I was diagnosed with Bile Duct cancer in April 2021. I have just finished 6 months of weekly chemotherapy. Its gruelling isnt it and completely changes you as a person. Unfortunately the chemo has not shrunk my cancer so I am being scanned every 3 months to check on what is going on. IF the tumour changes in size I can go on a trial treatment but until them I am left in limbo! We wanted to go on a holiday to help recover from all the stress of the last 9 months but now I cant get travel insurance. We go round and round in circles getting nowhere. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. All we wanted was to get away and forget for a while.
Hi and a very warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your Bile Duct cancer diagnosis. This is such a challenging and stressful time for you but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various cancer specific support groups and other services so can I recommend that in the first instant you consider joining our supportive Bile duct cancer group. This will be a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group, you do need to join the group. Click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Chat’ or ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’ and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
I have a different cancer so a different treatment journey but yes, Travel Insurance is truly a minefield - it took me to be over 3 years out from treatment and 2 years in remission to get a price that did not have 0000 at the end. But do have a look at our Travel insurance group and see what people are saying.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
