Pancreatectomy

If your tumor is on the tail of your pancreas, you may have a  distal pancreatectomy, which, unlike the Whipple procedure, does not rearrange the digestive system. Find out what these pancreatic cancer survivors have to say about their pancreatectomy experiences.

20 Articles

Acinar cell pancreatic cancer patient Paul Suntup
Survivor Stories
December 27, 2023 • 7 Min

A Long Journey That Began With Pancreatitis

Paul Suntup’s diagnosis of acinar cell pancreatic cancer was just the start of a long treatment journey, but he’s still here.

Donna Robinson and family
Survivor Stories
August 17, 2023 • 4 Min

One of the Biggest Tumors They Had Ever Seen

Pancreatectomy surgery to remove her cancer was Donna Robinson’s goal, despite having one of the largest tumors her doctors had ever seen.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Mike Emerson, his wife Carol and their dog
Survivor Stories
May 18, 2023 • 3 Min

Blood Clots, a Stroke, and Pancreatic Cancer

Mike Emerson underwent a pancreatectomy followed by two years of chemotherapy and radiation but he’s enjoying life now.

Grace and Jay Bozick and their horse
Survivor Stories
January 10, 2023 • 4 Min

Taking Chances to Beat Pancreatic Cancer

With a family history of pancreatic cancer, Jay Bozick discovered he carries the BRCA2 mutation, which directed his treatment.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rod Devlin at Purple Stride
Survivor Stories
November 30, 2022 • 6 Min

Being Persistent Led to my Cancer Diagnosis

Rod Devlin wasn’t getting an answer to his pain but he was persistent until he finally found a doctor that would give him a scan.

pancreatic cancer patient Michael Bailey
Survivor Stories
October 20, 2022 • 6 Min

How Could This Happen to Me?

Michael Bailey felt his world turn sideways after a diagnosis of acinar cell pancreatic cancer. He had a pancreatectomy and chemotherapy.

pancreatic cancer patient Wayne and his family
Survivor Stories
March 16, 2022 • 4 Min

Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

When Wayne was diagnosed with pancreatitis, the tests showed a very high likelihood of pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Rita Krueger, her husband and dog
Survivor Stories
November 1, 2021 • 4 Min

Choosing the Right Doctor

Rita Krueger made an important decision that changed her pancreatic cancer treatment when she got a second opinion.

pancreatic cancer patient Anthony DelRusso
Survivor Stories
July 13, 2021 • 2 Min

Going Two Rounds Against Pancreatic Cancer

Anthony Del Russo has battled pancreatic cancer twice, first with chemo and a Whipple, and again with a total pancreatectomy and radiation.

pancreatic cancer survivor Gene Waters, his wife, and granddaughter
Survivor Stories
January 8, 2021 • 4 Min

Tonsil Cancer Follow-up Finds Pancreatic Cancer

Gene Waters was fortunate that a follow-up for tonsil cancer found his pancreatic cancer early. He got a second opinion for his treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Anthony Rafaniello and his grandsons
Survivor Stories
October 8, 2020 • 3 Min

Diagnosed Early

Because Anthony Rafaniello had recurring pancreatitis, he paid close attention when he started to feel sick. The result: pancreatic cancer diagnosed early.

pancreatic cancer patient Kelly Pankratz and her family
Survivor Stories
September 25, 2020 • 10 Min

Unexpected Blessings From My Pancreatic Cancer

Kelly Pankratz says she has been graced with unexpected blessings in her pancreatic cancer journey, which includes pancreatectomy surgery.

Pancreatic cancer patient John Sherry and his wife, in sunglasses
Survivor Stories
March 5, 2020 • 2 Min

Facing Life’s Challenges

The first time John Sherry faced pancreatic cancer he had part of his pancreas removed; the second time he had a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer patient Andrew Spiteri
Survivor Stories
September 18, 2019 • 11 Min

Pitching a Perfect Game Against Pancreatic Cancer

Andy Spiteri is a fantasy sports enthusiast, so he turned to his favorite activity to help him through pancreatic cancer treatment.

John Moisan, pancreatic cancer patient
Survivor Stories
March 20, 2018 • 5 Min

A Routine Physical Saved My Life

John Moisan’s doctor noticed he had lost weight, and insisted he get an abdominal CT scan. They found a pancreatic tumor and he had a pancreatectomy.

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