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To whipple or not to whipple? What is quality of life like after?
Am 56 years old in generally good health, though with type 2 diabetes. Have a very large (41mm) adenoma in my duodenum. It's not malignant but is of a type that will almost certainly become malignant, it will eventually block my duodenum. I also have abnormal cells in the bulb of my duodenum, so endoscopic removal is not an option. Surgeon is suggesting a full Whipple, without preserving the pylorus. Realize that I'm blessed that things are pre-malignant but also didn't have a Whipple on my bingo card at this point in my life. Whole process has moved very quickly - started with anemia in mid-October and am looking at a potential surgery date in January. Would appreciate anyone's perspective on living with a Whipple and on quality-of-life post recovery.
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@tomrennie Yes love is eternal. I am still not over this. I am not sure I will ever be. I have donated 7 large boxes of Jamies clothes to the Veterans Association. My daughter Jennifer, passed away many years ago. Jamie was all I had left.
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2 ReactionsI'm a 53 yo female who's 4 years out from an open pylorus preserving Whipple and mostly back to normal, but for occasional spasms and bloating. I don't take Creon regularly, but find Gas-X to help with the spasms which make me double over but only last a few minutes. I had ampullary leiomyosarcoma and didn't need anything but surgery to get it out; chemo scares me more than the surgery. So I highly recommend the Whipple, but do need to explain I trained my core before it and am active most of my life. Good luck with your decision!
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1 ReactionYou do what feels right for you. But don’t isolate for long. Your friends will understand. @ ln100
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2 Reactions@ln100 I will consider taking counseling later on. I just need to accept this first. I wish I could see my friends but right now I can't.
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2 Reactions@ln100 Thank you so much
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1 Reaction@bilas There is a group here to help with loss and grief. Maybe it can help you just a little. Here is the link to it: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/loss-grief/
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1 Reaction@bilas take the counseling. You need to talk. Maybe not right at this moment but sooner than later. I have had loss and I understand the pain and heartache. It will get better and then you’ll begin to reminisce about good things and even funny things. I know you don’t feel it’s possible but it is. Believe that. I remember you mentioned about your daughter. @ln100
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1 Reaction@tomrennie Yes love is eternal. Jamie loved his wild and colorful shirts.
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1 Reaction@ln100 Yes I know it will take a long time. Everywhere I go Jamie is in the house. I do have the support from friends but I simply can't talk to then. Jamies oncologist just called to see how I was doing. He offered counseling. I am not sure about that. Nothing can make this pain and heartache go away. Not sure if you know my daughter passed away in 2009. Jamie was all I had left. Thank you for your kind words.
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2 Reactions@bilas you’re gonna be alright. It’s gonna take time but you have a lot of people by your side. My thoughts are with you. It was already said but the love will always be there and will keep you strong. @ln100