Pancreas and spleen removal: how is life afterwards?

I had my pancreas, gallbladder, and spleen removed 3 months ago. Initial recovery in the hospital was tough. Lots of extra fluid weight, drains, pain, GI issues. Now that I'm home and it's been 3 months, the main things are diarrhea and adjusting to being an insulin dependent diabetic. I'm 41 years old and was in good shape prior to surgery. I'm back to walking an hour a day and doing weight exercises. Most importantly, I am Cancer Free!!

Thank you you made my fears less! I will let you know in 3 months how I am doing. Thank you for sharing

I had tail of pancreas and spleen and gall bladder removed in May. 10 days in hospital went quite well actually, pain was never a serious problem. I was off all narcotic pain relief before leaving hospital. Tylenol was my only pain medication after that. The first week at home went well….walking daily and decent appetite. Then I spiked a fever….my drain was still in and producing 50 ML of fluid. Went to ER where they did CT scan showing a second collection of fluid. Sent me home with a bottle of antibiotic pills…..it took 10 days to get a second drain put in by Interventional Radiology……a big mistake! The delay gave the infection time to really get on top of me……I fought with fever and no appetite for 2 months! Lost 45 lbs.! Finally got the infection cleared and began to feel better……but still very weak and fatigued. My doctor did not pay attention to my blood glucose levels…300 on two occasions..now 400! Finally got her attention and was referred to endocrinologist…..on insulin now and feel much better! So 5 months down the road I am almost back to normal. Keep after your doctor if you do not feel well…….

Great news! Get back to doing life and make sure to never miss those scan appointments. We all hate the scanxiety that comes with them, but just remember the earlier we know something the sooner we can get on top of it!

Praises to the Great Physician for you!!

ashley2235,

Are you being treated by a center of excellence? The reason I ask is that after reading so many threads on pancreatic cancer, my sense is that continuing chemotherapy is one of the factors that ensures long term health - the pancreatic cancer cells are so sneaky and spread so easily, that maintenance chemo is a painful, but good what-if thing to consider.

I agree, they might consider after surgery, will see. I am all in to try and win or prolong this battle

I had surgery at Mayo in Rochester. But locally, I am with Kaiser Permanente. My oncologist follows what Mayo suggests. They have not suggested chemo after surgery, as I had complete pathological response. I'll go for scans and labs every 3 months. And deal with recurrence if needed.

How are you feeling now after the surgery. Any problems without a pancreas and spleen? Did you loose weight?

I am 3 months out. Feeling really good. I have lost a lot of weight, which has been discouraging. Have a good appetite, but lots of diarrhea. So yes, main issues have to do with lack of pancreas and spleen

Thank you for getting back so soon, I am so nervous. Are you on an insulin pump? I am already 104 lbs, I can’t loose much more weight. Did you have a Whipple before? And is this as awful as the Whipple? Thank you