What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?

Posted by blw77 @blw77, Jun 6, 2022

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!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

Sherry | @skkirby | Feb 3, 2023

In reply to @snd "What kind of tumor did you have plz?" + (show)

Hi there-
I had a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor of the Islet cells.
Can I help you further or answer any additional questions? Glad to help if I am able to.

Warmest Regards,
Sherry

shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023

Hi there
What is an MNC please ?

shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @skiball "Were you told that a main duct was dilated? If so, how much?" + (show)

No i wasnt told that
Public hospital patient not private
Get the minmum of info i think

gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @shezza51 "Thats great you were lucky--was it for cancer ? Mine was going to be laparoscope but..." + (show)

Yes. Diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma in the tail with liver Mets.

gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @milagro45pr "That would be great. I’m getting it laparoscopically but I’m scared of the possible complications that..." + (show)

Please don’t fear it. Especially if your doctor is well experienced with the lap equipment. As a part of your progress plan you will be advised to get a host of vaccines. I will be going back next week to get my boosters of those vaccines. Expect to rest for about two weeks and get up and walk as soon as you can in the hospital. They will encourage that. Liquid diet for a few days that will progress to soft foods. Then 6 small meals/snacks each day until it’s understood how the enzymes are working for you. You will be okay. We are so blessed that medicine has come this far to do this via Lap.

skiball | @skiball | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @shezza51 "Yes you could say that--the 4 cysts were found in 2015 when having Diverticular disease diagnosed--they..." + (show)

Were you told that a main duct was dilated? If so, how much?

shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @gamaryanne "Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can..." + (show)

Thats great you were lucky--was it for cancer ?
Mine was going to be laparoscope but cysts were entangled hence changed to open surgery and to prevent cancer developing
(pre-cancerous cysts)

shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @gamaryanne "Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can..." + (show)

Did you have cysts in your pancreas ?
on a ct one of mine looked like 1/2 a cauliflower--stems everywhere

shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @skiball "What is MNC? I am a healthy and fit 70 year old with IPMN (pancreatic cyst)..." + (show)

im in victoria australia

shezza51 | @shezza51 | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @milagro45pr "I’m getting that surgery on March 10th. They told me 6-8weeks. That’s is if all goes..." + (show)

They told me that too !! and if you're not 71 it prob will be--on your next visit ask how long before fully recovered internally
Also i didnt rest enough when 1st home nor did i have any help for 1st week
See that bulge in my pic ? Surgery was oct 27 & it was visible before i went to ICU--had a CT on Jan 19th to confirm if blood & fluids--what happens next i dont know.