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Pancreatic and liver cancer

1000 replies

WilsonMilson · 17/05/2023 22:49

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.

OP posts:
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17
BraveMaeve · 28/06/2023 13:50

Sorry to hear this, sending so much love, you're in my thoughts every day and I'm really hoping things get better for you soon xx

uncomfortablydumb53 · 28/06/2023 14:14

Hello Pamela. I think of you every day. I hope they can get control of your pain and you are made comfortable
Sending love Judith in Wiltshire

Sotheysaid · 28/06/2023 14:57

Pamela, I hope you are now abit more comfortable and the pain killers are helping, you are in my thoughts, you are such a strong, brave & courageous person

deltablue · 28/06/2023 15:04

Pamela, strength to you, your husband and family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Chris in Rickmansworth

Toomanyanimalz · 28/06/2023 15:26

Sending love at this impossibly difficult time ❤️

Bluemat · 28/06/2023 15:41

You're in my thoughts Pamela. I'm sorry to hear you are in pain, gentle hugs sent from Yorkshire

LesLavandes · 28/06/2023 15:42

Dear Pamela. This is my first post. I'm so sorry you are going through this terrible illness. You are a brave lady and I cannot imagine the emotional strain together with your physical pain and symptoms.
You are in my thoughts and I'm hoping you may have a restful day.
I am also a Pamela from Northern Ireland, living in Brighton.
Best wishes and sending all the hope in the world. From one Pamela to the other Pamela x

RedTedBoom · 28/06/2023 15:46

I discovered your thread today & it caught me by surprise - brought back so many memories both good & bad. I couldn't read everything but I will try again later.
My late husband had stents put in his liver several times & always felt better when the Sepsis/infection cleared - the antibiotics were made up for the specific infection.
I just wanted to say lots of love to you & yours - sounds like they have lots of support, the smallest things make you smile & I treasure these type of things the most 💙

coxesorangepippin · 28/06/2023 15:49

Pamela ❤️

You are in our hearts

misspollyplummer · 28/06/2023 15:58

Hello Pamela, I am another who has followed your thread but had not posted. I am awed by your strength and that of your family. Really sorry you are having such a tough time at the moment, I hope that they can do something soon to make you more comfortable. Sending lots of positive thoughts and good wishes from Yorkshire.

Bluffysummers · 28/06/2023 16:14

Pamela, you’ve been in my thoughts and heart for weeks. I’m so sorry you are walking this road, but from what you’ve written I know you are a brave woman. I can’t help but feel you’ve been tremendously let down by our healthcare service. You and you’re family will be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that you’ll be feeling more comfortable soon xx

allflownthenest · 28/06/2023 16:29

I am so sorry for you diagnosis. We are going through similar, my husband was diagnosed recently and has undergone a whipple procedure and starts chemo next week. This organization may be a good one for you or your family to talk to https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/specialist-nurse-support-line/

Specialist nurse Support Line

If your world has been turned upside down by a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, our specialist nurses are here to talk now.

https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/specialist-nurse-support-line

loislovesstewie · 28/06/2023 16:32

Sending you much love from the Yorkshire coast. You are in my thoughts.

diamondpony80 · 28/06/2023 16:37

I've only just come across your thread and read every one of your updates. It hits home for me as we're a similar age, I have a DS of a similar age, and we're also in NI so not far away at all. Sending prayers your way for healing, comfort and strength for you all.

WeThreeKingsofOrientAre · 28/06/2023 16:50

I’ve also just happened upon your thread Pamela and I am stunned at your bravery and courage. I hope you can sense all the love and warm wishes being sent your way and that your coming days are easier and more comfortable than of late. Your Husband and Son sound like such sources of strength for you and I am thinking of you all. Best wishes from the Midlands xxx

Corknut · 28/06/2023 17:20

Just come across this thread and wanted to tell you how loved you are and how amazing it is to see the strength you have. ❤There is a few things I have been putting off in life and you have inspired me to get over myself. Lots of love to you and your amazing family x

Twinsmummy1812 · 28/06/2023 17:27

Oh Pamela, I hope you feel the virtual loving and gentle arms around you from all of us on here who are so moved by your words. You are a gift to me to remind me of what is important and what blessings we have. I want to thank you and God bless you and your wonderful family. Love Caroline in Shropshire ❤️

justsayingthat · 28/06/2023 17:30

I have followed your thread for weeks... delurking to say I am sorry you have been dealt this shit hand and I hope that things start to take a turn for the better for you now. Hopefully, getting the stent fitted will be the beginning of the road to successful treatment and recovery. Even the darkest hour lasts only 60 minutes ❤️

Sending love, positivity and hope from Greece.

