Hi, my name is Sally. I am 52, a mum and a nana. I have the misfortune of a rare terminal cancer diagnosis. I was sent to A&E on the 17th Oct and diagnosed on the 06/11 with bile duct cancer which has spread to the peritoneum and gallbladder. I found out this week the tumours I have are not the right mutation for any clinical trials and I am to carry on with palliative chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which the side effects are awful. I am beside myself with guilt more than anything. I feel responsible and I feel I've let my family down. I feel weak and have always been a strong minded individual. Cancer is stealing my life little by little every day slowly but surely and it's showing! I have awful constipation and the pain from that is worse than any cancer pain. I can't take morphine/codeine because of the problem I have with my bowels. The tumours are very close to the bowel so maybe causing a blockage, I don't know. I am desperately trying to get in touch with a counsellor but this Christmas period has been very long. I am not sleeping nearly enough even though I'm on some heavy sleep aids. I find it impossible to sleep during the day. Would anyone know how I would go about getting help from a counsellor or professional in this field? Many thanks, Sally
Hello Sally (SallyG)
I am Brian one of the Community Champions here on the online Community. I am so sorry to read your post, so lets see what I can do to help.
First off the Community is divided up into cancer specific groups so I would advise you to join the bile duct group where you will "meet" others on the same or similar journey. Here's the link you need:
Once you click on the link and the page opens up, click on "join" on the black banner at the bottom of the page. Once you have joined the group you can introduce yourself in the "New Here - Say Hello" Section.
If you are looking to find a counsellor do you have a "Maggie's" or a Macmillan centre at your hospital - they would be able to help. Maggie's is a cancer charity and here's a link to tell you about them. "Maggie's". There is also BACP - The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy - where you can find a counsellor near you. 01455 883300 or www.bacp.co.uk.
Please remember our Support Line can help you too - they are open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm on a free number 0808 808 00 00. Do give them a call.
I do hope the above helps - if you need any further assistance please don't hesitate to get back to me.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
