Started in the beginning of December last year. Pain in my right side, jaundiced, change in bowel movements and dark urine. Bilirubin levels were very abnormal. Have had 3 CT scans, MRI, MRCP. LFTs are coming back almost normal now but there is a narrowing of the bile duct still so I now have a PET-CT scan and endoscopy, where there will take a biopsy. Nobody has said the "C" word but I feel everything points to that. I'm preparing myself but can I ask the doctor if this is what they suspect? Has anyone else been through this? I understand everyone is different and things can go either way but I have no one else to talk to and friends and family are doing the usual "everything will be fine".
Hi Betty34 and welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnosis.
Navigating journey like this can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
This New to Community area 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 actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)………… if you are eventually diagnosed with cancer you may want to have a look through THIS LIST you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.
Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the support group for your cancer type....... click on the link and when the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 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 3 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community
Hi Betty34 and welcome to the community.
I had a very similar experience almost 2 years ago now-I was jaundiced, dark urine, grey poo, and bilirubin levels which were very abnormal, along with nausea and vomiting. I had a CT scan and 2 ERCP procedures. I’d already been through cancer twice, so I was concerned that this might be another recurrence.
My eventual diagnosis was not cancer but a very large gallstone blocking my bile duct. Has this been ruled out already for you? I was extremely unwell and had a very serious infection resulting in 9 days in hospital. Eventually I had my gallbladder removed.
I hope your biopsy doesn’t give you a cancer diagnosis, but I just wanted to share my own experience as it was so similar to what you’ve been going through.
Sarah xx
