Gautam Reddy Gautam Reddy Asked 4 months ago

Can you live without a pancreas if you have cancer?

My aunt was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the doctors are discussing a very complex surgery that might involve removing the pancreas. We are all terrified. I want to know if it's truly possible for someone to live a meaningful life without a pancreas, especially after battling cancer.

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8 answers

Harish Rawat Harish Rawat Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago
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Listen boss, let's be very real. You can actually live if the pancreas is removed, but it's a major thing because you will instantly become diabetic and will need insulin and digestive enzyme pills forever. Don't waste time on random advice, get a top oncologist's opinion immediately.

Ganga Devi Ganga Devi Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

Doctors can save lives by removing the diseased part, so do not lose hope. My neighbor's brother had a big operation for this and he is living with the help of daily medicines. God is kind, keep your courage high and trust the doctors.

Sameer Sen Sameer Sen Joined May 2026 4 months ago

Yes, you can live without it, but it requires lifetime insulin and enzyme therapy. It is tough but definitely possible with modern medical treatments.

Manoj Tiwari Manoj Tiwari Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

Yes, survival is possible but please plan your finances well. The surgery, follow-up tests, daily insulin, and pancreatic enzyme replacement capsules can cost quite a bit monthly. Look into government health schemes or insurance policies as early as possible to ease the burden.

Smita Shinde Smita Shinde Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Haan na, listening to cancer names makes everyone so scared. But yes, surgery is done to remove the pancreas to stop the cancer from spreading. My uncle's doctor told us that managing life after it is possible with proper tablets. Tension mat lo, consult your doc properly.

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Consult a radiation oncologist

Nidhi Saxena Nidhi Saxena Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

I was actually researching this online because a family friend was diagnosed recently. It's fascinating but scary how modern medicine works—people really can live without a pancreas. They just have to take artificial enzymes and insulin to make up for what the organ used to do.

Rohan Bhatia Rohan Bhatia Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

If the pancreas is removed, your digestion and blood sugar control will completely change since the organ that makes insulin is gone. You will have to be extremely disciplined with a high-protein, easily digestible diet and planned light physical activity as advised by your medical team.

Aditya Hegde Aditya Hegde Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

We went to a major cancer institute for my family member's treatment. The doctors clearly explained that removing the pancreas is done in specific cases to clear out the tumor. Go to a well-equipped multi-specialty hospital and ask the surgeon to explain the pros and cons of the Whipple procedure.

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