Hi Everyone,
I have recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This was found when I had a CT scan after becoming jaundiced. I am told that the tumour can be removed and I will have surgery within the next few weeks. Has anyone had this type of surgery and how has their recovery been? I am definitely a glass half full type of person and feel there will be a positive outcome but I just wondered what to expect from someone who has been through this type of surgery.
Hi Evansnan and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.
This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support. To connect in with the group please click on the link below…….
……. and once the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
You can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial/work guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow 3 working days for a reply.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Hi
My brother had a Whipple's procedure. It was very invasive removing not only his pancreas but his spleen, gallbladder part of his duodenum, some of his stomach and half a kidney, plus bile ducts.
Yes, a lot. He was in intensive care for 3 weeks
But
8 weeks after the op he was given the all clear 
And no further chemo. A year later he's back riding motorbikes and enjoying life.
Stay strong and all the very best
Sandra
I wish you every success with it.
. My brother had the extract procedures as he has a couple of tumours on one of his kidneys plus the positioning of the cancer on his pancreas. You may not have as much taken away ( fingers crossed)
Since his operation in Hull the hospital have started up a support group for Whipple's patients. When we first attended we didn't expect there to be so many people there who had had a Whipple's or were waiting for one.
They have guest speakers talking about their experiences, one member is 10 years post Whipple's. It's a very positive group .
I really hope 
that there is something like that for you . Speaking to others who have gone through what you have is very encouraging. Please try and stay strong. It's not all doom and gloom .
My brother and I wish you every success with you op and recovery.
Take care
Sandra
