Hi Jayne

My Dad had whipple surgery and lived for over 15 years.  He died aged 84 of asperated pneumonia plus other complications from his diabeties.  He was sent home from his surgery only with a slim chance of surviving over a year but he was determined.  He had problems with his digestion but if he took his tablets correctly and did not eat too much rich food or dairy at one go then he was ok. His diabeties did not help.

One thing he did get infections but they discovered it was due to a build up of fluid where his gall bladder had been and that used to get infected so he always had a supply of antibiotics at home so he could start on them right away.

He was told before the surgery that the survival rate was only a couple of years possibly five but he decided that was five years more than if he had not had the surgery. This was in 1998 so things have probably improved since then. 

I suppose sometimes we cant help thinking the worst but as I try to think none of us know our best before or use by date its just that with cancer it sort of brings things up close and personel.

Thank you as hearing positives stories really helps. The uncertainty is the hardest but like you say no one knows but until you are diagnosed with a serious illness you don't really think about it.

Hi Jayne2669; Hi river56

i was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004 and had a Whipple in July that year — actually a fortnight after the diagnosis as the surgeon said he “had a slot”.

I came through it and I’m still around nearly 15 years later; I was working until I was over 70.

Obviously I am now a diabetic and inject four times a day, plus I take many pills, but that’s a small price to pay for the extra years, I reckon.

Thought you might like another positive story!

OC239yeo

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