Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells within the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably. One way in which this type of cancer can be treated is known as the Whipple procedure. The Whipple procedure is a type of surgery in which part of the pancreas (in theory, the cancerous portion) is removed, with the healthy parts of the pancreas left behind. This is a difficult procedure that can lead to life-threatening complications if not executed properly.
Step 1
Get your procedure done by the most experienced surgeon possible. The Whipple procedure is a complicated surgery and, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 15 percent of all patients who receive this surgery from a surgeon who is inexperienced die from surgical complications (compared to less than five percent of patients who get the treatment from an experienced surgeon).
Step 2
Be on the lookout for signs of complications. Check the incision regularly after the surgery to make sure that it is not swollen, warm or leaking any discharge. Also talk with your doctor if you have worsening abdominal pain as it could be a sign of infection or a complication with the ducts and blood vessels that connect to the pancreas.
Step 3
Don't rush your recovery. According to the Mayo Clinic, most patients who receive the Whipple procedure need about two weeks in the hospital to recover. Even once you go home, you will experience significant pain, so take painkillers and avoid strenuous activity (or operating heavy machinery) for at least one month. You will also need to eat only small amounts of easily digestible foods at first as your pancreas recovers from the procedure, so stick to simple meals that haven't been heavily processed.
