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What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?
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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Thank you fly girl. Where did you have yours done ? I didn't know it could be done robotically . Yours then was less invasive than a laparotomy ?
I hope you are well and sincerely thank you x
I picked up my Chemo Meds yesterday and have to wait for the Oncology Navigator to check my blood levels or white cells to see if I'm strong enough to start the treatment
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1 ReactionI think their reasoning was that they needed a larger opening to have a better view & it made it easier to pull the pancreas with the tumor through as well as the spleen. I had robotic surgery so 4-5 small incisions & one 4 inch incision down lower.
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1 Reaction…don’t discount your anxiety. It’s impossible not to have anxiety. This for sure is a terrifying diagnosis! I too have major anxiety. Didn’t know what the tightness in my chest was but as it turns out, it is likely anxiety.
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2 ReactionsYou will honestly be fine. It likely was best to do chemo first so they get it all during surgery. In my case they did not & I had to do 5 back to back radiation treatments. Radiation made me so nauseous for 2 weeks after. The radiation was way worse than the surgery. I wonder some days if I will ever feel normal again. Chemo was supposed to start this week but I am still too sick plus now they think I might have a blood clot around my port leading into my port. If it’s not one thing, it’s another, it seems.
Did they advise to do more chemo after your surgery?
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2 ReactionsHi Frygirl777,
I'm glad you are a 100% after your Surgery. I was recently diagnosed, and surgery is recommended as part of my forthcoming treatment, but Chemo is recommended first for shrinkage. I'm having anxiety.
I am facing the same operation imminently. Do you know why it can't be done by laparoscopy ?
What is MNC? I am monitoring every 6 months for IPMN.
Thanks
I had spleen, adrenal gland and pancreas tail removed via lap in December. Surgeon’s dietician was a lifesaver! First, she prepared me in advance on foods difficult to process-fruits and vegetables with skins, fiber, etc. 6 small meals each day. PROTEIN so important from a variety of sources. Also she recommended a medical food called EXPEDITE. I drank a few ounces each day about two weeks before surgery and again before my liver surgery on 2/28.
I am sure it expedited healing. Full of collagen and other good things.
I was up and about in two weeks after both surgeries with some remaining pain in surgical area especially when I laughed. DO NOT go to any comedy clubs for awhile!!!!😊
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5 ReactionsGlad could be of help. As of today day 13 post op pain very minimal. Learned if I eat small bites and don’t drink between bites I don’t get pain. Have lost 10 pounds already. Not trying too but it must be cause of eating very smaller meals.
Looking for advise on burping excessively. Am I able to take gas pills for that? Any input appreciated.
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