How do you cope with the thought of dying

Hi, I have pancreatic cancer that has gone to my stomach,  and am on palliative care, receiving chemotherapy at the moment.  I've been told I've got about 3 months to live, a little longer if I'm lucky.  I feel exactly the same you, waking at night, my mind is racing with so many thoughts.  Its hard to relax my nimd to get back to sleep. I try to focus on something I like, like listening to the sea lap on to the beach and that works sometimes.  Also I have been offered counselling by my local hospice and the counsellor has been helpfull in helping me deal with it. Just to say you are not alone.

Hi Troubled and Theresa M and a very warm welcome to the Community but so sorry to hear about both your diagnoses.

Navigating a cancer journey like this can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who are walking the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer although my type is also incurable)

The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.

The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only (Please join the group but for everyones safety this will then have to be approved by the Macmillan Community Team so will not happen immediately)

This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.

To join the group click on the link above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)

When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title.

It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use the Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides 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 give support to all the family.

I have given you a lot of channels to get supporter, but do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.

Hello Troubled, I too am terminal, PCa in 6 organs and like you it's ok during the day, keep busy,  but wasn't so good at night. i do/did alternate therapy courses, relaxation, stress management and sleep hypnotherapy and my sleeping which was 2 to 3 hours a night is now about 6 hours, I like Theresa do counselling through my local hospice, take care, Eddie, PS i see Thehighlander has given you som grat advice, I go to my local Maggies centre and would recommend them to everyone.