r/pancreaticcancer • u/gravybo • 2d ago

Mom’s a little less than 90 days from her Whipple

For those who have gotten the procedure, what are some things you wish someone would’ve told you in advance? What are some ways you prepared for the procedure (education, exercise, eating habits, etc)? What are some ways you wish you would’ve prepared for the procedure? I would love to hear everyone’s mistakes, successes, and everything in between! Thank you

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u/PiccoloTechnical4408 2d ago

Hello there. For my mom, it took a good 3-6 months to learn how to eat many small meals across the day to get her needs met - while also not eating too much at one time. I think, really, it took her a full year. Across this period she did lose a bit more weight but has slowly been able to get back to where she was pre-Whipple.

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u/SJfromNC 2d ago

Set separate alarms on your phone for each different med she needs after she gets home. It's way too easy to get confused at 3 am.

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u/RdTripTrvlr66 1d ago

I’m 5.5 months out from my Whipple. What helped me was to track every day meals/meds/movements (IUKYK) in a small notebook. Look up the DIY Starbucks egg bites recipe from Andy’s East Coast Kitchen, and a no-bake energy bite recipe. These are both items that can be made ahead, frozen, and pulled out a couple at a time. I would also make several baked chicken breasts at a time and pull one out as needed. The Minute Maid Rice Cups that can be microwaved in a minute are a convenient side. Always been a picky eater but with not having much of an appetite and being on a low fat, low fiber diet, these were all convenient. Other than that, get plenty of rest but get up and walk when she can. Best of luck to her and all caregivers.🙏🏼