Jaundice

Hello Trafficman,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Megan, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear that your husband has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and do hope you both are receiving support during this time.

I am quite concerned that you note your husband has deteriorated this week. We would always advise any new, worsening, ongoing or changing symptoms be reported to his medical team and would strongly encourage you seek medical assessment of his symptoms today if you have not already done so.

You can do this by contacting his GP, community or palliative care team or NHS 111 for further advice.

In answer to your questions, it is likely the jaundice is due to progression of the disease, and this can also cause confusion. However, his confusion could be due to another reason that could receive treatment. For example, an infection. Hence the need for urgent medical assessment of his symptoms.

I cannot say if this will get worse or better, but a clinician will be best placed to answer this after assessment of his symptoms.

In addition to seeking medical advice today, I want to encourage you to contact us over the phone also so that we can best support you through this time.

I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Best wishes, Megan

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref MD/BG