Whipple

KRay · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 2:15 pm Post subject: Whipple

Hi I just found this forum. I am a 69 year old male that was diagnosed with "Carcinoma of Ampulla of Vater" in early December 2005. Four Doctor's from the local hospital all told me Whipple surgery was a no-brainier in my situation so I went for it. Surgery was set up with Dr John Bolton at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans for 12-16-05. I was released from the hospital on 12-24-05. During the Whipple Dr Bolton took out the usual parts and I had Stage 2 cancer that had not spread so no Chemo in my case. I had problems with eating and the recovery for two months was not good (hospitalized twice) but then it completely turned around and my weight started to increase and I feel fine. I have some stomach stress from time to time but have found that by taking GasX it helped. In August and September I had my first checkup which included a Cat Scan, MRCP and a Liver Biopsy along with blood work. All the test were normal except for evaluated ALK Phos which is thought to be drug (meds) induced.

I just wanted to share that there is life after cancer and as for me I give all the glory to God for healing me. Life does exist after the Whipple procedure.

I have read lots of the stories on this forum and my heart goes out to each of you. Don't give up hope and trust in God who is with you on this journey as he has been with me.

Ken

Vismund · Regular Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 12

Hi Ken!

Good to hear about your situation. This forum needs more stories like yours. My mother, who is 49, has recently been through a whipple, and is still very weak. It's been approx two months since the surgery was done, and we are still looking very hard for signs that she is starting to gain strength and actually starts the recovery. So far, we haven't seen these signs. The surgery was extremely succesful, the cancer hadn't spread at all, and the tumour was completely dead from all the chemos and radiation.

Was it something specific, that affected your recovery, and suddenly caused this turn around that you are telling us about? My mother is currently having huge problems with her food digestion, her illness is frequently preventing her from keeping the small amounts of food that she is able to eat. And due the weight she lost after this surgery, she is even looking more sick then ever, which is ironic, since she from a clinical point of view, not longer has cancer.

KRay · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Whipple

Hi Vismund,

Glad to share.

I started feeling better when my Doctor put me on the medicine Zelnorm, 3mg twice daily. Prior to that food did not taste good, would not move in the stomach and I just did not have an appetite. Even water did not taste good. The only thing I could eat at that time was Mashed Potatoes and Peaches. Would feel bloated after a couple of bites of food. Not long after starting this medicine I also had the feeding tube removed and after that I really started feeling better, could not get enough to eat and have not looked back. Surgery on 12-16-2005. Feeding tube removed on 2-9-2006. Will able to walk two miles by March. Took a month long RV trip in April. Went caching (my favorite sport) which involves lots of walking during the RV trip.

Tiredness has been there the entire time until the last two months or so. You still have to adjust your eating to what agrees with you and eat smaller portion but often. Prior to surgery my weight was 162. I got down to 133 and currently weight 150. I could weight more but feel good at this weight so have held it.

Still have some stomach problems that are solved with Gas-X.

Glad to answer any questions but keep in mind what worked for me may not work for others.

I am aware that my cancer could come back but for this time God has removed it and allowed me to be cancer free. All the Glory goes to him.

Ken

KRay · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 12:36 pm Post subject: Re: Whipple

Has been a while since I posted on this forum but just wanted to say that I had my Cat Scan and blood tests on 3-14-2007 and all signs indicate that I am cancer free. It has been 15 months since my Whipple and each day is better. I am able to walk 3 miles and eat most anything except spicy food. I am very thankful and blessed for being here and my heart goes out to each person as they are tested daily. God is with each one of you.

Big Sister · Experienced user Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Posts: 68

Such GREAT news! From what I've learned, the Whipple surgery is the only thing that works. Miracles aside.

Thanks for sharing the good news. I wish my brother had had the option. I miss him every day.

Big Sister

KRay · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:49 pm Post subject: Re: Whipple

I am now 35 months, one week post PC and remain Cancer free at my last checkup about one month ago. Recently I had a scare of possible return of my cancer but it turned out to be Ulcerative Colitis which I am very thankful and blessed.

There seems to be lots of bad news here from time to time that I thought I would revive this thread to make sure no one gives up hope. We are all in this together so keep thinking positve.

Sure the Whipple is not easy from start to current time but it is a chance for a cure. As stated, it worked for me but every case if different.

With that said, I give all the credit to my condition to God who give me strength and has blessed me from the beginning. I trust in him and what ever his will is fine with me.
_________________
Ken

Ampulla of Vater Carcinoma
Whipple Procedure 12-16-2005
Tumor Staging: pT2 pNO pMX
Moderately differentiated invasive Adenocarcinoma of Ampulla of Vater, 3.0 CM Tumor Invading but not through Muscularis Propria
Two Oncologist stated no benefit would be gained with Chemo or Radiation so none was performed

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