What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?

@grampskids I have to have the wipple surgery in the new year. They plan to remove half of my pancreas. I was born in 1952 so we are all in the same age range. I’m scared. I do not have cancer yet, but my main duct is Dia later 8 cm and. Have mucinous cysts. I’m having my surgery at Penn med in Philly. My surgeon is Charles Vollmer. His credentials are impressive. I just found out on Monday. I’m also in AFib and I’m going to have ablation in December. I have alot to process. I’m praying for you and anyone else going through this. I wish you the best of luck for a smooth recovery. I will look forward to hearing of your progress after your surgery. You both give me hope. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.

God bless you! You keep up the good work. You give me hope. Oh I'm positive. , You too! Thanks! Let you know when I get out of the woods. You should consider the chemo!

@grampskids
I just had a distal pancreatectomy (my spleen was removed a long time ago) on Oct 17. It was intended to be a robotic surgery but was switched to "open" as there were complications getting to the pancreas easily. It was a 6-7 hr surgery. It is now 25 days after surgery. My surgeon says I'm doing well but to expect another 2-3 weeks of recovery before feeling more "normal". (I also share the birth year of 1951...) My belly is quite tender, my lower back hurts a lot, and sleep doesn't come easy. But I can take care of myself (personal hygiene), drive, walk my dog (tho not as far or as fast as she would like), cook (tho food isn't very appetizing right now), can now carefully bend over if I drop something, etc. They removed 65-70 % of my pancreas and got the cancerous mass in it's entirety, but, of course, still a 40 % chance of it coming back. I have been directed to start chemo (Gem-Abrax) in 2 months, but I am very reluctant. I'm told the chemo will only reduce the chance of recurrence from 40 % to 25-30 %...not sure how I feel about this. Good luck on the 28th! Stay positive...

@siosal
We are in the same boat more ways than not. I'm just ahead of you. My surgery is Nov 28th. Body, tail, and spleen or all of it when he gets in there. I was born there back in 1951. Hang in there WE really have no choice! Hugs! Hang in there!

They should work with you and a great time during the summer months. Hugs

Hugs and stay positive!

Hi
Yes the tail is not as bad as main part
It still could require a splenectomy.
I will keep in touch. I dont know a soul who has gone through this. So its wonderful that you would like to keep in touch
Thank you. .

From all that I have read, the involvement of the tail is less serious than the main duct. But being a lay person with no medical background, it is my interpretation. The ERCP is a combination endoscopy/XRay of not just the pancreas, but liver, gallbladder etc. Best if you read it from a qualified source. Please stay in touch if you can, we can all support each other in a lot of ways.

The endo dr sent me to dr f fir p/tail surgery. Hes not convinced that is the best idea.
The whipple sounds brutal. Since my cyst is on the tail i dont think thats what he will do if/when i have surgery.
The KRAF mutation tends to lead to cancer but i have no cancer markers at this point.
Thank you.

Thats a good story given how frightening the pancreas can be
ERCP?

Thank you for responding.