Whipple Procedure

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

54 Articles

Pancreatic cancer patient Matthew Rosenblum, his partner Natalie, and their dog Monique
Survivor Stories
March 15, 2024 • 4 Min

Sometimes Things Get Worse Before They Get Better

Matthew Rosenblum thought his time was limited after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis at age 32, but he’s a BRCA2 carrier, which opened treatment options.

Janice Canfield in the Antarctic
Survivor Stories
March 4, 2024 • 3 Min

Cancer-Free and Running Strong

After her Whipple procedure, Janice Canfield is making the most of her time, working, running races, and traveling the world.

Joe Pearson and his family
Survivor Stories
January 24, 2024 • 4 Min

Don’t Give Up

Joe Pearson responded so well to chemotherapy that even with a stage III tumor near a blood vessel he was able to have Whipple surgery.

pancreatic cancer survivor Dave Paffenroth and wife Wendy
Survivor Stories
January 10, 2024 • 8 Min

Always Insist On More

Dave Paffenroth’s wife Wendy was an extraordinary caregiver, coordinating treatments and family support during pancreatic cancer treatment.

Lynn Perkins
Survivor Stories
December 8, 2023 • 2 Min

Being Aggressive Paid Off

Lynn Perkins was only 42 when she was diagnosed with stage I pancreatic cancer, so she wanted aggressive treatment. That was in 2004!

Pancreatic cancer patient Joseph Mele
Survivor Stories
November 15, 2023 • 2 Min

A Long Slog to Diagnosis, A Quick Sprint to Surgery

Joseph Mele suffered through a year of mysterious GI symptoms until he was finally diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic patient and comedian John Ziegler
Survivor Stories
September 26, 2023 • 3 Min

Finding Humor During Cancer Treatment

Comedian John Ziegler has managed to find the humor in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Dan Grunfeld
Survivor Stories
August 30, 2023 • 4 Min

Lots and Lots of Research Leads to a Better Outcome

Dan Grunfeld put his experience as a chemist to good use as he researched pancreatic cancer treatments to find a clinical trial.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Dr. Errol Toulon Jr., Sheriff of Suffolk County
Survivor Stories
June 27, 2023 • 6 Min

A Fighting Spirit

Resilience best describes Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr., a long-term survivor of lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and a heart emergency.

pancreatic cancer patient Susan Hoopengarner and her husband.
Survivor Stories
April 19, 2023 • 4 Min

Two-Year Survivor and Going Strong

Susan Hoopengarner coordinated her care between a local hospital and a major cancer center for chemotherapy and a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer patient Bonnie Dahl and her husband
Survivor Stories
March 29, 2023 • 4 Min

A Second Opinion Felt Right

Bonnie Dahl considered treatment for stage I pancreatic cancer near home but felt a second opinion and a bigger cancer center were important.

pancreatic cancer patient Jay Buth and family
Survivor Stories
March 3, 2023 • 9 Min

Vigilance in Pursuing Symptoms Leads to Early Diagnosis

Jay Buth was very persistent in pursuing the reason for his symptoms. That led to a diagnosis of early stage pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Martin Hynes and family
Survivor Stories
February 17, 2023 • 5 Min

Reeducating Myself About Pancreatic Cancer

Martin Hynes knew all about pancreatic cancer–as a research director he worked on the development of Gemzar. He was able to have a Whipple and is doing well.

Pancreatic cancer patient Richard Liles
Chemotherapy and Radiation
February 6, 2023 • 4 Min

Using Humor to Face Pancreatic Cancer

Richard Liles has a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis but feels it is very important to keep a sense of humor throughout.

pancreatic cancer patient James Arnott
Survivor Stories
December 27, 2022 • 2 Min

It Started With Acid Reflux

James Arnott thought he had an acid stomach but a scan showed pancreatic cancer, and he soon had a Whipple procedure.