Connect
← Return to Whipple procedure and follow up chemo
Discussion
Whipple procedure and follow up chemo
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Dec 18, 2022 | Replies (71)Comment receiving replies
Hello, I had the whipple 1/14/2022. I did okay with it but have to take the creon..also puzzling over how to really use it without over or under use. My cancer on the bile duct along w the bile duct, gall bladder part of small intestine/some pancreas all removed and reseccioned. Unfortunately, have the systemic mircro positive cells in the body. No Metastisis; clean margin getting out despite 8 of the 15 lymph nodes positive... all out and clear.
Started chemo 5/4/22 without the pump as I didn't have the port, but second infusion w/ 46 hr pump 5/18. I was much sicker after that infusion... 8 days (first one I was fine after 3 days); I'm struggling with the eating issues and feeling so sick (seasick feeling) despite the nausea pills. Im 75 and live alone. Will have to hire some help. I can't imagine how this will go if it's cumulative for 10 more treatments. Please comment if you have ideas, tips, and ways to continue I haven't thought of. thanks Vera Parr in DE
Replies to "Hello, I had the whipple 1/14/2022. I did okay with it but have to take the..."
Hi Vera,
In addition to the helpful tips from @bb21 you may also appreciate the comments in these related discussions:
- What are other survivors doing about pancreatic enzymes replacement? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatic-enzyme-replacement/
- Struggling to eat with pancreatic cancer: How do you manage? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/eating-with-pancreatic-cancer/
Connect
Don't worry about accumulation just deal with each treatment as it comes. Why did not do a port? It makes it so much easier especially if you with pump ( I assume 5FU).
I find that antinausea meds cause a bad feeling for me. I rely on Zofran and Gaviscon instead. As far as Creon, they told me to increase as needed to help with eating and not to worry. I am now off it and occasionally use Zofran. I have also found that heavier meats at night do not work well for me so I try to get those at lunch and eat lighter at dinner. To begin with after surgery I ate 5-6 small meals a day, even a couple of saltines with peanut butter an that really seemed to help with side effects and keeping my weight stable.
Any time you have issues, talk with your treatment team and change where needed. I forgot to say that they would give me Dexamethasone before each chemo and then Dex tabs for the 2 days I brought a pump home. I also have type 2 diabetes and have to adjust insulin for those few days but we have found the balance. My team really works hard to help me BUT you have to be candid and speak up as every patient is different and they can not guess everything that might be impacting you.