Willowpuss · 28/06/2023 17:36

Sending virtual love and hugs to you brave Pamela and your lovely family.

WilsonMilson · 28/06/2023 17:41

Hi all, I wanted to keep updating as there have been so many posts since my last, and again I’ve been strengthened and lifted by the endless well wishes. Well, actually I’m totally on my ass here, so maybe saying that I’ve been scraped off the floor a little is a more accurate representation. I’m happy to receive distant reiki healing to the kind person who offered.

Today has been truly fraught. I had a massive meltdown this morning and was bawling to anyone who would listen that I just needed to go home, basically I felt to die, I just don’t want to die here. That’s truly my worst nightmare right now. Everything smells here, my sense of smell has suddenly become like a dogs and everything is revolting me. The food too is truly terribly, but I’m on Fortisip drinks as eating much is a daunting and off putting thought. Just need away from here.

The nurses were so, so kind and really advocated for me today. DH has been here since 9.30am too, so I’ve not been on my own. He’s popped home now to get some food and will be back soon.

The ward consultant has been less than helpful in the last few days communication wise - and I was just at the end of my tether being pumped full of Iv antibiotics and nothing changing with my bloods, being told very little and just felt like all of this was continuing to get worse, and the continuation of all of this was just like banging one’s against a wall and expecting a different result.
Consultant actually agreed with me about the antibiotics on his round and I’m off them and on oral antibiotics now. I’m in a vicious circle of codeine need, but resultant constipation which laxatives seem to be doing nothing for. Now on increased laxatives and slightly less codeine - the codeine it was making my blood pressure very low, it’s low anyway, so maybe a good thing, but now more pain. Swings and roundabouts. Finding balance is hard.

The jaundice is worse, eyes quite yellow now, and I need an updated CT scan (9am tomorrow) for the MDT meeting on Friday where FINALLY everything will be put together. They can’t stent me here or drain me, it’s too complex for them, so they have reluctantly allowed me to go home tomorrow morning after the scan. Likely have to go to Belfast for an op next week if I’m well enough and then we go from there.

So, home tomorrow. That’s all I can think about. Just want my own bed. Want a shower or maybe a bath. DH will have to help, but that’s ok although awful as currently my backside looks like an 80 year old saggy man’s !! DH doesn’t care, he’s called Kerr by the way and he won’t mind me saying. DS is called Jacob, he is gutted I’m not getting home tonight, and as Kerr is allowed to stay with my all night, so Jacob won’t come up, but I will FaceTime him for a wee while.

I’ll keep posting, it helps. You all help. Please know that you do, each and every single one.

OP posts:
Summer19 · 28/06/2023 17:49

Hi Pamela,
I am thinking of you all day and delighted that you will get home tomorrow. My heart goes out to you, your husband Kerr and your son Jacob. I do think though once you get a stent fitted that you will improve considerably.

Arniesleftleg · 28/06/2023 17:51

I am so terribly sorry at your news. I have no advice for you but just wanted to send love your way. x

Winterisalmostover · 28/06/2023 17:55

Hoping you get the stent in soon even if it means a trip to Belfast. I went from liver failure, which actually felt like I was about to die, to feeling so much better. Completely different in about and hour. So lovely to know your names. Always in my thoughts. Meggie in Kent.

dontforgettofloss · 28/06/2023 17:57

I only just found your thread today, and I've been thinking about you all afternoon at work.
Life is unbelievably cruel sometimes, and you shouldn't be going through this shit.
I'm in awe of your bravery

Summerslimtime · 28/06/2023 18:01

Hi Pamela. I'm a complete stranger obviously, but you are in my thoughts every day. Great news about going home tomorrow! X

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