Anyone here had the tail of your pancreas removed? How did it go?

[3catwoman3]

I'll be having this done March 7th, to remove a cyst that has changed from fluid filled to having some solid characteristics, which is suspicious for potential malignancy developing.

The surgeon doing it is the head of the department of surgery at the University of Illinois in downtown Chicago, and is highly regarded worldwide. Stellar reputation, bio, and credentials. My GI specialist called the surgeon's staff last Tuesday, they called me on Wednesday, and I had an appointment on Friday. I'm favorably impressed so far.

Based on what he sees on the CAT scan, the surgeon doesn't think the "thing" looks malignant now, as the shape is smooth rather than irregular, but because the appearance has changed from all fluid-filled to solid components, it needs to come out anyway. It will likely be done laparoscopically.

The cyst was what's known as an "incidental finding," discovered at the end of March of last year, when I was being worked up for what ended up being a ruptured appendix. I'm thanking my appendix for getting infected. Had it not, I would not have had any other reason for getting my abdomen scanned, and this "thing" could have gone undetected for a long time.

[multigraincracker]

1. Nope, but good luck and

let us know how it goes.

[TexLaProgressive]

2. I have not, but as a long time diabetic I did some reading

This is called a distal pancreatectomy. It may involve the removal of the spleen as well, but it shouldn't affect blood glucose management or cause digestive issues.

Glad it was caught early. Because of odd blood and urine tests by my endocrinologist I was diagnosed with muscle invasive bladder cancer. The radical cystectomy (bladder removal) was done 1/22/24. I am recovering well and getting use to having a Urostomy.

Sending well wishes that it is not malignant and that you recover fast to live a long and healthy life.❤️
Edit to add, I am a 3 cat man. They all miss me as I am staying in Houston to be close to the world famous and chaotic Medical Center. Sheelah is sorely missing her man servant 🤩 I miss her too

[Walleye]

3. I hope you get better and make it home to your beloved kitties soon. Keep a good attitude

[3catwoman3]

4. I probably should have mentioned in my OP that I'm a nurse.

Coming up on 3 years of retirement after 45 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

I'm trying hard not to "worst case scenario" myself, as we health care professionals are wont to do. Looking stuff up on line often doesn't help.

We currently have 4 cats. We've had as many as 5. When I first needed a screen name, we had 3 cats, none of whom are still with us. I kept the name to honor those 3.

Thank you for your supportive words. I hope your recovery continues to go well.

[TexLaProgressive]

5. I have had excellent experiences with nps and rns

I hope I wasn't mansplaning. It was the type 3c diabetes that peaked my interest. I will continue to wish you well and hope that at least one of the 4 is a doctor cat. We've always had one or two who would minister to us when ill.

Stay strong and get completely well.