whipple

210 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
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
June 6, 2019 • 5 Min

Younger Brother’s Pancreatic Cancer Leads to Regular Screening for his Oldest Brother

When Scott Nelson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, oldest brother Steve began regular screening, which lead to his early diagnosis.

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.

Survivor Stories
June 3, 2024 • 4 Min

No Time To Lose

Eduardo Servin acted pretty quickly when he began itching all over and noticed that he was jaundiced. He believes this saved his life.

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.

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.

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
September 23, 2021 • 5 Min

The Butterfly Effect and Living Every Day to My Fullest

Because Helene Avraham-Katz has the BRCA2 mutation, certain chemotherapies work better and she is eligible for specific clinical trials.

Survivor Stories
August 26, 2016 • 3 Min

Making a Risky Choice

Judith Zitiello’s pancreatic cancer was wrapped around the hepatic artery, but she chose the laparoscopic Whipple procedure instead of chemotherapy alone.

Survivor Stories
June 14, 2022 • 5 Min

Go Live Your Life

After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Dean Jackson took his treatment of chemotherapy, radiation, and a Whipple procedure step by step.

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.