newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Hi mike 365

Sorry to hear of your PC diagnosis.  I really understand what you are going through its a massive shock to the system and your cant take it in.  I was diagnosed 2021 and could not believe it.  The thing is take one day at a time most peole say this and its true I did.  I had no symptoms it was picked up on a PET scan just by chance I had the scan for something else originally.  I have been on 3 different drugs for chemo, they can reduce your dosage if you cant manage the full dose.  I had radiotheraphy in January for 5 days I was told I could not have any more.  I have been having regular scans every 3 months and chats with my Oncologist regular.  All my scans have shown it is stable in the pancreas and in my lymp nodes it has shrunk so I am happy with this.  I will be honest the chemo is hard at times but you have to think that it is destroying the cancer cells and also the good as you do feel whacked, your consultant will explain this to you and everyone is different.  The radiotheraphy I found easier to cope with than chemo.  I lost all my hair with chemo too but I coped well.  You have to be strong and positive and think the treatment is killing it for a reason.  Just keep positive I know I was, and one day at a time you will get through it. XX

Thank you so much Sharon and Olly for taking the time and setting out the treatment you have received so far. I think you are absolutely correct and you must take one day at a time. Obviously I am worried about the side effects of chemo but as you say, the chemo is fighting the cancer so the benefits strongly outweigh the costs. I have calmed down a little today and I am trying to be more positive about the future. I will post again when I have more details of my treatment. Once again thank you so much and I have realised I am not alone.

Hi mike 365

You are right, you are not alone we have to get through it together with lots of support. Its the only way to deal with it one day at a time.  Its only natural worrying about the side effects of chemo if Im honest I was too, your Oncolgist will explain these, all drugs are different and so are patients.  Like I say you can also ask for a lower dosage if you start getting bad side effects.  They also give you drugs to manage the side effects and they are really good.  Glad you have calmed down and being positive I know its difficult putting on a brave face but you will get through it.  Let me know how you get on.  Also you can join up on Pancreatic Cancer UK if you look on their website you can talk to specialist nurses in the comfort of your own home, there is some really good stuff to read on there I would advise you take a look. X

Hi Sharon and Olly

I will definitely have a look at Pancreas UK and I am still calm-ish and focusing on positive things. My family have been wonderful as have my friends. My GPs bedside manner could have been somewhat better as he really was so negative and handed me a death sentence even before I had seen the gastroenterologist who was far more positive.

Thanks once again.

Ooh bless you try not to worry some people including GPs dont know how to speak to people.  Just focus on what your gastroenerologist said who seems much better.  Just keep positive with your family and friends to get you through it.  Pancreatic Cancer UK look on their website there is alot of good/positive news about this cancer it is not all doom and gloom it made me feel better knowing I could contact someone as a specialist.  Best wishes.X