Hello and thanks for the post

I am sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis and appreciate you having questions.

Decisions about treatment can be difficult for patients to make and it is important your dad has a good chat with his specialist team so he can make the right choice for himself.

Every patient is different in terms of their cancer and stage of cancer and treatment plan as well as their general health and fitness levels. It is important to ask the doctor what they hope the surgery will achieve ( is it to prolong life or to cure the cancer) as well as the possible risks and complications from surgery.

Unfortunately it is impossible to ever know how someone will be after treatment and how their quality of life may be affected. Some patients sail through treatment whereas others can face a fair few challenges and obstacles along the way. I'm afraid no one will be able to say what your dad experience will be if he does or doesn't go ahead with surgery.

Decisions about treatments are usually made by a team of specialist doctors looking at test results and the individual patients circumstances. They don't usually offer a whipple procedure unless they think it is in the patients best interests and will give them the best possible outcome. However it is important both your dad and yourself talk through any concerns you have with the team so they can answer these questions for you.

There is more information about the whipple procedure here you may like to take a look at if you haven't already.

Do encourage your dad to speak with his doctor or nurse when he can to help him make the right decision for himself. It may also be possible for them to arrange for another patient who has been through this procedure to speak with him and share their experiences.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes,

Naomi