Hello, I’ve just joined (although I wish I’d done so sooner). Like many I guess, it’s been a long story - although to be fair the speed of events has been a good deal quicker than I would have expected. I first fell ill in mid September, was admitted to hospital as soon as I saw my GP, and underwent a whole host of scans and procedures for what was suspected as a blocked bile duct. During these investigations it was clear that I had a tumour, both in my bile duct and pancreas. I was then subjected to two different endoscopies, during which a stent was fitted and a biopsy taken. I was then sent home for three weeks rest before surgery, which happened two months ago. Although the surgery (Whipples) was a complete success, the pathology results from the biopsy showed that my cancer had spread to my lymph system. My final diagnosis was Stage 3 Distal Bile Duct Cholangiocarcinoma. I’m due to start six months of chemo tomorrow (8 Jan).
I guess the reason I’m here is that I’m struggling. Throughout my life I’ve always been a fit, strong and active type. I’m 71 now and life has chucked me more than a few challenges (I’ve already had four near-lethal events - three in the Forces and one up a mountain in the Pyrenees). However this is a different thing altogether. Somehow I just can’t seem to come to terms with how powerless this latest challenge makes me feel. Some days I feel absolutely great (the recovery is actually going well) and at other times I’m at absolute rock bottom, in the depths of despair. I’m never sure when I get up each day how I’m going to feel and this is just not my normal way of coping with adversity. I should say that I’m not trying to cope with this on my own but this has hit my wife hard too.
I didn’t really know how I wanted to introduce myself to this community and I hope it hasn’t come across as too negative. I’m really pleased to be here and hope that I can get something out of it - and put something back too. Thank you
Hi Haxby Hermit and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses….. you are not the first person to be caught out by the challenges of receiving a cancer diagnosis and unfortunately you will not be the last.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
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) but I do see that you have already joined our dedicated Bike Duct Cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link> Bile duct cancer then once the group page opens you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
