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?

Chemotherapy and Radiation
September 22, 2016 • 5 Min

Going Place-to-Place to Find the Treatments I Wanted

David Shell traveled around to a number of doctors and hospitals at different stages of his treatment to be able to get surgery to remove his tumor.

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.

Survivor Stories
April 20, 2026 • 3 Min

From Dismissal to Diagnosis

Elizabeth Rountree’s first doctor dismissed her symptoms of itchiness and abdominal discomfort, but her gastroenterologist listened and ordered important tests.

Survivor Stories
February 17, 2023 • 5 Min

Reeducating Myself About Pancreatic Cancer

Martin Hynes knew all about pancreatic cancer–as a research director he worked on the development of Gemzar. He was able to have a Whipple and is doing well.

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.

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.

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.

Survivor Stories
June 16, 2020 • 9 Min

Facing My Biggest Danger: Pancreatic Cancer

After Gary Carmichael finally found the source of his digestive troubles, he had a Whipple procedure to remove his pancreatic cancer.

Survivor Stories
April 13, 2020 • 3 Min

A Genetic Mutation Aids My Treatment

Malcolm Robertson carries the BRCA2 mutation, so when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, platinum-based chemo was part of his treatment.

Survivor Stories
October 17, 2017 • 3 Min

Early Detection Makes All the Difference

Carolynn Kiel lost her mother and sister to pancreatic cancer. Regular screening allowed early detection of her pancreatic cancer.

Survivor Stories
October 4, 2017 • 5 Min

Luck, Grit, and Support

Joel Weiss had to travel from his home in Toronto to New York City to get the NanoKnife treatment he wanted for his pancreatic cancer.

Survivor Stories
September 21, 2017 • 3 Min

Always Looking for a Cure

Linda Milazzo had a couple of bouts of pancreatitis before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Read about her treatment path.

Survivor Stories
December 4, 2025 • 5 Min

Very Fortunate

Mike Duffy considers himself very fortunate that his pancreatic cancer was caught early enough to qualify him for the Whipple procedure.

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
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.