Hello I’m Diane and my husband who is 57 has just been diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer and given 6to9months I’m beside myself with worry and finding it difficult to come to terms with it has anybody else been through this type of cancer
Hi diane, so sorry to hear this. My mum is currently going through the same cancer as your husband. Shes had it for the past year and still having treatment.
Hello Diane, I'm very sorry to hear that - I am 50 and was diagnosed with inoperable bile duct cancer a couple of months ago.
I've not been given a 'timeline', as it were - but I do know that it can be highly variable. There are also many examples of people living well beyond the initial prognosis, albeit it doesn't always work out that way. I'm trying to stay as positive as I can, and it can all be a bit overwhelming at times, I've found that having as much information as possible helps to keep things in perspective. A few things I've been doing that help to reduce worry and anxiety:
- keeping detailed notes; I use a spreadsheet to keep track of my medication which as been extremely useful...
- make time for mindfulness and relaxation; go for walks, make a conscious effort to think about other things for a while
- taking some time out for things that make you happy - games, music, books, art etc.; my sister helped me rebuild my games/music room at my Mum's exactly for this.
- spending as much time with friends and family as possible, but also making a bit of time for myself as well; I'm sure both you and your husband will need a bit of time alone from time to time, as well as plenty of time together.
It's OK to have fun and to try and forget about things for a while; there's plenty of time for the difficult stuff, so all the more reason to set a little bit of time aside each day for happier things.
I wish you and your husband all the best through this journey!
I'm so sorry to read that your husband had been given this diagnosis.
Have you looked at the AMMF website which specialises in this cancer and has lots of support and information? They do advise getting a second opinion (you are entitled to ask for one) especially if your husband is not being seen at one of the specialist hospitals. They also have a very active Facebook page where you can connect with others in a similar situation for lots of advice.
Take care, hoping your husband finds the best care possible
