Pancreatic cancer spots

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi All

My mum was diagnosed on July 10th 2019, told she has cancer spots on her pancreas and her liver, she was told this by her consultant. Almost 5 weeks later she had her first appointment with the oncologist at UHW. She was told that her liver is "inconclusive" that there might not be cancer spots there so will need another MRI scan. But she was told her cancer has been on her pancreas a long time (it was missed on her scan back in December after a lobectomy) and is "very slow growing" and no urgency in starting chemo!

What is a long time to an oncologist? Months? Years? To me if it's been there for 6 months already then this has grown quickly?!

She asked if her pancreas could be removed he told her no as it causes chronic diabetes, well surely this is easier to manage than cancer?! She asked if part of her pancreas can be removed he said they don't do that operation! What is a whipple operation then? How come I have read many articles where people have had this operation?!

I'm not overly happy with this oncologist as I feel he wasn't giving my mum any answers just obstacles. He didn't even know the correct date that she spoke to her consultant last he said she could see her last appointment was the 5th July, no it was the 10th, and he could see she rang to try and see when her appointment was on the 10th August, which she didn't. I'm even thinking now did he have the right notes for the right patient?! Believe me we've already been through that with my nan but that's another complete disaster story with UHW!

Mum had blood taken and is hoping to have her further MRI scan within another 5 weeks! Then they can make a decision on what chemo she will be taking but they will be tablet form.

If the cancer is "very slow growing" why can't they nuke it with chemo and radiation? Why can't it be operated on? He hasn't even given her what stage of cancer it is, said she could live for years but no one really knows.

I'm so confused by all this, I feel they see a 72 year old woman, who is otherwise fit & healthy, but as she is 72 they're thinking oh well she's old lets not waste resources. I'm sorry to be so bitter but that is how it is coming across to me. I don't know who else to ask or to turn to to get any answers.

If anyone has been through similar I'd be so grateful if you could let me know what to expect.

Take care everyone,

Kind regards

Jo

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Jo () I feel for you being confused about the recommendations that have been made about your Mums treatment, and you not thinking that they are making the best choices for your Mum. I’ve been through that feeling myself concerning me rather than a friend, but it wasn’t pancreatic cancer. 

    In my case my confusion arose as I had a fixed view of surgery for me and what side effects there might be, and I felt that neither the oncologist or surgeon had addressed my concerns for taking the best way forward in my case. I was able to speak to a lovely Macmillan cancer nurse on the phone from my hospital who had been to the multidisciplinary team meeting and could talk me through what had been discussed and why they were recommending their chosen route and it helped me to settle my mind and go forward.

    Ive been keeping an eye on this post hoping that some one with experience from a friend or relatives point of view could come forward with their experience of perhaps pancreatic cancer or of asking for a second opinion. I looked to see that you had also put the question in the ask an expert section where Ellen suggested that you speak to the Macmillan support line or if possible to your Mums cancer nurse or consultant, and after my experience I thought that was a good way forward, as my nurse really changed how I felt about everything. I wrote a blog at the time to just get my feelings out of my head so I hope at the very least getting your feelings out here has helped.

    Im putting in the link to your ask the expert question as it might help you to find it quicker, and also the section on treatment decisions and second opinions.

    https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ask_the_expert/ask_a_nurse/f/ask_a_nurse/185977/slow-growing-cancer-spots-on-pancreas-liver?Page=0#1371824

    https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/pancreatic-cancer/treating/treatment-decisions/who-will-be-involved-in-my-treatment-decision

    Wishing you and your Mum all the best.