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 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 • 11 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.

pancreatic cancer patient William Ramshaw
Survivor Stories
May 20, 2020 • 5 Min

Chicken Enchiladas and Pancreatic Cancer

For William Ramshaw, a typical meal of Mexican food led to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, including a Whipple procedure and chemoradiation.

Pancreatic cancer survivor John O'Grady standing in front of a purple and white quilt he made
Survivor Stories
February 21, 2020 • 7 Min

Surviving Pancreatic Cancer and Inspiring Others

When John O’Grady realized he was going to survive pancreatic cancer, he beganinto helping other patients by volunteering with PanCAN and making quilts.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Larry Nicolet, his wife, and grandchildren
Survivor Stories
January 20, 2020 • 3 Min

Surviving Pancreatic Cancer Three Times

Jaundice brought Larry Nicolet to the doctor but took three tries, including a Whipple procedure, for him to be clean of pancreatic cancer.

Ed O'Connor and family
Survivor Stories
January 14, 2020 • 5 Min

At a Crossroads for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Ed O’Connor has been getting chemotherapy for his pancreatic cancer since 2016. His disease is stable and he has to decide whether to cut back on the chemo.

pancreatic cancer survivor Jacqueline Sims-Mayes
Survivor Stories
December 18, 2019 • 6 Min

Blessed to Be Here and Healthy

Jacqueline Sims-Mayes is blessed to be a pancreatic cancer survivor. Her faith helped her through a difficult recovery from Whipple surgery.

pancreatic cancer survivor Ken Vickers and his motorcycle
Survivor Stories
November 7, 2019 • 3 Min

Around to Enjoy the Simple Pleasures of Life

Ken Vickers is enjoying family, friends, and riding his Harley Davidson around the country after pancreatic cancer and a Whipple procedure.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Diane Borrison and family
Survivor Stories
October 25, 2019 • 3 Min

Thirteen Survival Years and Counting

Diane Borrison’s doctor consulted the experts at academic hospitals to choose a treatment plan including Whipple surgery.

pancreatic cancer patient Colin Gabriel
Survivor Stories
October 14, 2019 • 5 Min

Learning to Guide My Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

The more Colin Gabriel learned about pancreatic cancer, the more he realized he needed to guide his treatment, rather than go where his HMO recommended.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Margie Goldsmith
Survivor Stories
September 5, 2019 • 6 Min

Kicking Pancreatic Cancer’s Butt

When Margie Goldsmith was diagnosed with an IPMN she made it her goal to beat that pancreatic cancer. It took two more tries but she did it.