Transformative Journey: My Whipple Surgery Experience Battling Pancreatic Cancer
A Journey of Survival: Bob Harris and His Battle Against Pancreatic Cancer
In 1964, Bob Harris’s life took an unexpected turn when he began suffering from gallbladder attacks. Little did he know that these episodes would lead to a pivotal diagnosis that would change his life forever. After enduring numerous hospital visits, Bob underwent gallbladder surgery, which ultimately uncovered a tumor on his pancreas. His remarkable story of resilience and survival spans over five decades.
The Discovery of Pancreatic Cancer
After experiencing multiple gallbladder attacks, Bob was encouraged by his doctor to have his gallbladder removed. In May 1968, during the procedure at Waukesha Hospital in Wisconsin, surgeons discovered a tumor on his pancreas. A biopsy confirmed the need for further intervention, which led him to the renowned Mayo Clinic. At that time, options for pancreatic surgery were limited to a few elite hospitals.
Bob was not informed about his cancer diagnosis until he arrived at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. It was there that he learned the severity of his condition.
Choosing the Whipple Procedure
With a career at Waukesha Motor Company spanning 13 years, Bob’s life was about to change drastically. After undergoing extensive testing at the Mayo Clinic, a team of ten doctors delivered the grim news: without surgery, he might only have six to nine months to live. However, if he chose to proceed with the Whipple surgery, he could potentially gain an additional five years.
Determined to fight, Bob consented to the surgery. On June 18, 1968, he underwent the Whipple procedure, which involved removing significant portions of his pancreas, stomach, and duodenum. Remarkably, he recovered in just 12 days, a record time for the Mayo Clinic at that time.
Post-Surgery Challenges and Triumphs
Before his surgeries, Bob weighed 225 pounds, but after two operations within weeks, he dropped to 155 pounds. Although he faced severe abdominal pain for 15 years post-surgery, which baffled his medical team, he managed to return to work after just four and a half months of recovery.
Today, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer has risen to 9%, a significant improvement from the less than 1% rate in the early 2000s. Back in 1968, Bob’s chances were even slimmer, making his survival all the more extraordinary.
At 37 years old, Bob began this arduous journey, and now, at 87, he reflects on his incredible luck and timing. After four decades with the Waukesha Engine Division, he credits his longevity to a combination of medical advancements and sheer perseverance.
A Legacy of Hope and Resilience
Bob Harris’s story is not just one of survival, but of hope and determination. He continued to undergo regular checkups, managing type 2 diabetes since 2003. His journey inspires many, illustrating the importance of early detection and the advancements in cancer treatment.
With heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, we remember Bob Harris, who lived a fulfilling life long after his initial diagnosis. His legacy serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
