Hi all I'm new here as recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I start chemo in 2 weeks I am being positive but scared and worried about what to expect, as I have idea what to do, think or need.
Hi Charlene. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed in May and am on a 2nd line of chemo so I’ve done about 9 rounds every fortnight.i did 6 rounds then a scan but they wanted to do more chemo to keep treatment going. I too felt (and still do feel at the times) scared and uncertain but have got into a routine now. It depends on your treatment plan and sometimes we’re left waiting for long periods without the full answers to questions you might have. I avoid looking at the internet about the disease as it adds worry for me. It’s very frustrating as life is turned upside down for sure. You have to listen to the drs and most importantly your own body. It will tell you to slow down and rest and I found I fought this at first. I now ‘give in’ to it and accept it’s all part of the healing. Do you live with loved ones who can support you on a day to day basis? This is really important as there will definitely be good days and bad where practical help might be needed. There is a lot of medication to manage the side effects but I had to give up work and have been lucky to have access to an ill health pension early.I’m in my early 50s. This can be another worry as it’s a long road to recovery. Macmillan and other charities can advise on the practical things as well as the medical side. I’m lucky enough to have a Maggies Center at my hospital where I can drop in to chat or access classes like online yoga, make up and hair adviceThe chemo is grim no doubt but it’s great you’re going into this with positivity too. You need to hold on to that and really take it day by day. The chemo is a necessary evil and you are brave and strong to undertake it. You are making a tough decision to undergo the treatment and it’s scary. I have no doubt you will get through and it will have a positive impact on changing the course of the disease. I really wish you all the best. Everyone’s journey is different but with great friends and family around you you will get through it. Lisa
A word of encouragement! My friend had pancreatic cancer. She had chemo which was rough but she was cured! I wish you the same great outcome! Just face it as “ let’s get this done and get it over”!
