Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer? If so, then this blog will be useful for you to read. We’re sharing support information and highlighting some of the conversations members of the Community have had recently.
November is Pancreatic Cancer awareness month, so we’d like to take some time to show you that the Online Community is here to support you every day of the year. Even if you’re not affected by Pancreatic cancer, you may be interested to hear how members of the Community support each other.
What is Pancreatic cancer?
The video below (02:21 minutes) is an abdominal surgeon name Charles, talking about Pancreatic cancer. If you need more information and guidance around symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for pancreatic cancer, please visit the Macmillan Information pages for Pancreatic cancer.
There’s lots of support and information
When processing a diagnosis or coping with symptoms and side effects, getting your head around the different medical words can feel daunting. It’s not always explained what some of these words mean. There are different types of Pancreatic cancer which means there's different pancreatic cancer treatment options. There’s also different symptoms of pancreatic cancer and you need to have trusted information to help explain everything.
“The amount of info I was given when in hospital in July was unreal - it was impossible to take it all in and also to understand how things would impact/change your life.”
- Community member, Pancreatic cancer forum
The ‘Understanding Cancer of the Pancreas’ booklet has simple yet detailed explanations of the procedures, tests and other medical language that you may have questions about. It includes information on the symptoms of pancreatic cancer alongside the risk factors. The information is split into topics to help you find the guidance you are looking for.
Click this link here or on the picture of the book to read this online. You can also order a copy of the book from our website here or download a pdf version.
In the back of the Understanding cancer of the Pancreas booklet, there’s additional information of other specialist organisations who are also there to help. Pancreatic cancer UK is one of them and they're mentioned because they have lots of information and help available. You can click here to find out more.
How the Online Community can support you if you’re affected by Pancreatic cancer?
With over 2600 members in the Pancreatic cancer forum, you’re not alone in what you’re going through.
“Thank you to everyone on this forum who's sent kind, encouraging messages”
Community member, Pancreatic cancer forum
“Glad I found this group- I will share regularly”
Community member, Pancreatic cancer forum
There’s lots of discussions to read and reply to in the Pancreatic cancer forum and below are some of the recent discussions from members affected by Pancreatic cancer. Click on the links to read the full discussions.
“I will shortly undergo a whipple procedure to remove a 2cms tumour from the bile duct. I realise it's a complex op but a potential lifesaver and be really helpful to hear from anyone who has had the procedure and any tips or advice experience on post op recovery and life style changes expected.”
Community member, Pancreatic cancer forum
Read the replies and join in the 'Whipple surgery' discussion.
“I just wanted to comment because I saw your post while I was browsing. My mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two days ago. We're still waiting on results of her scans and the biopsy thing should be early next week. My mum's scared stiff and so am I - especially the not knowing what stage it's at or anything else yet. I'm here if you want to talk”
Community member, Pancreatic cancer forum
Read the replies and join in the ‘My mum has pancreatic cancer’ discussion.
“We feel a little in the dark- dad won't discuss it, or ask questions so as a family we feel on continual tenterhooks, with a cloud hung over us.
I know there's no real answers, as its individual but hearing from others in the same boat is useful, in terms of overview with symptoms, coping, longevity and what helped them.”
Community member, Pancreatic cancer forum
Read the replies and join in the ‘Prognosis recurrence of PC’ discussion.
“l came out of hospital on Tuesday. I am hoping to chat with people who are now coping with the aftereffects of it all really. I find eating one of the greatest challenges at the moment.”
Community member, Pancreatic cancer forum
Read the replies and join in the ‘After effects’ discussion.
If you’d like to offer your support or join in the conversations above, please click on the links and find the reply button underneath each post. You’re always welcome to start your own discussion in the Pancreatic cancer forum and other Community groups if you have questions, or would like to talk about your own personal experiences. To do this you'll need to click on the '+new' or '+' button near the group title.
We hope the information included in this blog is helpful and if you have any questions or would like to know more, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can post in the comment section below or email Community@macmillan.org.uk.
