visit the Seena Magowitz Foundation to learn more about joining our support meetings.

Wishing you the very best with your December 8 surgery. You do not have to go through this journey alone.

I had Whipple surgery at the Mayo Clinic on 4/25/2024 and discharged 4 days later. I was readmitted 10 days later with gastroparesis. After a brief stay I returned home and full recovery took about four months. Everyone is different, so it will take you some time to figure out what you can and cannot eat. You may need to take Creon with your meals. also Beano and anti Diarrhea medicine may be needed during this time. I'm 69 and very active and I have little to no side effects from the surgery. Best of Luck, Jim

I’m the wife speaking for my husband who had his Whipple surgery May 4. His tumor had adhered to two arteries which made his surgery last 11 hours. B came through the surgery like Superman, which has become his new moniker! He was up and walking 1st day after surgery, and day 2 he was shuffling his feet in a dance! He came home Friday, day 5! He has done extremely well. His only problem has been regulating his food intake because he has to take a pancreatic enzyme. He’s doing great with that.
B is 85, in great shape from working out with a trainer. That and a great attitude helped him the most.
I will say he went to a cancer center who has a fantastic pancreatic cancer unit and had a super surgeon.
You have two months to get your body ready. Eat really well and gain weight because you will lose 15-20 lbs! Keep moving, etc, etc! And be kind to yourself🙏🏻
You got this!

Hi,
I had my Whipple and it will be 2 years ago on Oct.23. It was a big step for me after 24 weeks of chemo. I was in the hospital 4 days, then came home. My surgery was 7 1/2 hours long and I was sitting up and walking the next day, eating regular food. I do take Creon when I eat and found I need to eat smaller portions at meals with healthy snacks between meals. I take Beano (an over the counter enzyme) when eating well cooked veggies, and eat small portions of raw veggies. I feel very well, am active at age 73, and wish I could lose weight. This surgery is different for everyone and I’m glad I had it done. Best wishes for your surgery and recovery!

I had my Whipple (pylorus preserving) in 2024 at age 68. Before my surgery, I got in the best shape possible, walked daily and removed all junk food from my diet. Had Dr. Douglas Evans from Froedtert Hospital & Medical College of Milwaukee, WI top-notched pancreatic cancer surgeon performed my Whipple. I was walking the next day after surgery and when home four days after. It took me about four months to get back to my walks outside, but little by little I improved. Appetite, bowel movements, energy levels, sleep, all eventually improved. I have been cancer free since my surgery. I stay active, eat healthy, and volunteer weekly. The Whipple is a life saving surgery for a very tough form of cancer. Take it one day a time and give it all you have!

I had Whipple 12/04/25. It was after unsuccessful chemo, but successful SBRT radiation in hopes of being eligible for Nano-knife procedure. Radiation was very successful and I was then eligible for Whipple. There was a rush to do it due to radiation scarring concerns and the surgeon informed me that if it didn't look good after she got in there, she would close me up. It was very successful. The surgery took about 10 hours (vein and artery involved) . I was in the hospital for 9 days. Difficulty was having a b.m. It was hard to eat the meals (hospital food, ugh), but once I got home, all worked out. I was very weak, especially legs, but wore leg weights and walked around the house every day for the next 6 weeks ( about 2,000 steps, or one rosary ). The end of January I went for a weekend with friends. In March I was chainsawing and dragging branches for a burn pile (tree down). So... So far, so good. I had lost weight pre-surgery, but my weight has been stable since surgery . I do take Creon with every meal and snack, eat smaller meals( lost 1/4 of stomach in surgery) . I watch what I eat, mainly avoiding fatty foods, red meat, processed foods, but don't feel deprived. I am 79 years old, female and feel blessed to have been able to have the Whipple.

Had folfirinox, RT then Whipple 6/24/25 . Constipation after then erratic bowel function. Good recovery by 2 weeks. 16 months later regular bowel movements with creon with each meal. Aware of abdomen with occ cramps. Not bad. On rasonque for local recurrence tolerating it well. I’m glad you qualify for Whipple! Best wishes!