Help, post whipple surgery

Maynard72 · Regular Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

Hello to all, I am a 47 year old man, I had whipple surgery October 3rd and two weeks later had emergency surgery to repair a artery when I started to bleed eternally. Which put my recovery back. Long story short is that my recovering seems to be doing pretty well now but I am much weaker than I thought I would be by now. I have lost 50 pounds so far but for the last 5 weeks my weight has been stable. Anyone have any suggestions? My appetite is now good and I seem to be able to handle all foods well. I am trying to work a few hours a day but it just seems like I am at a stalled spot in getting my strength and endurance back.

Background on the cancer. It was diagnosed as endocrine which is much slower growing type of pancreatic cancer. They did not find cancer in any of the other tissue or organs that they removed. Had a CT scan two weeks ago and do not have to go back for another 6 months.

brainman · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:26 am Post subject: Re: Help, post whipple surgery

Maynard72, I am very sorry about your Pancreatic Cancer and continuing weakness. I do not know what could be causing this. I do know that Pancreatic Cancer is one of the worse cancers a person can have because of its devastating impact of the quality of life.

One possible reason for your weakness is low blood cell count. When did you have your last CBC (complete blood cell count)? If your are even a little anemic that could make you feel weak.
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Maynard72 · Regular Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

Jim,

Thanks for the reply. I had my last blood count last week actually and got the award for the best blood count of the day. lol. So still looking for answers but thanks.

Aaron

Adagio7780 · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 6:15 pm Post subject: Re: Help, post whipple surgery

Aaron, it's tough trying to work a few hours a day, but getting back up to full speed will take probably several months. Instead of thinking about working 'a few hours a day', set yourself a schedule of a certain number of hours per day for two weeks minimum. For example, work three hours a day for the next two weeks and don't be tempted into doing yard work (or fishing!) on the off hours. It's boring, I know. If that works out, up the schedule to 3-1/2 or 4 hours for another two weeks or a month. Build up slowly and stay healthy, maybe a little walking in the afternoon. I'm pulling for you!
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Sherry · Regular Joined: 30 Dec 2008 Posts: 45 Location: Missouri

Hi Maynard 72.
They tried to do the whipple on my mother-in-law but the tumor was attached to a main artery. They had to just close her back up. Now from what I understood about this surgery is that it's a difficult surgery to recover from and that it would take about 6 months if my memory is correct. So I think you need to just take things slow and give it time. Only do what your body tells you. Hang in there!!!

wannaknow · Senior User Joined: 19 Oct 2007 Posts: 118

Hey M72:
Congrats on your recovery so far.

Have you talked with a nutritionist yet?

They should be able to guide you thru new meal plans that will take your operation into account. Bottom line, you will have to significantly boost your calorie and more importantly Nutrient count.

Good Luck everyday

Maynard72 · Regular Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

Definitely have had nutritionist help with this problem. I had some blood work and now am working on my B!2 and Vitamin D levels. I had my first shot of B12 last week and had some increased level of stamina. Energy hasn't really been moved up yet. Told my wife I think when he did the whipple he took out 3rd and 4th gear. Never really had 5th gear. lol

I did my own Vitamin D help as I enjoyed four days in Florida enjoying the sun. Too bad it is not the same here in the NE. Well God Bless everyone. I will post in this posting the last email from my doctor

"Your tumor was a "nonfunctional" neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas---meaning id did not produce hormones--- this is the most common type

There are some inherited disorders called MEN ( multiple endocrine neoplasia) that predispose patients to multiple endocrine tumors --there is no evidence at present that you have this based on yourpersonal history and family history

Continued fatigue is not unexpected given what you have been through---and may take up to 6-8 months to completely resolve --but I agree that a couple of preliminary tests are in order:

1) thyroid functions
2) calcium levels
3) blood counts
4) hemoglobin A1c( to measure long term blood sugar control)
5) serum cortisol

Le tme know what I can do to facilitate"

Well I got to go for now may our Lord continue to Bless all of you.

wannaknow · Senior User Joined: 19 Oct 2007 Posts: 118

M72:
Sound like you got all the bases covered - climbing mountains are done one step at a time.

All the Best toward a full recovery

Maynard72 · Regular Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

just an update I have started pancreatic enzymes to help with digestion. Not sure if I posted but I also started B12 shots my levels were low. Have seen a difference don't seem to be dragging my feet like an much older man. praise God for little things.

Maynard72 · Regular Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

Well some more developments here. I now have a hernia that my physician says needs fixed. I am going to see the surgeon this week see what he says. I know it hurts and is sore.

My wife thinks I have short term memory problems and they are going to run some kind of test. I don't remember LOL. Thats enough for now.

Maynard72 · Regular Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 14

An update for anyone who is actually still reading my posts.

Tried to go physical therapy to gain some strength and endurance but they stopped it because my blood pressure was extremely high. I have never had high blood pressure even after the whipple surgery seems strange for it to be up now. Has gone down on its own and did get one session in this week so far. They are running a test on my urine looking for catecholamines which can cause high blood pressure.

Had blood work done to check mostly on the b12 shots and vitamin d levels(also to help with energy). Found my bilirubin is 2.5 should be lower than 1.25. The doctor has put on medication to work on the bile but my question to him is why? Why has this happened nearly 7 months after the surgery? Had a CT scan two weeks ago and he doesn't believe anything is binding or blocking duc work. Seems strange now that I have a hernia blood pressure is up and bilirubin is up and he doesn't believe it is related.

My PA is so good, thank God for her! She saw me the other day and it has been a while. Asked me how I am doing, how are my moods? She bluntly told me she thinks I'm in depression. She has known me for a while and said I'm not the same. "Do those things that bring you joy still bring you joy?" Nope. So we didn't really address this yet as they are running tests in a couple of weeks for my memory loss and other symptoms of brain damage since my cardiac arrest. (that happened when I bled out do to complications from whipple, pancreatic fluid leaked from pancreas opened artery and I literally bled to death) I call this the "incident"

The funny side of this is I asked the priests and my wife if my vows said"till death do us part" are we now parted? lol Could be causing scandal in the church having the youth minister and the secretary living together. LOL

There you are now anyone who has been watching knows as much as I do.

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