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A New Chapter After Pancreatic Surgery

Joan's Story

March 30, 2026

“I just truly trust him,” she says. “I highly recommend him and everyone who helped with my procedure.”

- Joan

When Joan first began feeling unwell, she assumed it was something minor like indigestion or stress. But when symptoms progressed to fainting spells and persistent discomfort, she knew something wasn’t right.

After an episode at her daughter’s home, she was taken to Lakeland Regional Health, where testing revealed a mass at the head of her pancreas.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” she says. “It all happened so fast.”

She was referred to Dr. Manuel Molina-Vega, who recommended a Whipple procedure, a complex surgery used to treat certain pancreatic conditions. Because chemotherapy was not expected to be beneficial in her case, surgery offered the best path forward.

In September, she underwent a robotic Whipple procedure at Lakeland Regional Health.

“I always thought I wouldn’t want a robot involved,” she says. “But I’m so glad I did.”

Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to operate with enhanced precision through small incisions rather than one large one. For her, that meant less scarring and a smoother recovery. Instead of a large abdominal incision, she had only a few small surgical sites. After only a few days in the hospital and a careful recovery at home, she began regaining strength.

“Those first couple of weeks are hard,” she admits. “But I kept improving.”

Beyond the technology, what stood out most was the care she received.

“He knows what he’s doing,” she says of Dr. Molina. “But he also takes time with you. He talks with you about personal things. That makes such a difference.”

Now five months post-surgery, she is managing her diet carefully, attending follow-up appointments, and continuing to be monitored by her care team. Her fainting spells have resolved, and she remains optimistic about the future.

“I just truly trust him,” she says. “I highly recommend him and everyone who helped with my procedure.”

With strong family support, deep faith, and advanced surgical care close to home, she is focused on healing and moving forward with gratitude.

Manuel Molina-Vega, MD

Surgical Oncology

ABOUT DR. MOLINA

Dr. Manuel Molina has practiced Surgical Oncology since 2007. He specializes in surgical treatment for benign and malignant processes in the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, bile ducts, colon and rectum, thyroid and parathyroid, adrenal gland, and melanoma and sarcoma surgery.

“Medicine and surgery have always been my passion since the day I decided to get into this career,” Dr. Molina said. “I don’t see myself doing anything else if I had the opportunity to do it again. I like to transmit that passion to my patients by always feeling happy for what I do and by always looking to give the best care possible.”

Surgical Oncology at Hollis Cancer Center

At Hollis Cancer Center, our surgical oncology team offers leading-edge procedures designed to deliver precision, faster recovery, and better outcomes.

When it matters most, world-class care is close to home.

Learn More
hollis cancer center

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