Whipple Procedure

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

61 Articles

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Joel Evans and family
Survivor Stories
July 29, 2019 • 4 Min

Surviving Pancreatic Cancer and Embracing Life

Joel Evans’ endocrinologist was concerned so he sent him to get tested for pancreatic cancer. It was caught early enough for a Whipple procedure.

Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria and pancreatic cancer patient Kenneth Brown
Survivor Stories
April 16, 2019 • 4 Min

Climbing the Pancreatic Cancer Mountain

Kenneth Brown got second and third opinions before he chose a treatment plan that included neoadjuvant chemotherapy and a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer survivor Rob Stuardi
Survivor Stories
April 3, 2019 • 4 Min

Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer Lead to Marathoning

Rob Stuardi had three bouts of pancreatitis before he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He shares his joy of recovery running marathons to raise money for research.

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Bob Harris eating ice cream outdoors
Survivor Stories
December 20, 2018 • 4 Min

My Whipple Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer

In 1968 Bob Harris had a then-rare operation for pancreatic cancer: the Whipple surgery. Despite the side effects Bob has thrived.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Ed Duncan on the water of San Francisco bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background
Survivor Stories
October 11, 2018 • 4 Min

Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms

It took Ed Duncan a long time to recognize that the symptoms he had added up to a very serious disease: pancreatic cancer.

Bruce Siebert, pancreatic cancer survivor
Survivor Stories
April 26, 2018 • 3 Min

Solving My Problem Saved My Life

Bruce Seibert knew something wasn’t right when he felt nauseous, but was surprised when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which was followed by a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer long-term survivor Rosemary Buden
Survivor Stories
November 27, 2017 • 2 Min

Very Fortunate to Have the Whipple

Six years after surgery to remove an IPMN neoplasm, Rosemary Buden found out she had pancreatic cancer and needed a Whipple procedure.

Close up of three purple flowers with yellow centers
Survivor Stories
November 10, 2017 • 5 Min

Advocating For My Own Future

Kay Kays is a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer who has learned to advocate for herself to get the treatments she needs.

pancreatic cancer patient Scott Hirshey on his sailboat
Survivor Stories
September 8, 2017 • 4 Min

Celebrating My 5th Anniversary As a Survivor

Scott Hirshey traveled from Detroit to Houston for a Whipple procedure to work with doctors who have expertise in treating pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Robert Glazier
Survivor Stories
August 25, 2017 • 4 Min

Far More Time than I Originally Expected

After a Whipple procedure, SBRT, and chemotherapy, Robert Glazier is staying informed about treatment options for pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer survivor Sheila Sky Kasselman
Survivor Stories
May 30, 2017 • 3 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Leads to a New Direction

After Sheila Sky Kasselman recovered from pancreatic cancer treatment, she became a pancreatic cancer activist, determined to help find more treatments.

pancreatic cancer patient Bob Tirk
Survivor Stories
May 17, 2017 • 3 Min

A Big Teaching Hospital Can Make All the Difference

When Bob Tirk’s local doctor couldn’t figure out the source of his pain, he went to a large teaching hospital, where he was treated for pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Guy Davidson
Survivor Stories
April 20, 2017 • 5 Min

A New Treatment Leads to a Whipple Procedure

After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Guy Davidson looked for the most advanced treatment that would allow him to qualify for a Whipple procedure.

Pancreatic cancer long-term survivor Anne Seagren
Survivor Stories
December 27, 2016 • 4 Min

Chemotherapy Makes Tumor Removal Possible

After failed surgery to remove her cancer, Anne Seagren underwent months of chemotherapy. This made a second attempt at surgery possible.

Pancreatic cancer patient Marianne
Survivor Stories
October 5, 2016 • 4 Min

With No Family History of Cancer, Surprised By the Diagnosis

Marianne, a nurse, went to a hospital that specializes in cancer. A liquid biopsy will determine the next step in her treatment.