whipple

169 articles

Illustration of Whipple anatomy

If your tumor is in the head of the pancreas and has not spread, you may qualify for a Whipple procedure. What can you expect from this complex surgery?

Survivor Stories
February 4, 2021 • 7 Min

My Most Challenging Race

Eric Lasner faced Whipple surgery, chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX, and radiation, in order to get back to closed circuit road racing.

Disease Management
February 28, 2022 • 6 Min

My Eight-Year Un-Celebration of Surviving Pancreatic Cancer

William Ramshaw shares his thoughts and advice for those in treatment, on reaching the eight-year pancreatic cancer survivor mark.

Survivor Stories
December 1, 2016 • 4 Min

An Unexpected Diagnosis After Surgery

Lora Kelly had surgery to remove a cyst that turned out to be pancreatic cancer. Treatment including clinical trials keeps the cancer from returning.

Survivor Stories
May 9, 2018 • 6 Min

Listen to Your Body

When Roxanne Waling discovered she had pancreatic cancer she underwent genetic testing. She found she was a BRCA2 carrier, which influenced her post-treatment decisions about her health.

Survivor Stories
July 19, 2017 • 5 Min

Hope and a Chance to Fight

Irwin Greenblatt just wanted a chance, so after Whipple surgery he agreed to join a chemotherapy clinical trial. His wife Audrey tells their story.

Survivor Stories
August 21, 2018 • 6 Min

I Have So Much to Live For

Mary Gillam knew that she had to fight after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She traveled to where she would get the best treatment and a clinical trial.

Survivor Stories
June 3, 2020 • 8 Min

A Second Opinion Changes the Pancreatic Cancer Game Plan

Gregg Wittman’s doctors diagnosed him with stage IV pancreatic cancer, but could never get a good biopsy; a second opinion figured out the reason.

Survivor Stories
June 19, 2019 • 5 Min

Twice Facing Pancreatic Cancer

Steven Lewis has faced down pancreatic cancer twice–first with a Whipple, chemo and radiation; then with liver surgery for metastasis.

Survivor Stories
July 2, 2019 • 4 Min

No Warning Before My Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

Retired wrestling coach Cliff Ramos approached his chemotherapy and Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer like he was still coaching.

Survivor Stories
October 1, 2019 • 9 Min

A Second Opinion Leads to a New Treatment Plan

Brad Kerr changed his pancreatic cancer treatment plan after getting a second opinion, and had neoadjuvant chemotherapy before his Whipple.

Survivor Stories
January 24, 2022 • 11 Min

Family, Friends, Hope, Strength, and Prayer

Susan Wells had chemotherapy but her treatment took a detour into more chemo and a clinical trial before she had a Whipple procedure.

Survivor Stories
June 1, 2023 • 4 Min

No One Fights Alone

Because of her grandfather, Rhonda Havig knew she had a family history of pancreatic cancer. But her own diagnosis was still a surprise.

Survivor Stories
August 5, 2020 • 3 Min

Why ME?

Harry Sparks went for a second opinion after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and was able to have Whipple surgery.

Survivor Stories
June 18, 2018 • 4 Min

Embracing Optimism

Laurie MacCaskill is a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer. She followed a personalized treatment plan, and focused her energy on remaining optimistic.

Survivor Stories
July 26, 2018 • 3 Min

Tougher Than Cancer

Not even Hurricane Harvey could stop Kayi Lewis from getting the radiation treatment she needed as she battled pancreatic cancer.