Whipple Procedure

What's it like to have a Whipple procedure? Find out from those who know best: these pancreatic cancer survivors.

79 Articles

pancreatic cancer patient Marla Schreffler, an older woman with short brown hair wearing a collared shirt under a brown sweater, with glasses and a hand on her face.
Survivor Stories
May 29, 2026 • 4 Min

Trusting My Gut

Marla Schreffler had a feeling something was wrong, even after she got her diabetes diagnosis. Further tests confirmed that she had pancreatic cancer.

A woman in a printed jacket and a ball cap undergoing chemotherapy with a brown fluffy dog on her lap.
Survivor Stories
May 12, 2026 • 3 Min

Always Looking on the Bright Side of Life

Patti Dille believes in looking on the bright side of things, even as she takes on ampullary cancer and its treatments.

Elizabeth Rountree in a white shirt and her husband, a bald man in a plaid shirt, sitting at a restaurant table with food.
Survivor Stories
April 20, 2026 • 3 Min

From Dismissal to Diagnosis

Elizabeth Rountree’s first doctor dismissed her symptoms of itchiness and abdominal discomfort, but her gastroenterologist listened and ordered important tests.

a family of four--mother, two young boys, and a father all in ballcaps, at a baseball stadium
Survivor Stories
March 20, 2026 • 4 Min

My Surgery Revealed a Different Cancer Story

Douglas Cordova was originally diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but tests after his Whipple found PNET instead.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Yann Bizien
Survivor Stories
December 22, 2025 • 4 Min

Our Destiny Is Not in the Data

With a young family, Yann Bizien was determined to be a survivor of stage IV pancreatic cancer, even after a recurrence.

Pancreatic cancer patient Mike Duffy
Survivor Stories
December 4, 2025 • 5 Min

Very Fortunate

Mike Duffy considers himself very fortunate that his pancreatic cancer was caught early enough to qualify him for the Whipple procedure.

Linda Burchett and friends in Paris
Survivor Stories
October 13, 2025 • 4 Min

From Pancreatic Cancer to Blessed

After recovering from chemotherapy and a Whipple procedure, Linda Burchett knows she is blessed to be able to travel and enjoy life as a long-term survivor.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Donna Caparida and her late husband.
Survivor Stories
September 25, 2025 • 3 Min

36 Years and Counting

When Donna Caparida had severe pain in her side, doctors found pancreatic cancer. Thirty-six years later she’s a long-term survivor.

pancreatic cancer patient Eric Egelman
Survivor Stories
September 9, 2025 • 3 Min

Fleeting, Fragile, and Funny

Eric Egelman had molecular profiling of his tumor and a KRAS mutation was found. This qualified him for a vaccine clinical trial.

Russell Reed Finishing treatment
Survivor Stories
August 21, 2025 • 6 Min

Ready to Fight

Russell Reed lost his father-in-law to pancreatic cancer so he knew how important the right doctor would be for his own treatment.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Rob Beeler and his wife.
Survivor Stories
August 5, 2025 • 5 Min

A Second Opinion Was a Game Changer

Rob Beeler’s treatment for pancreatic cancer took a turn for the better when he went for a second opinion at a major cancer research center.

Jerry Chezick before and after
Survivor Stories
July 18, 2025 • 2 Min

From Whipple to Waikiki

After getting a Whipple for his PNET, Gerard Chezick never imagined that he’d surf in Waikiki . . . but he has and will do it again.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Martin Visnosky
Survivor Stories
June 9, 2025 • 3 Min

My Pancreas Was Being Attacked

Martin Visnosky thought he had a urinary infection, but it was pancreatic cancer. After a Whipple procedure and chemo he’s clear of cancer.

Dr. James Moss, pancreatic cancer patient
Survivor Stories
April 29, 2025 • 2 Min

USAF Veteran PJ, Author, Entrepreneur, and Survivor of CHF and Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. James Moss has followed many different pursuits in his life but now he can call himself a pancreatic cancer survivor.

Catalina Fandino
Survivor Stories
April 11, 2025 • 2 Min

Be Aware of the Symptoms

Catalina Fandino knew she wasn’t feeling well but she didn’t recognize her symptoms as red flags for pancreatic cancer.