Experiences of pancreatic cancer

It's awfully hard to read about what your Dad and family are going through right now. It's also hard to find the positives and to try not to just give up. I have just joined this group and would like to share my experiences. But I really feel for what you are going through.

A short story about us;

Last year around April / May 2019, my wife was suffering with regular bouts of constipation and dizziness. Apart from this she was very healthy and we both attended the gym and cycled regularly. 

Her symptoms gradually became worse and by the end of May, she had been seen by the GP, A&E and several discussions with NHS online 111. Unfortunately, no one saw anything other than constipation and dizziness.

After many weeks of back and forth, they eventually agreed to do a CT scan. We were then told that she had suffered a minor stroke and was sent to the Stroke Unit at the London Hospital. After their initial tests we were informed that the stroke was minor and she should make a full recovery.

However, the next day we were told they had now had all the tests in and they had been mistaken. It was not a stroke at all. But instead it was Pancreatic Cancer stage 4. The scan had shown it had already spread to the liver, lung and brain.

Obviously, we were all devastated. To be told that after hearing she should make a full recovery, was more than we could handle.

So she was then moved to the Oncology ward at Barts. And had 15 rounds of radio to reduce some nodes on her spine. Then right after another 6 rounds of radio on the brain tumour.

But TBH, we didn't see any benefits from this and she continued to lose weight and get weaker. We had to ask for a prognosis as one was never offered. They said six months to a year.

In my wife's case it was 5 months. She died on the 23rd October 2019.

I'm not sure reading my story will help you much. We have been told so many times that it is very hard to detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm so sorry for what you have been through. It's such a cruel disease and in many cases I have heard it has taken people so quickly..

Luckily we have had longer and my Dad is still with us but I'm unsure for how much longer. 

I think I've realised every case is different, not everyone will be going down the same path as my Dad so it's hard to compare proper experiences but I just hate the guessing of 'is he stable at the moment or is this his decline'. 

Thank you for sharing with me. Honestly, I'm sure it must be hard without her now and having to relive it. 

Every case is different. Myself and my daughter (21), also hated guessing and we did so much talking and research, to find answers like you are doing. So I really understand what you're going through right now. We also felt anger for the fact that she was only 51. And anger that no one spotted this at an earlier stage. But in the end we felt pleased and relieved that she wasn't going through that pain and anguish any longer.

I forgot to mention, she was Type 2 diabetic for many years. I think this had something to do with her condition. But has never been mentioned.

When my wife's condition worsened she was offered a bed at the local hospice. Which was such a wonderful place. Five star treatment and care. I cannot thank them enough!

Yes, I can't seem to stop myself. Everyone knows not to Google symptoms and anything medical but I just feel so out of control. 

I'm sorry you lost her so young and that you and your daughter can find some comfort in having eachother. 

Dad hasn't had diabetes before and the tumour has caused it but I'm guessing the same, it must have been growing for a little while before they found it. 

He doesn't want hospice care but that's s completely different conversation :( I'm 5 months pregnant with an already 3 year old at home so I don't know if I can physically and emotionally deal with it all happening at home. Especially for my 2 girls, I would hate for them to see what's next! 

I have been recently diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and as it it so symptomless for quite a while, my cancer is now very advanced. I am a very positive person and I am not going to give in without a fight xxx

Hi  and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about your diagnosis - this must have been a big shock to you.

A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of stress, confusion and many questions but talking with people who are on the same journey can help a lot.

Can I first direct you to our very supportive Pancreatic cancer group.

Posting in this group will open up your concerns to a wider audience who know exactly what you are going through at the moment.

Follow the link I've created and then introduce yourself to the group and post questions after selecting 'start a discussion' and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

Can I also highly recommend our various Macmillan Support Line Services - you can call them free on 0808 808 00 00 This service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.

Our Online Information and Support Section  is a good place to find information covering cancer diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.

Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.

You may want to put some information in your profile can help a lot Click here to see how to add details as this helps everyone to see a little about you

All the very best.