Hi, I have metastatic adenocarcinoma of the duodenum. I'm told it is a rare cancer. I have joined the duodenal cancer forum, though it looks a little quiet. I am looking for people with similar cancers, but also for information about how other people cope emotionally with a probable terminal diagnosis. I don't think I am depressed, I do still feel pleasure and joy but I am finding that some of the time I feel quite blank, and then I will suddenly have a really over the top reaction to a trivial situation.
I have really good support from my husband who sees all my moods. My friends and family are all lovely, though, due to the pandemic, most of my contact with them is virtual so they really only see my good moments.
Thanks
Hi Salis and a warm welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one really looks to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. COVID has indeed made a challenging situation just that harder to navigate but let hope the tide to change soon.
Being diagnosed with a rare cancer brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions, I remember this well when I was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 1999 but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey can help a lot.
The Community is organised into support groups and see you have put up a post in our Duodenal Cancer group, this is the place where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as patient or family. Yes like many rare cancer type groups the group can be slow but let’s look to see who is looking in.
But you may want to also join our very active Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only as you will meet with lots of people in the same boat as yourself.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listing ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best.
Thank you, I have requested to join the incurables. 
Sarah
