I’m a 69-year-old woman and I’ve been living with chronic pancreatitis for around seven years. I suffer from regular, painful attacks which I currently manage with Oramorph when they become severe. Back in 2018 or 2019, I was told I had a small non-cancerous mass at the tail of my pancreas. Now, in 2025, I’ve been informed that the mass has grown and is classified as an IPMN (Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm). Although it is still suspected to be non-cancerous, it has caused significant damage. What began in the tail has now spread, I now have three areas of damage, including a large mass in both the head and tail of the pancreas. The main pancreatic duct is also inflamed and damaged, and is now producing a mucus-like substance (I believe there is a name for this but I haven’t been able to recall it). The overall impact is that most of my pancreas has effectively been destroyed.
I’ve now been given two options. The first is to undergo a full pancreatectomy, which is a life-threatening operation with major risks and long-term consequences. It would leave me insulin-dependent for life, would likely require enzyme supplements and comes with the possibility of serious complications both during and after surgery. The second option is to continue as I am — to live with the condition, and have the hospital monitor the IPMN and overall pancreatic function. The hope would be to gain a few more good years before a more urgent intervention is needed.
The problem is, I’m already losing a significant amount of weight and have recently developed diabetes. My quality of life is noticeably declining, and I don’t feel confident that doing nothing will keep me well in the short or long term. At the same time, the thought of such a major operation at my age, with everything that comes after it, is daunting to say the least.
I’m posting this to ask if anyone else has faced this decision, or gone through this kind of operation. If you’ve had a full pancreatectomy, how have you found life afterward? How do you manage insulin and digestion day to day? And if you’ve chosen to monitor your IPMN instead of having surgery, how has that worked out for you so far? And any information on people being candidates for an artificial pancreas and how that works? if this is even another option?
Any insight, advice, or experience you can share would be really appreciated. I just want to make the most informed decision I can.
Hi Liz
Welcome to the Online Community and the Pancreatic Cancer group. I am sorry that you have not yet had a response to your questions but sometimes it can take a few days for someone who has been through similar to see it and respond.
I am sorry to hear of your chronic pancreatitis and it does sound very painful. I understand that it must feel a difficult decision to either carry on as you are (especially with your health declining) or face major surgery. If talking it through would help then perhaps give the Support Line a call and talk to one of the nurses.
I will pop some links below that may be of help while you are waiting to hear from someone who has undergone the surgery.
Types of surgery for pancreatic cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
NHS England » NHS rolls out artificial pancreas in world first move
Closed loop systems | Diabetes tech | Diabetes UK
I wish you well whatever you decide to do.
Jane
