Three years post operative pancreatic cancer Whipple procedure

Wanted to give a quick encouragement to all those struggling with their cancer diagnosis   I am 3 years down the line I went through my op just 3 days before lockdown began, spent 5 weeks in HDU as a precaution as the pandemic raged all around, to say I was fearfully is an understatement but the care I received from staff was exceptional given they where under extreme pressure as well as fear for family too.

Why AM I  writing this, I want to be an encouragement to those who have understandably fear for the future after cancer  well here I am attained my 70th birthday and never look back  just keep looking to the future.  I in my years have had three cancer ops the last was a big one called the Whimple procedure.  I am a survivor because I think only positive thoughts and dismiss negative thoughts, I know that statistically the cancer will return but worrying about it will only drive me down, I do not want this to drive my life  so if like me you have struggled with your diagnosis take a look at what is ahead as you cannot change what is to come or has past be positive enjoy the life you have and take every day as a blessing and be positive even when you are scared, trust me it is the best way forward  and you will have a better way forward instead of worrying about something you cannot change nor control.  I hope that this is in some small way helpful and I know what you are going through I have been there but there is light at the end of the tunnel just focus on that  best wishes

Sam

  • Hello Sam, firstly I would like to congratulate you on your progress,I hope you are well. Your post is very inspiring and very very true. I am 15 months post Whipple, and like you, I know even with Surgery the statistics do not make good reading, but you have to re evaluate your life and be as positive as possible.I still have bad days with pain and feeling ill but I am still here and determined to make the best of what time I have left. I am very lucky to have an amazing human being who is my wife beside me who is very positive and without whose help and energy I would not be here.I still get scared but the longer I can keep waking up the less scared I get.

    I hope you continue to progress and wish you all the best for the future.

  • Hy I to had the whipple procedure October 22 I still get pains in my tummy but I try not to let it get me down I always think positive and always will but I can't help feeling down on days cos I carnt do much for myself no more like I used to my hands and feet are terrible with pins and needles pain in my feet I sometimes struggle to walk are you the same 

  • Hy Sam I'm the same had the surgery last October did yoh have pain in your Tommy a year after surgery    

  • Hi Jackie I understand how you are feeling I too have walking issues after my kemo I was left with peripheral neourprthy constant knombness and feet painespecially the souls , I think this is part and parcel of the after effects of the Whimple and Kemo.  There are days I feel frustrated bu agai  I thank God for my second chance and try to take every day 1 at a time.

    I wish you well and celebrate the good days and accept the bad and like me I know our strength is in how we survive Ed one of the biggest ops our bodies will ever endure.  I have been cancer free for 3.5 years now and am looking forward to a long life come what may. Thank you for your message and God bless and keep smiling even in the bad days

    Regards

    Sam

  • Yes Still have the discomfort in my abdomen as far as I know it will be with me always but glad o be alive

    Regards

    Sam

  • Hy Sam I Hope you don't mind me asking but do you get pip I am waiting to hear about mine 

  • Hi Jackie as I am over 65 I have attendance allowance this is equivalent to pip for over 65's

     I believe if you have applied re your mobility and health you should be OK to get it.   You can also ask mcmillans for a grant as I did and received a grant for clothing as I lost so much weight, I hope you are successful in your PIP claim as it does help with heating and other expenses also there are charities out there that give support just about researching and applying. I hope that like me you will grow stronger.  God Bless

    Sam

  • Thank yoh so much and bless you to x