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’ve just seen your post. You have a beautiful family and your legacy will live on in them. Everything I type seems trite and patronising so I will leave it there. You shall be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending more best wishes to you and your beautiful family. 💐

If you have a private consultant, it is worth going back to them with any follow-up questions. I used to pay for a short follow up when needed, which was much less than the original consultation. Do stay away from Google, as for many things the treatment options have moved on from the projected outlooks given even a few years ago.

With pain relief, it is worth asking for everything possible to see what suits you best. If you need morphine push for it or get your husband to advocate. There is absolutely no point in having pain that could be reduced. I did not get heavier pain relief initially, worrying about having a fuzzy mind (in the end could think more clearly when not in pain). Get them to be really clear on any anti-nausea meds/PPI/etc., needed with the meds and how to take for your condition.

I'm so very sorry Pamela. I hope for you and your family there is something they can do which will keep you here as long as possible.

I’m so sorry, such a beautiful family. It’s disgusting it’s taken all this time and still no plan. Sending so much love and strength to you all.

Thinking of you and your beautiful family. Sending you love and strength xxx

You have a beautiful family in your corner. Am rooting for all of you. xx

What a beautiful family! I have to say, since following your posts from the beginning I have had some tears in my eyes seeing the pictures and hearing about how you are back home.

All I can do is send a lot of hugs and strength from one mum / human being to another. 🌻

There should be a nurse who is available to help your husband learn how to give you painkillers and some relief at home. And yes do follow up with the consultant like another poster said, ask for other people in your area he’d recommend also.

@WilsonMilson oh I am so, so sorry for this awful situation you and your beautiful family are facing. I read your posts whilst walking my dog and, honestly, I was sobbing. This is such an horrific situation and I just wanted to send you and your family all my love, prayers and good wishes. You are not alone. We are here for you. I’m so, so sorry xx

Dear Pamela,I’ve just read all your posts and seen the photos of your beautiful family.I am so saddened at the pain and suffering you are going through,cancer is a bastard.I am praying for you and your family and sending you strength in your battle💜

Sending you all much love x

Ahh what a lovely family. I mean too bad you're Liverpool supporters but hey can't be perfect 😂

all the best with your treatment Pamela, we really are all thinking about you and sending positive thoughts your way x

Hey,
I'm another who has been following your thread and I'm rooting for you, I'm the same age as you and it's really bought home how life can change so quickly.

I'm guessing from your user name that you're a Friday Night Dinners fan? It's a great series isn't it, Jim is hilarious!

I hope you can get your pain relief sorted and you can have a comfortable weekend with your family before your appointment on Tuesday.

Sending you all very much love. What a truly beautiful lady you are xx

Sending you strength, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.

Please ignore my previous post, I have now read through your whole thread and I am in tears.
I am also in N.I and previously worked in the Cancer centre, hopefully you are getting support you need in terms of emotional, practical etc.
So frustrating that this has taken so long for you to get tests done, I will continue to follow this thread and hope that the stent in the bile duct provides relief and allows you to start your chemotherapy

I so hope the stent goes ahead. If it does surely your liver will be a bit more happy. Everything crossed you get the stent and can start to fell better xxxx

Wow what am amazing person you are, so filled with love and gratitude.

Your love and pride in your family shines through and they will always have that part of you with them, no matter what.

sending you all love, strength, hope and peace.💐

Pamela, my DM had exactly the same bile duct cancer. A stent did help with her symptoms for quite some time. She didn't go down any chemo route because we weren't convinced about the benefits when we looked into the research papers but maybe you might think differently given that my DM was much older than you.

We actually had many years with her even after she was told it was terminal diagnosis.

I hope you get the pain relief you desperately need and I wish you well.

Hi Pamela,

I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
As you’re home now, I’m just here to echo the others who’ve mentioned hospice care.
My dear mum had ‘hospice at home’ which was a massive comfort to her and us.

Also, as an occupational therapist, please get someone to request an OT assessment for you, as there will be equipment available to make life a bit easier at home, whilst you’re struggling with pain and fatigue.

Lastly, you are a truly amazing woman, so damn brave.
Sending loads of love to you and your family xxx

Praying for you and sending strength.

Dear Pamela, have only just seen your thread now. I am so sorry for what you are going through, there really are no words. I'm just outside Belfast too. My mum was diagnosed with the same cancer upwards of 20 years ago (hers started in her gall bladder and spread to her liver). She was also diagnosed in the May, didn't see the consultant until July, met the oncologist in August and didn't start her chemo until September.

I imagine you will be referred to the cancer centre, the Bridgewater suite in the City Hospital. Once mum got through that hurdle she was prescribed a cocktail of medication that really improved her quality of life. It's inhumane that you should have to wait so long.

We never took up the option but I believe Action Cancer have a range of counselling/information/treatments that you can avail of. Can your Macmillan nurse not prescribe decent pain relief for you now?

Sending love to you, Kerr, Jacob, your mum and gran xx

Hi Pamela, I’ve been following your story from the beginning. I wish you and your beautiful family. Much love luck and strength x

You are so amazing! What beautiful photos! Hope they get things in place very soon, that make you feel more comfortable and gives you some relief, and to be with your family for many more months and years!
You must be so proud of your husband and son! Hope your son has been chosen for head boy! You are the heart of your family and that is what makes it so special. People really do care and are thinking of you. 🌸

Hi Pamela, I’ve just caught up with you recent posts and I’m so sorry you’re feeling so awful. I loved the photos of you all, what a beautiful family you are. I’m wishing you so much luck that they can find a way to give you lots more time. ❤️

Try and stay positive Pamela , it really can help . 💐