Today I decided to sign up to Macmillan. It has taken me a while and I imagine my procrastination could have something to do with my being - on the face of it - a survivor of what is considered one of the most sinister forms of cancer there is: cancer of the pancreas, which has been described, among other things, as “ the silent killer”. In 2018 on the eve of my 80th birthday I underwent major surgery to remove o tumour from the head of my pancreas. Just half my pancreas was saved, but my duodenum had to be totally removed.
This procedure, as some of you may know, is called a Whipple’s. One has to spend a number of days in intensive care following the op and those days haunt me even now: the pain was overwhelming. But it does pass and surprisingly quickly, although it does take several weeks of home visits to renew the dressings on the wounds. Having surmounted that hurdle the next to challenge me was the chemotherapy: a memorably debilitating experience which I hope is not echoed by other recipients following the same Whipple’s procedure.
Today, I await an update on a largely non-committal report following a scan on my lung, on which a subsequent biopsy had revealed the presence of pancreatic cancer cells. It is a consolation that, in spite of the potentially damming findings of the biopsy, I have experienced no side effects which could point to any problems with my lungs. On this evidence it is possible that the radiation treatment I received last October has been effective. For the present I have elected to assume all is well……………I have survived four years, so far. It is therefore possible I shall beat the odds and chalk up another success for the medical teams who brought me through a really difficult time.
Hi Nearlyman and a welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to see you joining us and to hear about your journey and ongoing challenges. A cancer diagnosis can be such a stressful and challenging time but when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who are in the same position.
I have a completely different cancer story but in some way understand as I have been fighting my rare incurable blood cancer if over 23 years but I am still hear doing good. The Community has various support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Pancreatic cancer and Lung, secondary cancer groups. These are safe places 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 click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group 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) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
Macmillan have many support platforms so do check out 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. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Give me a shout if you need further help.
Best regards.
