Partner has just been diagnosed with a locally advanced adenocarcinoma in the head of the pancreas. We’ve been told chemo first the potentially surgery.
At the moment all she wants is to stop the itching from the jaundice. Anybody got any advice? She’s been given Colestyramine powder and had a biliary stent put in about a week ago but the itching is stopping her from sleeping and driving her insane.
Scared but relieved that there are some options to explore for her. X
Hello Lemon
I’m Dylan and I work in the Community Team here at Macmillan.
I came across your post tonight and wanted to check in. I’m very sorry to hear about your partner’s diagnosis and how difficult the itching from the jaundice has been for her. It sounds incredibly exhausting, especially when it’s affecting her sleep so much.
How is she doing at the moment? Have you been able to get any further help or advice for the itching since posting?
And how are you coping with everything yourself?
As we’re not medically trained in the Online Community Team, we’re unable to give medical advice directly, but we would always encourage you to keep speaking with your partner’s hospital team about her symptoms, especially if the itching is becoming unmanageable.
You’re also very welcome to post in our Ask a Nurse section of the Online Community, where one of our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists will aim to reply within 1–3 working days.
If you’d prefer to speak with someone sooner, you can contact the Macmillan Support Line on freephone 0808 808 00 00, open 8am–8pm, 7 days a week.
If you want to connect with other members of the Community supporting a loved one living with cancer, you could also post in the Family and friends forum.
I really hope your partner is able to get some relief from the itching soon, and that you both continue to feel supported while exploring the treatment options ahead.
Best wishes,
Dylan
Macmillan's Online Community Team
