I would like to share my story of pancreatic cancer and the whipple surgery. I was having cataract surgery in August 2018 when the anaesthetist noticed my eyes were yellow. Long story short, they sent me for some bloodwork and scans where they discovered the bile duct was blocked and thus the jaundice and suspected pancreatic cancer. I had whipple surgery on September 12, 2018 where they discovered a tumor on my pancreas, followed by 11 bouts of chemo (couldn't do the last 1 due to how hard it was on me). I lost 30 lbs before and after the diagnosis. But have gained back about 15. I was 75 at the time of diagnois, in great shape. Played pickleball twice a week, babysat for a toddler granddaughter and was involved in many other activities. I had never had any other health problems so guess that all helped me in the long run. I will turn 80 in July and have a trip planned with family to visit Portugal this month. So you can say, I am doing well after almost 5 years. So anyone out there that is diagnosed, do not give up.

For anyone out there who has had the whipple, and chemo -I have a couple of questions. Do you have neuropathy in your feet? I still do - this is from the chemo. Also, I feel like something is pushing constantly inside me - could this be from scar tissue - or is it because of the surgery - the reattachment of the organs. I guess I am looking for common symptoms from others. Thanks for reading my post.

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