Pancreatic and liver cancer

[WilsonMilson]

Diagnosed today. I can’t believe it. I thought I had gallstones. The liver tumour is already 7cm, I can’t even remember what the pancreatic one was, it’s on the head of the pancreas. They did more CT scans to see further spread but I don’t have those results yet.
I just am in a blur.
My pain has been getting really bad the last few days and I’m worried this is it. I will have a meeting probably next week to discuss the plan for treatment -if any.

I’m not ready. I’m 45. I have a son and a lovely husband. I have elderly parents.

I’ve gone into hyper organisation mode. It’s madness really, but tonight I bought birthday cards for my son, husband and mum for the next 4 years. I’ve been transferring money to different accounts to make it more accessible. I’ve emailed my son’s school, I’ve started writing to do lists.

My mum is flying in on Friday and will stay with me. I’m just so devastated and so sorry for my poor son and husband. I cannot believe this.

I have been following from the beginning. Just wanted to say you're an inspiration. I hope you're feeling a bit better today

Hi Pamela, Anne in Derry here. I am thinking about you every day and remembering you in my prayers, I hope that the next few days get you started on your treatment plan. This is not your time yet.

Thinking if you Pamela and sending you love and strength. You are in my prayers and thoughts.

Hi Pamela you are in my thoughts again and I'm hoping the hospital jumps into action because it's Monday.
Greetings from a warm and breezy rural Norfolk.

Lots of love and good wishes from across the water in Liverpool,Pamela. Your DS has masses of love and courage from his 17 years as your child... please be assured of your story's impact as hundreds of mumsnetters care about you.

Just popping in to send you love from the south coast of England Pamela. I hope you are more comfortable now. 💐

I hope today has been better for you. You and your family have been in my thoughts a lot. Please don’t feel under any pressure to post an update. Sending you love from Kent. X

Hi everyone, I’m lying in bed reading your messages with tears streaming down my face. Thank you all, thanks for the advice and links, but also sharing your names and locations. It’s just lovely, I feel blessed and buoyed to have to much support and love both in real life and virtually from all over the place.

So, the big news of the day is - I managed to have the biopsy!! There was a lot of doubt over the weekend as my clotting factors were all off due to my uncooperative liver so concern I would have a major haemorrhage. I got 2 lots of vitamin K - one oral and one IV as apparently that can help with clotting, and they decided to go for it. Had a consultant radiologist do it and he was incredibly nice and very professional. It was far less painful than I expected and now I’m lying down for a few hours and have not got to move much which is fine by me as zero energy. Haven’t had any major bleeds (apparently I would know) and so all seems to have gone as well as possible. I’m so pleased they managed to do it because I was pretty much stuck with no options if not. Continuing with IV antibiotics to try to reduce the inflammation and possible infection concurrent in the bile duct areas and talk of maybe moving to Royal Victoria in Belfast (currently in Antrim Area Hospital) for possible stent procedure. So, not getting out of hospital any time soon, but that’s ok as I don’t think I am anything like well enough for home.

Physically I’m feeling really weak and quite nauseous. The antibiotics are kicking my ass and do not seem to be helping much as I feel worse not better - but that is the jaundice. Eating a major struggle, I’m doing my best but I can’t manage much and only small quantities. The food isn’t idea either, but I can’t expect home quality. DH is taking things up, but he can’t do everything. I’m still technically mobile, but shuffling to the loo is now so exhausting that I limit it to when I’m desperate and have to summon all my energy to do it and I’m mainly lying down on my right side, I can’t lie on my left a all.

DS is on work experience at a law firm this week, so he’s got a bit of a distraction there which is wonderful. He said he went to the Courts today, so he seems to have really enjoyed it. So important he has some normality. DH was with me most of the day (they waived the normal visiting because of the biopsy) and he left a wee while ago. He’s coming back with my mum tonight. Poor DH is working at the oddest hours possible, thankfully he’s been able to pass some of his work on to his staff, so he’s not totally overwhelmed.

