Whipple Procedure

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

61 Articles

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.

Heather Sanderson
Survivor Stories
December 13, 2022 • 3 Min

Forget Stages . . . Set Goals Instead!

After her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Heather Sanderson set goals: surgery and then getting back to the gym.

long-term survivor Janet McNabb and her husband Bill
Survivor Stories
September 26, 2022 • 9 Min

A Second Opinion Saved My Life!

With encouragement from her husband, Janet McNabb went for a second opinion after a tumor was found on her pancreas.

Pancreatic cancer patient Dean Jackson and family
Survivor Stories
June 14, 2022 • 5 Min

Go Live Your Life

After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Dean Jackson took his treatment of chemotherapy, radiation, and a Whipple procedure step by step.

pancreatic cancer patient Jennifer Lambert and her husband
Survivor Stories
May 18, 2022 • 4 Min

Early Diagnosis, Great Doctors, and Prayer

Jennifer Lambert was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while on vacation in Spain. She returned home for a Whipple procedure and chemotherapy.

Pancreatic cancer patient Robert Hessler
Survivor Stories
March 3, 2022 • 3 Min

Using the Lessons of Recovery in my Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Robert Hessler used the lessons he learned as a recovering alcoholic to help him through the challenges of a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer patient Laura Metzger and family
Survivor Stories
December 23, 2021 • 6 Min

Learning to Recognize the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Recognizing the symptoms of pancreatic cancer is key to early detection. Laura Metzgar’s story illustrates the importance of detecting pancreatic cancer early.

pancreatic cancer patient Glen Trotiner
Survivor Stories
October 19, 2021 • 8 Min

My Two-Year Journey with Pancreatic Cancer

When filmmaker Glen Trotiner was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he learned a new meaning for “treatment.”

2020 Witches of St. Andrews charity bicycle ride
Survivor Stories
June 24, 2021 • 3 Min

Carefully Choosing My Doctor

Doris Bowdoin researched to find the best doctor for her pancreatic cancer. Now she advocates for others through the Witches of St. Andrews.