Whipple procedure: What is the recovery like?

For me, it was totally worth it. I really goofed up and tried to eat too much too soon, and paid the price. I had no had anything by mouth from Jan 3 till Feb 10, 2019. Just IV's and feeding tube. I was like a hog at the trough, but the trough turned into the toilet bowl. After approx. 2 months, I could eat anything I liked. Was still able to eat thru chemo, but stomach was pretty queezy much of the time. If I had to do it again, I would, and the darn chemo too. The whipple will probably never happen again, but the chemo may as time goes by. Regardless of what comes up, I will be much better prepared, physically, emotionally and mentally. God and a lot of prayers from a lot of folks helped the first time, and God and the prayers will be there if I need them again.

My guy had the Whipple last April. No cancer. He just had a follow up procedure for an abdominal hernia. He had stomach aches at night. Then a bulge the size of my fist protruded under his scar. He is much better now. We are still worried about scans for cancer...so far none. Seems unfair compared to all of you who are suffering through chemo and more. We are very grateful for every day.
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I had a whipple in 1978 so remember recovery is kind of hard. But, I do remember the Dr said gonna hurt like he'll but up and walking straight is most important. 30 days out I was given a cupcake for 30 day wedding anniversary. I took 1 bite. Eat small ammounts because when I started being able to eat. I got fat quick. Also have them start you on enzyme therapy to assist what is left of your pancreas, orange grease stool and pancreatits are no fun.

Ventral hernias apparently happen a lot. Had mine repaired too.

My Doc was insistent on walk every day even if short trip . But stand up straight. Best of health to you. Crystal Hess surgery 1978 at 21 Fibrdious low grade malignancy tumor cover in calcium, but still going strong.

Welcome, @chess17109. Just the fact that you had the Whipple procedure in 1978 brings hope. Tell us a bit more about life for you now 40+ year on. How are you?

Thank you. Doing very well, despite getting older. We try to stay as active as possible. Rule in our household is above 70 outside, for a walk, even a shot one. I am finding it amazing how much easier it is to go to resteraunts now. Since I am on an insillin pump, I count carbs everywhere. Panerai Bread, gave me a listing of nutritional facts on everything they sell. Well it is 2am here and trouble sleeping is wearing off. Time for sleep talk later.

Hi, my mother in law just had a Whipple procedure almost 3 weeks ago due to a cancerous tumor in the duodenum. She is 77 and I worry about her mindset. She's been in pain so long now, years before her recent diagnosis and surgery. Now she's experiencing vomiting, nausea, pain in her upper stomach area. Her cancer is aggressive and we still do not have the full pathology report to see if the cancer has spread to any other organs. Today, we just discovered via CT scan that she has a fecal impaction and will need surgery for its removal. Is this due to delayed gastric emptying? Has anyone else experienced this after Whipple procedure? Currently, she's still at the hospital, has feeding tube, and a drainage tube. She's lost over 40 pounds and still losing weight as well as having muscle atrophy. Are all these symptoms in the "normal" range after this type of surgery? Thank you in advance for any information you can provide and bless you all.

Hello @calderon98 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm really sorry to hear that your mother-in-law is having so much difficulty post-surgery. It is not possible to say what is a "normal" post-surgery experience. Everyone's situation is different based on their medical condition prior to surgery, general physical conditioning, pre-existing conditions, and the expertise and prior experience of the surgeon.

I have had three surgeries (not Whipple) of the duodenal bulb for neuroendocrine tumors (rare form of cancer). The first two surgeries were just two years apart, but I noticed a difference in my recovery time, so I feel that age is probably a factor as well.

As it has been four days since your first post, I'm wondering if you have had an opportunity to see the biopsy reports by now.

Question for the Group: I am seeing the GREAT medical staff at Rochester Mayo. Previously from a non-contrast MRI in June, an 3.5 cm lesion was noted. A followup EUS was done. It did not have the characteristics of a cancerous growth and my CA was ‘16’. Yesterday I went back to Mayo for a follow CONTRAST MRCP. The results showed a possible increase in size to 4 cm - but they said it it nor certain due to the various angles and ‘slices’ of magnetic images (does that make sense). Yesterday my CA count was ‘15’. Still no cancer present.

The ‘team’ is consulting on Monday to determine if another EUS should be done to confirm size - and determine, if too risky, for even a sample can take place.

If growth is seemingly taking place, the doctors will discuss if Whipple surgery should be done….

HERE IS MY Questions:
1). Are Whipple surgery done to remove a large non-cancerous cyst?
2). Why would it be too risky to biopsy during an EUS.
3). How long does it take for a cyst to become cancerous?
4). What is the success rate for resection of a non-cancerous cyst using Whipple?
5). What is the death rate for Whipple surgery?
6). What is the Recovery time and process?

I know,…many questions. Would especially like to hear from (if any) who had Whipple for non-cancerous pancreatic lesions. Thank you.