Newly diagnosed

Hi Sally/smarchez 

It sounds like you're in a similar situation to my husband. He is currently going through tests to discover if the tumour they've found after he went to hospital with jaundice is malignant or benign.

The first biopsy came back benign but the sample wasn't large enough so he's currently waiting for a second biopsy. His consultant said that the recent multidisciplinary team meeting believe it will turn out to be malignant and be pancreatic cancer.

His scan shows that the tumour is touching an artery so he's been told he'll have chemo first to try and shrink the tumour so that it can then be removed surgically.

Do you have a timeframe for finding out what treatment is proposed?

Anne

Hi Anne. I think (hope) pretty quickly. I should know this week. I'll let you know what the plan is when I know. Good luck and best wishes to you both. 

Sally

Hi, my partner was also recently diagnosed with the same cancer , also wrapped around a large blood vessel.  He has just had his second chemotherapy treatment.  He has lost so much weight, finding it difficult to eat , but he is trying with snacks and Creon every time he eats.

Treatment began very quickly once they had established it was cancer after the biopsy. I hope you have heard by now and he has started treatment.  The hospital staff in the chemotherapy unit are very supportive but unfortunately it is very fierce regime.  I hope all goes well for all of us, best wishes 

Hi Gatsue16383 

We have an appointment with the consultant next Wednesday for the results of the second biopsy and, hopefully, the treatment plan.

I've had chemotherapy myself so I know the chemotherapy unit staff are great. I was very lucky and had hardly any side effects so I'm hoping my husband will experience the same. At the moment he feels well and says that if he didn't know he had this tumour he wouldn't know there was anything wrong.

How many cycles of chemotherapy does your partner have to have?

Hi Sally/smarchez 

I'm guessing you've had the results of your biopsy by now and started treatment?

Hi,

The hospital has said every other week for 3 months then a scan. Then another 3 months.   Unfortunately, he has found the chemotherapy hard going.  He was coping with the severe tiredness by resting but he is really struggling with diarrhoea.  Everytime he eats he was having bouts.  I think the Creon at every meal and snacks are a must.  We found to keep him hydrated dioralyte after every bout and the maximum daily dose of loperamide.  

He had a PICC line put in which means no needles at every session he has found this line in his arm pretty much doable.  A district nurse comes weekly to flush and dress. Fingers crossed your husband doesn't have too many side effects.  It is very hard to watch and be supportive as I've turned into a  bit of a cry baby , but I am muddling along which I think is all I can do.

good luck and best wishes 

I'm sorry to read how much your partner is struggling with the chemo regime and I hope it eases soon.

I know we haven't started treatment yet but I think I'm going to find it harder being the one watching than being the one going through the treatment. I have to stop myself constantly asking him how he feels.

All the best to both of you too.