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.

26 Articles

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.

Yolanda L. Jackson pancreatic cancer survivor
Survivor Stories
February 19, 2018 • 3 Min

Keeping My Promise Led to an Earlier Diagnosis

Yolanda L. Jackson promised her doctor she would get a CT scan of her digestive tract. This led to an early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Leonora Kaufmann
Survivor Stories
January 19, 2018 • 3 Min

Don’t Stop Fighting

Leonora Kaufmann relied on her instinct about pancreatic cancer. Diagnosis at stage I has given her a fighting chance of survival.

Pancreatic cancer patient Lee Wonnacott on his motorcycle
Survivor Stories
December 8, 2017 • 5 Min

Quality of Life and Following My Dream

Lee Wonnacott valued his quality of life when he chose treatment for IPMN. Now he rides his motorcycle around the country to honor veterans.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Sandra Wilke and her Purple Stride team
Survivor Stories
August 14, 2017 • 3 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Caught Early by Chance

Sandra Wilke chose her pancreatic cancer treatment of chemotherapy and pancreatectomy with an eye to her quality of life. She joined the tumor registry to learn more and help others.

pancreatic cancer patient Barry Reiter
Survivor Stories
July 6, 2017 • 3 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Found By Chance

Barry Reiter’s pancreatic cancer was found during a presurgical MRI for prostate cancer. Now he had a bigger battle on his hands.

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