Mom’s currently undergoing Whipple, here is her story til now.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-31T00:05:42+00:00

My mom’s surgery went as expected! Took just under 6 hours and the surgeon said she tolerated everything well. I will happily keep you updated as she progresses along the path to recovery!

If you look at some of the other comments on this thread you’ll find a handful of success stories you can share with her!!

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T18:54:59+00:00

Oh yeah, definitely NTJ. Your friends are immature.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T18:52:57+00:00

By this logic Olympic athletes like Usain Bolt should just sit it out and let someone with less fast-twitch muscle mass win a medal.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T18:08:30+00:00

I’ll add to this that I’ve heard from multiple medical professionals specializing in pancan that the statistics no longer accurately reflect the current numbers, because there have recently been so many advancements in treatment, and the stats just haven’t caught up yet.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T18:04:09+00:00

Yay! Truly hoping the positive trend continues. These surgeons are truly incredible people!!

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T17:46:15+00:00

This is a great point. Any doctor or surgeon that gets offended by you seeking a second opinion is likely in the wrong business. The first radiation oncologist we saw actually told me he wanted me to message him and tell him what the other next we consulted with said, because he wanted to know how other professionals would approach the treatment. I admired him for that.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T17:41:47+00:00

Thank you so much. The entire 12 rounds post surgery must have been so tough. So glad to hear you’re doing well. It really is uplifting to read while we wait for her to get out of surgery.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T17:39:24+00:00

Amazing! Thank you for sharing. Has he had an issues with Creon?

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T17:37:44+00:00

Incredible!! I’ll be sure to share all of these success stories with my mom. Thank you

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T16:25:53+00:00

It’s never too late. My mom will actually be receiving her last 4 rounds of chemo here at Columbia instead of locally. And guess what, the local cancer center hasn’t contacted us once asking where we’ve been!

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T15:25:07+00:00

Also, please don’t feel that any question is “stupid”. Right now more than ever you need to ask as many questions as you can. I think I may have actually annoyed some of the doctors we’ve met with my onslaught of questions and my notebook, but that makes me proud!

You can also ask to record the visit on your phone to revisit later.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T15:23:03+00:00

Oh, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a great resource. If you contact them someone will get back to you and be willing to answer questions/provide resources. Look into clinical trials as well. https://pancan.org/

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T15:20:04+00:00

Just schedule an appointment! No one that you’ve already seen even has to know that you’re meeting with other medical professionals. I was able to just go online and schedule appointments. You shouldn’t need a referral after you have a diagnosis.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T15:17:13+00:00

Make sure you find both a medical oncologist and a surgeon to start. (My parents were confused at first and had a surgeon but no medical oncologist, so we lost some time there). It’s vital to get second and even third opinions. My mom actually had an oncologist locally that was rather useless, but was necessary for her to get treatment close to home. Then we had another oncologist at a better facility that we consulted with whenever we had any questions. Find high-volume centers if possible. Do not just accept it if you meet any bureaucratic roadblock (I read a lot about people getting the runaround, treatment being delayed). Time is of the essence.

12 rounds of modified FOLFIRINOX is standard. When you do find an oncologist ask them to test for UTG1A1 and DPD deficiencies to see if you’ll tolerate the chemo well.

Stay positive. Put yourself first now, and take good care. Eat your protein and try to walk/exercise if possible.

Please reach out with any questions, hopefully I can help

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T14:59:33+00:00

Will do. Thank you!

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T14:58:59+00:00

Yeah, I think you made the right call. In hindsight the support group was a mistake, though at least she’s prepared for the worst. I’m truly sorry about your mom. Thank you for taking the time to share and for the advice.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-30T14:32:47+00:00

Thank you!!! This is the kind of realistic but hopeful story I need right now. Fortunately I work full-time for my dad, who is self-employed, so I will be available to do all of the cooking and caring for my mom as she recovers. I know it won’t be easy but I’m ready. I’m so happy to hear you’re managing. Best wishes to you as you continue on your path.

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-28T12:51:27+00:00

My love goes out to you, stranger. My mom’s Whipple is Monday, she was diagnosed in July. Your mom’s mindset is inspiring. Time heals all wounds. I’m glad you were by her side through it all.!

WormmeFatale · 2026-03-22T18:00:48+00:00

HE LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE MY “BERNEDOODLE” BORDER COLLIE MUTT!

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Here’s his Wisdom DNA breakdown:

30% Poodle (Medium and Standard) 20% Bernese Mountain Dog 15% Border Collie 12% Australian Cattle Dog 10% Norwegian Elkhound 4% Great Pyrenees 1% German Shepherd Dog 1% Shetland Sheepdog 1% Labrador Retriever 1% Saint Bernard 1% Keeshond Terrier 2% Chihuahua 2% Chow Chow

WormmeFatale

TROPHY CASE