Hi Rosie,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. You will find this a useful resource for advice and support from people who have had  first-hand experience of what your hubby is going through..

I am afraid that I know nothing about Whipples Procedure, but if you press the search button on the blue band at the top of this page and put Whipples Procedure in the search box, this will bring up previous posts on this topic which you might find helpful. There is a good response there from one of the nurses, which I’m sure will help.. You can do the same for Creon and Food options.

This should also introduce you to others who have had this procedure and give you contacts who should be able to answer some of your questions.

Do please keep us updated on how your husband gets on along his cancer journey. There is always someone here to talk to whenever you want to chat.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

Thank you for taking the time to reply and for the useful info - I'll have a look via the search facility. It's good to know there are people to talk to!

Rosie x

Hi River56

20 years ago! Wow, that's amazing. Do you mind me asking what type of cancer he had? 

My husband's been out of hospital two weeks now and has healed really well (the bits we can see) and has been gradually trying lots of different foods - most of which he seems able to tolerate well. He's only eating small amounts but is coping with the Creon and taking about 12 or so capsules a day. Does that sound about normal? I guess everyone is different depending on the operation. I'm only asking because he's having Creon as they removed half his pancreas - so it's replacing the enzymes that it would have produced, the same as your Dad (?). It's so good to hear of someone who has had this operation and then managed the food/Creon balance and got on with their life.

Thank you for the reply, it really does help.

Hi Rosie Dad had a tumour that had grown round his tubes and had fused them together. When they did the surgery they could not remove all of it. They did remove part of his pancreas and all his gallbladder. He did have problems after a few years with infections this was caused by fluid leaking into the space left by the gallbladder. He had antibiotics at home to take when the symptoms started (high temperature and shaking). Dad died aged 82 but not from cancer that was over 3years ago.

Hi Rosie.

I hope you and your hubby are well now?

My dad had whipple procedure done almost 2 years ago, and has been doing amazing. Then a few months back he started struggling with eating much, had terrible diarrhoea , bloating & extreme tiredness. Blood test first cane back all clear, about 4 - 5 weeks ago, then 2 weeks ago, more blood tests showed raised cancer markers. 

I just wondering if anyone else had this after whipple?

My dad is only eating tiny portions , is very bloated & uncomfortable  & has lost a lot of weight since this started few months ago. 

I am desperately worried the bloods & how he is feeling means cancer is back. His GP sent off for emergency scan 3 - 4 weeks ago & emergency appointment 2 weeks ago. We had heard nothing so my sister called the hospital and he has appointment to see someone tomorrow as to wy he is so bloated etc. Then I take him to see GP  again tomorrow at 4pm.

I am dreading did it out if cancer is back as not only do I have my Dad to worry about , & obviously my Mum, but also my hubby who goes into alcohol detox soon too. 

I am SO scared xx

Hi Daddykins

I’m really sorry to hear about your Dad and I hope he’s not in too much pain. It sounds like the medical team need to get on top of his scan quickly so you can see what’s going on. My husband didn’t have the same problems as your Dad but his cancer had already spread to his liver when we got the results back after his Whipples op. He has had several cycles of chemo over many months and is currently on Capecitabine which is a tablet form of chemo, although this may stop shortly as we’ve been referred to Guy’s for clinical trials. His cancer is now in four different places and he is on continuous morphine and amytriptyline to help manage his pain. Do not despair! We are living with cancer and still doing everything we can to enjoy our time together and with our family. Last week we had a family holiday in Wales and Doug (my husband) played 18 holes of golf with our 3 sons! It’s a tough time and each day brings its own challenges but we keep tackling things head on and refuse to give up on life and love. I hope you have support to help you to cope, whether it comes from family, friends or both - but do draw these people close around you and don’t be afraid to ask for help when things get tough. Most people really do mean it when they offer to help and appreciate the chance to do something for you and your Dad, no matter how small, I think it helps everyone to deal with the awful situation we find ourselves in. Good luck to you and your Dad and I really hope you both get the care and support you need.

Hugs  

Rosie x

My husband had whipple op for duodenal cancer last December and recovered well. Taking creon and omeprazole. Unfortunately the cancer reoccurred in his remaining pancreas and is now inoperable. Having chemo now. If you are offered adjuvant chemo I would have it. My husband was told he didn't need it. Can't help wondering if he had started chemo before they found it had returned it might have mopped up the cancer cells before they increased 

You must be really worried and scared. I am too. My husband had Whipples last December but only had about three months before being told it was back. Very soon after his op. It is so worrying and we seem to be always at the doctors or hospital. Having chemo now and hoping it will shrink his tumour. Cancer is a very cruel disease. You have so much to cope with at the moment. Wishing you all the best

Hi there.  Just joined and saw your post.  I had a Whipple on 22 June to remove part of my pancreas, bile duct, duodenum, and gall bladder.  I had a tumour on my pancreatic wall.  I was in hospital 9 days and I'm now recovering slowly at home.  Everything happened very fast for me too, but not having the operation wasn't an option.  It's hard work but with a combination of slowly getting my appetite back, and taking the enzymes (6 a day with each meal) I have managed to put on a little bit of weight.  I also have to inject insulin once a day.  I eat a lot of nuts, fruit, and I am avoiding dairy products.  Drink lots of water, and above all, rest, rest, rest. And keep taking the enzymes.

I think everyone is different but if your surgeon believes your husband has the strength to get through a Whipple procedure, then go for it.  I'm now on phase 2 which is chemo for the next 6 months (to mop up any cells the surgeon couldn't see), but I believe I'm giving myself the best chance of getting through this.

Hope this helps.