Whipple

214 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
August 6, 2024 • 4 Min

Lucky to Find It Early

When Jeneen Genna did not feel well her doctor searched until they found pancreatic cancer. The BRCA2 mutation has her in a clinical trial.

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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Survivor Stories
May 29, 2026 • 4 Min

Trusting My Gut

Marla Schreffler had a feeling something was wrong, even after she got her diabetes diagnosis. Further tests confirmed that she had pancreatic cancer.

Survivor Stories
December 22, 2025 • 4 Min

Our Destiny Is Not in the Data

With a young family, Yann Bizien was determined to be a survivor of stage IV pancreatic cancer, even after a recurrence.

Survivor Stories
July 23, 2020 • 5 Min

Planning Every Day to Live

Tammy Richardson has focused her pancreatic cancer treatment choices on maintaining her quality of life, so she can travel and see family.

Chemotherapy and Radiation
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.

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
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.

Survivor Stories
August 19, 2024 • 3 Min

Endurance, Resilience, and Tenacity

After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, John Sanders went for a second opinion, which led to a more aggressive treatment plan.

Clinical Trials
February 4, 2022 • 4 Min

A Clinical Trial Gives Me Hope

When Dennis Rues’s pancreatic cancer recurred, his doctors recommended that he join a clinical trial. Now he’s doing well.