Hi, I'm totally new to this. My partner was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on 12 Jan 2023. Not meaning to appear over dramatic, but after a traumatic 2 month stay in hospital we were then told by the hospital that they wouldn't be giving my boyfriend any chemotherapy which came as a shock to us but we understand why. My boyfriend is at high risk of having a stroke and they said chemotherapy would, instead of extending his life, actually shorten it, potentially kill him.
What I would like to ask is should we have been assigned a specialist cancer nurse by the hospital?
We we're never given any contact details for anyone involved in my partner's care/treatment and people who have had experience of having cancer or caring for someone with cancer usually ask me if we have a specialist cancer nurse that we can speak to.
It would be really helpful to know what people's experience is please.
Best wishes.
Roamy
Hi Roamy and a warm welcome to our community though so sorry to hear what your are both going through - I do not think you are being dramatic at all let alone "over dramatic" but are dealing with an impossible situation as best as you can.
I certainly would expect you to have someone you could talk to so that you both get the support you need, my personal recommendation would be to get in touch with the "PALS" department at the hospital. I might guess there could be a question of who takes a lead here the cancer team or the stroke team and it is very easy to find yourself falling through the cracks.
It might help you to have a look at or join our Family and friends forum and/or Carers only forum and also possibly consider ringing our helpline who can be very helpful.
<<hugs>>
Steve
