Whipple Procedure

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

55 Articles

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.

pancreatic cancer survivor Harry Schlechte
Survivor Stories
June 11, 2021 • 2 Min

Faith in My Survival

Harry Schlechte had a Whipple procedure for his pancreatic cancer, but he credits his faith for getting him through treatment.

Eric Borden
Survivor Stories
May 17, 2021 • 3 Min

The Benefit of Being Your Own Advocate

Eric Borden decided to advocate for himself when a lesion was found on his pancreas. It was a good choice because it was pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Thomas Stachler
Survivor Stories
May 4, 2021 • 2 Min

You Only Have One Life to Live

Tom Stachler traveled from his home in Michigan to an expert surgeon in Wisconsin to have Whipple surgery for his pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer survivor Richard Lenert and his family
Survivor Stories
March 15, 2021 • 3 Min

Here Today Because of a Whipple Procedure

Rick Lenert had a Whipple procedure for stage I pancreatic cancer, followed by many complications but he’s here 18 years later enjoying life.

pancreatic cancer patient Barbara Wojciechowski
Survivor Stories
March 2, 2021 • 2 Min

Pancreatic Cancer During the Pandemic

Barbara Wojciechowski was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer as the pandemic was rising, affecting her family support during treatment.

Black sneakers painted with purple sayings to encourage Sandy Robis
Survivor Stories
July 10, 2020 • 10 Min

Working Hard to Beat Pancreatic Cancer

Sandy Robis underwent a full pancreatectomy and chemotherapy to help her beat pancreatic cancer. Now she helps support other patients.