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Whipple procedure and follow up chemo
I had the Whipple procedure done at Mayo 2/8/19 and got out of hospital on 2/19. Had to go back to my local hospital a week later for dehydration pain and nausea, and was there for a week. Just had follow up at Mayo 4/1, and the surgical crew thought I was doing well. I can eat, and have to limit myself at meals, as I tend to want to eat too much.I lost 40 pounds, and still feel super weak and get fatigued easily. Mayo oncology want me to start chemo at 2 months out, and I have an appointment with a local oncolog4/10. My question is am I smart to be looking at chemo when I feel so worn out. I see chemo recommendation for starting at 8 to 12 weeks after surgery. Also, am wondering what chemo course to take. Mayo liked the Flofirinox treatment.. I was tabbed at Stage II after the Whipple. They did the normal resection, but also resection a section of my transverse colon that appeared to be cancerous.
the overall diagnosis was Pancreatic cancer. I would appreciate any input. Thank you in advance
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Hi Vera,
In addition to the helpful tips from @bb21 you may also appreciate the comments in these related discussions:
- What are other survivors doing about pancreatic enzymes replacement? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatic-enzyme-replacement/
- Struggling to eat with pancreatic cancer: How do you manage? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/eating-with-pancreatic-cancer/
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1 ReactionI had the whipple then started chemo a little more then a month after.
Chemo is ruff and draining. Fatigue ect are my biggest side effect.
It's ruff but necessary.
Best of luck.
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2 ReactionsI am looking for someone that does the whipple by Laprascopy.They say its a much easier recovery.How long do you have to take the chemo?
Chemo for 12 rounds, every other week
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1 ReactionAre you willing to come to Boston? Dr Thomas Clancy is fabulous for laparoscopic surgery at Brigham and Dana Farber. 80 annually for at least a decade. Great follow up.
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2 ReactionsI will if I can't find any like that here.They said to look for someone that does a lot of them.
Im also going to check the cancer treatment center of America in Philly.
As someone wrote, don’t overthink this choice. It is more important to have the surgery in any format by an experienced pancreatic surgeon and at a major hospital with a great team as there are often complications no matter which type you choose.
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4 ReactionsPanCAN.org provides a list a of pancreatic surgery centers in your desired location with the number of surgeries they do a year and the surgeon's names. You want to choose a place and surgeon with the most experience as they also have trained teams to assist. Helpful in making a decision. Give them a call.
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2 ReactionsI would recommend, strongly, that one should try to find a center performing Whipples laparoscopically. From my research this procedure is far less invasive with statistically better outcomes relating to infection and recovery.