Always Looking on the Bright Side of Life

Patti Dille

Patti Dille gets a visit from Brody, the chemotherapy support dog, during treatment

• Jaundice and stomach pains led to stage III ampullary cancer diagnosis
• Mini-Whipple procedure, followed by chemotherapy
• Mental health is important

My name is Patti Dille and I was diagnosed with stage III ampullary cancer in November 2025.

I had pains in my stomach, and my skin turned yellow, so I went to my doctor, who ordered bloodwork, an ultrasound, a CT scan, and an ERCP. Eventually, the diagnosis of ampullary cancer was confirmed. Despite the shock of my diagnosis, my mantra remains: Always look on the bright side of life. (Thank you, Monty Python!)

A Treatment Plan

Ampullary cancer is very similar to pancreatic cancer, but much rarer. Luckily, I was eligible for surgery. I had a mini-Whipple operation (a less extensive version of the Whipple procedure) with Dr. Harish Lavu at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, near my home in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. The mini-Whipple took some time to heal. I also had to get used to eating again. I had two drains installed during the surgery. I was thankful when they were finally removed.

Now I am undergoing chemotherapy every other Wednesday at Asplundh Cancer Pavilion in Willow Grove, with my oncologist Dr. Steven Cohen. I am currently just on fluorouracil, an intravenous pump infusion that I wear as a purse for 48 hours every two weeks. I was taken off the prior chemo drug because of neuropathy. My chemo continues until the end of June.

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I take Creon with each meal, plus medication for stomach acid twice a day, and anti-nausea drugs if needed. Sometimes the drugs cause hard stools, so I take MiraLAX to help with this.

How I Make it Work

The treatment is going OK.  How do I make it work? I remain positive and still find joy in my life. I like to maintain positive thoughts. I practice deep breathing and find humor in anything possible. I am doing pretty well. I have lots of support from my boyfriend, family, and friends.

My Message to Others Going Through This

You can make it through this! Listen to your doctor and do not be afraid to call and ask questions. Try to keep a positive attitude. Find someone who understands and has been through cancer. Try to keep your sense of humor as well.

If you get depressed, find a counselor to speak with. Your mental health is important. Listen to music at night if you have “stinkin’ thinkin’!” I wish the best of luck to everyone going through cancer.