Pancreatic cancer

Mags N 12 days ago

3 replies
25 subscribers
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I am 70 and feel like I’ve been handed a death penalty, I have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I am going in for another camera on Tuesday the tumour has grown since my first scan.
I understand why thedoctors have changed their minds on treatment. I now after the camera I speak with and oncologist about my three months chemo, questions I ask will I loose my hair.
I don’t know the answer after I have three months of chemo I have to go for three months ration therapy then an operation. I was told by the kind nurse from macmillan that I may have to recieve more chemo after that. This is all rather scary stuff I think I’m handling it ok but I even with the Creon treatment my appetite is no good although I seem to have ceased losing weight.

im scared I’m not sleeping to well. My liver is giving me pain and I’m positively fed up. Can anyone tell me what I’m going to go through with the chemo

thank you for letting me join and sorry for being an old moan

margaret

Dewie 12 days ago

Hi Margaret,

I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in October 2022. Mine is not operable as it is intertwined with blood vessels. I had 10 months of Chemo GemAbraxine and 5 sessions of Radiotherapy. My Radiotherapy was high dose over a shorter period. I haven't had any treatment since November 2023 my tumour is stable and I am monitored every 3 months, bloods and Scan, I am finding it extremely difficult to live with the unknown. I was sick initially but it settled down. I did lose my hair and i found that traumatic. The hardest thing for me was the fatigue I suffered when treatment stopped, but apparently that can be normal for some. I hope your journey won't be too difficult

Anjohannes 12 days ago

Dear Margaret,

of course this is a big shock and you are very overwhelmed.Do you have anyone, who can assist you, attend the consultations with you? I take notes for my husband at every meeting.It helps to keep track of things.

if tge Whipple procedure is part of your scheduled treatment, even though it’s a long, rigorous operation, this is very positive.After the Whipple you may well need 6 months of preventative chemo.Of course you may have reactions to the chemo, but take it one day at a time.I wish you well, keep battling.Sending virtual hugs.

Lisa 1970 8 days ago

Hi Margaret,

Firstly, you are not a moaner! It sounds a lot to deal with. I too am struggling immensely!

I am 54 and am about to start chemotherapy. I find eating very tiresome, or indeed I just don't eat at all. Like you, I have ceased losing weight. Like you, I will lose my hair as the chemotherapy is brutal, but what choice do we have...

I am unable to answer about not sleeping as neither am I. I referred myself for therapy, but literally just had a call to say there is a waiting list of 7/8 months!

Please do get in contact with your nurse team for help. I have been picking up the phone daily at the moment.

I can only reiterate all you are feeling and thinking I'm in that place too. It's so bloody frightening.

Finally, I wish you strength, courage and resilience.

Best wishes

Lisa

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