1. < Pancreatic Cancer

What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?

Posted by blw77 @blw77, Jun 6, 2022

Can anyone give me information on how their recovery was after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy? After 2 years of MRIs every 6 months and watching an MNC slowly but steadily grow, my doctor said that I should have this procedure. I'm 45 and typically a fairly healthy and active female. I'm trying to figure out how much time I'll need to be off of work or if I can manage to squeeze in in during the summer yet while I'm off.

Thank you for any information you have!

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shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @gamaryanne "Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can..." + (show)
@gamaryanne

Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can find a surgeon in your area that is skilled to do it. I am now 6 weeks out and feel totally normal. I am still taking the enzymes and learning what foods affect me but as one could expect, it’s usually things with high fat( which we don’t need anyway)!
Happy to go into detail on recovery and post op pain if anyone is interested. Strongly recommend having a nutritionist available for consulting during this time.
Hugs to all!

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Thats great you were lucky--was it for cancer ?
Mine was going to be laparoscope but cysts were entangled hence changed to open surgery and to prevent cancer developing
(pre-cancerous cysts)

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1 reply
skiball | @skiball | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @shezza51 "Yes you could say that--the 4 cysts were found in 2015 when having Diverticular disease diagnosed--they..." + (show)
@shezza51

Yes you could say that--the 4 cysts were found in 2015 when having Diverticular disease diagnosed--they were 15-20mm in size but by march of 2022 2 were 25mm & 2 were 30mm pre-cancerous and "entangled" I was told by surgeons. Spleen was removed due to problems removing cysts & it was 6 hour complicated surgery. Removjng complete pancreas would have been "over treating" plus results in diabetes
Also there isn't a forum for Distal Pancreotomy & Splenectomy for non cancerous removals--

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Were you told that a main duct was dilated? If so, how much?

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1 reply
gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @milagro45pr "That would be great. I’m getting it laparoscopically but I’m scared of the possible complications that..." + (show)
@milagro45pr

That would be great. I’m getting it laparoscopically but I’m scared of the possible complications that can happen with the surgery. Glad your doing well.

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Please don’t fear it. Especially if your doctor is well experienced with the lap equipment. As a part of your progress plan you will be advised to get a host of vaccines. I will be going back next week to get my boosters of those vaccines. Expect to rest for about two weeks and get up and walk as soon as you can in the hospital. They will encourage that. Liquid diet for a few days that will progress to soft foods. Then 6 small meals/snacks each day until it’s understood how the enzymes are working for you. You will be okay. We are so blessed that medicine has come this far to do this via Lap.

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gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @shezza51 "Thats great you were lucky--was it for cancer ? Mine was going to be laparoscope but..." + (show)
@shezza51

Thats great you were lucky--was it for cancer ?
Mine was going to be laparoscope but cysts were entangled hence changed to open surgery and to prevent cancer developing
(pre-cancerous cysts)

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Yes. Diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma in the tail with liver Mets.

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shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @skiball "Were you told that a main duct was dilated? If so, how much?" + (show)
@skiball

Were you told that a main duct was dilated? If so, how much?

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No i wasnt told that
Public hospital patient not private
Get the minmum of info i think

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shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023

Hi there
What is an MNC please ?

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1 reply
Sherry | @skkirby | Feb 3, 2023
In reply to @snd "What kind of tumor did you have plz?" + (show)
@snd

What kind of tumor did you have plz?

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Hi there-
I had a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor of the Islet cells.
Can I help you further or answer any additional questions? Glad to help if I am able to.

Warmest Regards,
Sherry

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 12, 2023
In reply to @shezza51 "Whats an MNC please ?" + (show)
@shezza51

Whats an MNC please ?

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@skiball and @shezza51, I believe when @blw77 said "...and watching an MNC slowly but steadily grow,..." MNC refers to Mucinous Nonneoplastic Cyst of the pancreas.

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1 reply
skiball | @skiball | Feb 12, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "@skiball and @shezza51, I believe when @blw77 said "...and watching an MNC slowly but steadily grow,..."..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@skiball and @shezza51, I believe when @blw77 said "...and watching an MNC slowly but steadily grow,..." MNC refers to Mucinous Nonneoplastic Cyst of the pancreas.

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Thanks Colleen. I have been told mine is IPMN intraductul pappilary mucinous neoplasm. Wonder if they are one and the same?

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 12, 2023
In reply to @skiball "Thanks Colleen. I have been told mine is IPMN intraductul pappilary mucinous neoplasm. Wonder if they..." + (show)
@skiball

Thanks Colleen. I have been told mine is IPMN intraductul pappilary mucinous neoplasm. Wonder if they are one and the same?

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There is a difference, but that's above my pay-grade 🙂
- Comparison of clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes between invasive IPMN and invasive MCN: A population-based analysis https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2022.899761/full#:~:text=IPMN%20is%20a%20mucin%2Dproducing,IPMN%20and%20MCN%20(7).
- Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: Different Types, Different Management, New Guidelines https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/489641

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