Hello,
I've joined because I really feel I need to talk.
A few days ago, my mum was given a shock diagnosis of advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer. It has to be 100% confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy, but they are pretty certain from scans etc. They told her it's likely she has 6-12 months without treatment, and maybe double that with. We had no warning. She had covid a few months ago very mildly, but got bad tummy pain with it, and it didn't really go - so she went to doctor thinking she had maybe long covid, or a bad ibs flare up. None of us were expecting this kind of diagnosis.
I'm a new first time mum. Baby is only a few months old. I feel sick and like I'm floating in a fug of shock. I'm so worried about my dad too. They're so young- both only just 60.
Thank you if you've read this - it's hard to know how to process and cope with this.
Hi and welcome to the Community although I am sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis in the family can be such a stressful and challenging time but I do hope you will find the Community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I suggest you consider joining our supportive Pancreatic cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from family on the same journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. 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.
I do see you have posted in our or Carers only group and you may want to look at the Supporting someone with incurable cancer group as well where you will connect with others navigating the same challenges.
Macmillan have many support services 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. 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 and aim to give support to all the family.
Please do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
