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.
27 Articles
Fighting Cancer With My Brother
Laurie McGuane underwent a distal pancreatectomy shortly after her brother entered treatment for a different cancer, so they fought together.
I Almost Gave Up
But for the love and support of her family, Jenna Thiel wouldn’t have made it after significant complications from her surgery for PNET.
No Time for Self-Pity
When David Smith started losing weight after a diabetes diagnosis, his daughter-in-law was concerned because she had seen this before.
Making My Own Choices for Quality Time
After her pancreatectomy Margo Chilcott decided to forgo chemotherapy and radiation to spend more quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Sound of Hope
Kim Bate has a long family history of pancreatic cancer, losing his sister and twin brother to it. Then he received the same diagnosis.
Don’t Throw In the Towel
Ashley Coker was dealt a double blow–pancreatic cancer and not qualifying for surgery. She did her research and ended up having a pancreatectomy.
Faith, Hope, and Perseverance
Maryanne Winchester credits faith, hope, and perseverance for getting her through three types of chemotherapy, radioembolization and a pancreatectomy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer
When Wayne was diagnosed with pancreatitis, the tests showed a very high likelihood of pancreatic cancer.
Choosing the Right Doctor
Rita Krueger made an important decision that changed her pancreatic cancer treatment when she got a second opinion.