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Which questions should I ask my surgeon? (I think Whipple is likely.)
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Aug 30, 2023 | Replies (30)Comment receiving replies
If you have been referred to a surgeon, be SURE they have done 100s of these. Seriously. You need a liver and pancreas specialist that states that clearly. Not just a GI person.
Doing chemo remotely from centers of experience and excellence is one thing, but surgery is entirely different.
Replies to "If you have been referred to a surgeon, be SURE they have done 100s of these...."
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Thank you for this. I'll be operated on by a heptobiliary surgeon who works out of a center of excellence (my onc. is at the same facility).
I had planned to consult with a Hopkins surgeon as well (I would have preferred to get my surgery from him), but the scheduling office told me that there would be a big delay (12-18 weeks) bc of insurance incompatibility. Ironic that I've stayed in my current location in part bc of proximity to Hopkins -- but I can't access care there!
I didn't ask "my" surgeon how many of these procedures he has done, but I'll now call PanCan or the NPF for some info -- thank you for reminding me, and a shout-out to @markymarkfl, who also underscored the importance of getting that info. Best wishes to you.