From Whipple to Waikiki
- Pancreatitis led to diagnosis
- Whipple procedure, with a difficult recovery
- More exercise and a better diet
I was diagnosed with a stage I pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in October 2022.
Many things in my life have changed since then, such as my diet. I have also taken up an entirely new activity in surfing! But I’ll get to that later.
Pain and Pancreatitis
It started with pain in my abdomen and pancreatitis on an intermittent basis. I eventually was diagnosed through a CT scan and a biopsy. My doctors are based out of Rogel Cancer Center at University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Thomas Enzler, my oncologist, recommended a Whipple procedure, so that’s what I did in February 2022.
After I recovered from the surgery, my doctor decided I did not need any other treatment. I have to get a CT scan and labs every year. I am also on various medications: Dilaudid for pain, Creon pancreatic enzymes, vitamin D, and Imodium.
Changing My Lifestyle
Since my recovery, I have exercised more and watched my diet much more. In general, I strive for carb, fat, and protein ratios of 30 percent, 30 percent, and 40 percent. I still have side effects, like periodic painful Whipple attacks (intense spasms of internal pain) and abdominal pain. Recently, I have developed on-and-off hypotension (low blood pressure).
Despite all of that, my surgery and treatment have positively impacted my life, not only in the initial days of being diagnosed, but also in the long run. I believe (except for abdominal issues) that I am healthier now. I exercise daily with weights, doing Zumba, and balancing.
And by the way . . . This septuagenarian boy who lives near Detroit learned to surf on Waikiki this year and I continue to do so on a regular basis!
Looking Back
I went from paying no attention to my diet to watching my diet extensively. I record almost everything I eat using the MyFitnessPal app. The first eight months were almost unbearable, complete with a feeding tube for 13 weeks; however, I am much better now, thankful for the diagnosis and the Whipple.
My one piece of advice? I strongly recommend having a Whipple performed by a surgeon who has completed scores of them over the years. Their expertise is invaluable.
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