So, hour by hour, day by day. Not giving up, just keeping doing what I can. Just want to reiterate how attentive the nurses and care staff are, the work they do is invaluable and I have been treated with respect and kindness at all times.

You are showing such extraordinary bravery and strength. Sending love and positive energy, you and your family are in my thoughts.

Hi Pamela, well done on getting through your biopsy and fingers crossed it will lead to some treatment for you. It must feel so very overwhelming for you, but you’re not alone you have so many people whose hearts you are in. One day at a time x

I’m sending you positive thoughts and affirmations too.

My heart goes out to you and your family ❤️ absolutely heartbreaking, we are all here praying for you, you can beat this xx

Well done Pamela, for getting through that x

All leading to progress and thanks for the update, I also think of you every morning x

Well done on the biopsy. Thinking of you and your lovely family

Lisa in Canterbury. ❤️

Dear Pamela
I haven’t posted much but following your thread. I commend your eloquence in your writing. The love for your family shines out.
I wish you had some respite as the pace of all this is so hard. Hoping you recover from the biopsy without incident and that you get the stent soon

Hi Pamela
Agree with other pp. Wishing you all the luck, and many pain free days
Marie-Adèle in deepest France profonde.

Hello Pamela,

It's so nice to hear from you. I've been thinking about you so much over the last weeks. Well done on getting through the biopsy, and on staying so positive. The fact that you take the time to praise the hospital staff when you are in pain and frightened speaks volumes about you as a person. ♥️

Sounds like your son is a very bright lad and great that he has positive things to focus on right now. And as for your husband, what a star he is ⭐️. Your family's love for you shines through your posts, as does yours for them.

On a more practical note, could you get something more edible brought into hospital for you? I know your husband has a million and one things to cope with right now and your mum isn't the best cook, (bless her 😂) but even some broth from a nice supermarket, (M&S, Waitrose?), heated up and brought in in a thermos might be a change from hospital food. Or some nice fruit if you are allowed to eat that?

A million and one positive wishes winging their way to you from me (and my husband and my daughter)

Karen xx

Pamela, I’m glad they were able to do the biopsy without any major problems, at least it’s 1 more things done.

You probably won’t feel the benefit of the antibiotics for a few days as it takes a while for them to kick in. Hopefully maybe tomorrow you will feel a difference.

It’s such a worrying time for you, your DH & DS. You will be getting the best care and it’s good your son is doing his work placement as it gives him something different to think about.

Sending you much love and strength xx

Dear Pamela, you are great, getting through that was no walk in the park I'm sure, and it's good to hear that the medical staff are so caring and professional.

Thoughts and prayers with you and yours as always and sending a big warm hug too.

I'll be up in Carlingford quite soon and will cross the border to get some lovely bits in Newry. I will think of you while there.

There is a lovely outdoor shrine to St. Jude just before Omeath, and we always stop there to reflect and say a prayer for our loved ones. You will be included next time I'm there.

God speed and rest well.

Siobhan in Dublin.

Hi Pamela

So glad you were able to have the biopsy. I know the Royal Victoria very well as my mum spent a couple of months in there. It's a wonderful hospital and they will take good care of you.

Kate in London x

Sending you a ton of love, Pamela. I am a very very bad Catholic so I’ll also say a few prayers.

ALSO fuck cancer. Up the bum. Sideways. (Told you I was a bad Catholic)

loads of love from Penny in London xxxx

Well done Pamela that's brilliant news 🤗 so glad it's behind you and the real plan can begin. A huge hug to you x

I have just come across your story and I want to say that I am and will be thinking of you and your family. I am sending so much love and warmth your way ☺️

Sending you love & strength Pamela, you sound like an amazing woman and mother 🌸

Sending you lots of love and hope from south west England. You seem just lovely. Hope you get a good night’s sleep.