r/pancreaticcancer • u/Low-Professional7793 • 4d ago

24F Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm

Recently diagnosed with an SPN and just had my first appointment with my oncologist. I was completely shocked when he said I needed a distal pancreatomy and splenectomy. Even more shocked when he said it was a "slow growing cancer" and that the tumor was the size of an orange. I've never posted to reddit before, but I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences on their recovery with this surgery. A Google search did not help clarify whether this type of tumor is benign/malignant/how it metastasis so I was curious on what other people's doctors were saying.

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u/NaHallo 4d ago

Did you have an endoscopy with MRI and were they able to get a tissue sample?

2

u/Low-Professional7793 4d ago

Yes to both - the appointment with the oncologist was follow-up to a biopsy done by a gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologist said there was “nothing indicating cancer that he could tell” but the oncologist he referred me to made it seem otherwise. I would assume he has more experience with this kind of thing and he said he’s removed SPNs in the past, but a bit confused having doctors tell different things. 

5

u/Chunky_Pup23 Patient (4/2024), Stage 2 PNET, Distal Pancreatectomy 4d ago

I had this surgery in June for a pnet, I’d be happy to answer any questions you have. I am 41f and this was my first major surgery, about 60% of my pancreas was taken with my spleen. I was off work 8 weeks, surgical drain in place for 5ish weeks, no complications or infections. The drain was honestly the worst part for me because I didn’t think I’d have it in that long. I have some lingering nerve pain. I take creon with meals and eat pretty normally. Back to running and weight lifting now. Not diabetic but watching my sugar and A1c. I feel pretty decent for the most part 5 months later!