Whipple Procedure

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

59 Articles

pancreatic cancer survivor Judd Levy
Survivor Stories
June 27, 2024 • 2 Min

No Symptoms Whatsoever

Judd Levy had no symptoms when diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He responded so well to treatment he was able to have a Whipple.

Pancreatic Cancer patient Tony Austinson in Sedona, AZ
Survivor Stories
June 11, 2024 • 3 Min

A Strong Support System Is Critical

Tony Austinson credits good care and a strong support system of family, friends, and men who survived cancer for getting him through.

Eduardo Servin and his family
Survivor Stories
June 3, 2024 • 4 Min

No Time To Lose

Eduardo Servin acted pretty quickly when he began itching all over and noticed that he was jaundiced. He believes this saved his life.

Pancreatic cancer patient Deanna Burney
Survivor Stories
May 7, 2024 • 5 Min

Leaning into the Fight: My Battle with Pancreatic Cancer

Despite an extensive family history of pancreatic cancer, Deanna Burney’s doctors did not keep a close eye on her pancreatic cyst.

Pancreatic cancer patient Greg Jacobson and family
Survivor Stories
April 11, 2024 • 5 Min

Genetic Testing Changed My Chemo Protocol

Greg Jacobson’s family has an extensive history of cancer. After a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, genetic testing found the mutation for Lynch syndrome.

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.