My husband was diagnosed 14 days ago. with pancreatic cancer which has spread to his liver.. Apart from vaque stomach pains which had been investigated this came out the blue and selfishly I feel like I am drowning.
We are going through what seems like a slow process of what happens next , I worry that he is fading before my eyes , not eating and losing weight.
He went one week ago for a liver biopsy but they were unable to do this because " the spots are too small", followed by letter saying "unable to reach the spots using x-ray"
Forgive me if I am thinking out loud - I want to stay strong for him but in reality I'm feel like I am falling apart.
There seems , so far, no real support. I have to ring the GP to get him supplies of pain medication - his greatest worry is not having sufficient to last between prescriptions.
I understood the GP was to arrange for a local care team to contact us but so far I have heard nothing. I understand these things can take time .
Today we are rescheduled for a pancreas biopsy to be taken - I'm so confused - the Oncologist who delivered the news said there was little could be done. Whe a biopsy if they know his condition is terminal.
I so need someone to talk to - we are a small elderly family with issues of their own.
Hi Chalkyswife and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis, this must have been such a shock. This is such a challenging and stressful time for all involved 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 Pancreatic cancer and Liver, secondary cancer groups. These are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions, get support and to talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a 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 or + (Depending on the device you are using). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Chat’ or ‘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.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our supportive Carers only group where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
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))
