topic Re: Pancreatic Cancer in Community Spirit

Pancreatic Cancer

mybluestang — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:44:32 GMT

It's a long time since I've posted, but I am desperate for any help and advice.

I am 53 and in September was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. I have had a whipple procedure which took 81/2 hours of surgery, but unfortunately, they were unable to remove all the cancer as it had attached itself to an artery. This procedure was done in November and yet I am still feeling so unwell.

I have been to see an oncologist twice and I am due to start chemo in the next week. Both times I have seen the oncologist, I have gone home and just cried and cried, as he has given me nothing positive to hold on too.

I am absolutely devastated by my diagnosis as they have told me they can't cure me and only 1 in 5 will get through to the end of chemo treatment. I know everyone says to stay positive, but I have been given nothing positive to hold on to and I just can't stop crying.

If you have been through this type of cancer and procedure, please post for me, I really need to talk to people who understand what I am going through and if what I am feeling is normal.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

punch*drunk — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:47:13 GMT

I cant help..... just want to send good wishes and hope for a positive outcome.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

sandypas — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:55:29 GMT

Mybluestang - first of all, hugs for you.

We have a friend who was diagnosed nearly 3 years ago now. He was given 6 weeks. His 3 daughters quickly arranged a triple wedding so their dad could give them away but he is still with us today and looking pretty good.

Last year, him and his wife travelled around Australia - he wanted to see the Kimberley's one last time and came home healthier than ever after 6 months in their caravan.

I don't know about his treatment but he has a very positive attitude.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

nicnacs_4u — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:59:45 GMT

Hugs to you not much comfort I know but everyday that you are still on this earth is something to be cherished..don`t look to far into the future,just live for the day..imo

life is **bleep**e at times..

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

freddie*rooster — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 23:00:43 GMT

I have recently gone through this with my brother, he started palliative chemo but stopped after about 3 doses because his quality of life was disrupted due to the effects of the chemo, it's a personal journey and any decisions you make in relation to your treatment is something you need to decide yourself.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

cartooncomics — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 23:08:06 GMT

keep fighting.never give up & it's OK to cry. I'll pray and cry with you.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

horizon1907 — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 23:14:29 GMT

My thoughts are with you also. Just a thought, does the Hospital / Clinic where you are being treated, have a Support Group ? Could you give Dr a call and find out if He / She could guide you in the right direction. If not, try places like Lifeline, RDNS, Support Groups, etc that may be able to put you in touch with others that are going / gone through your experience. Anywhere you may find some Support. Hugs.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

mainecoon1 — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:25:36 GMT

myblue

I am no expert but it sounds to me like you are suffering from depression after beeing given life changing news and having invasive surgery in such a short time.

Next time you go and see the oncologist or doctor is there any family member or a friend you can take with you to help explain your feelings to the doctors. Sometimes when you are feeling so overwhelmed it is hard to make a doctor understand how you are feeling and how you are coping and having a spokesperson with you might help.

It might also help if you contact the cancer council www.cancervic.org.au or Redkite www.redkite.org.au as they will be able to help you with information and how to contact support groups.

My thoughts, best wishes and a big hug for you and I hope you will be able to get the help you need very soon.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

purple_haize — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:26:39 GMT

Being positive will go along way to help you, my cousin had pancreatic cancer & he wanted to live as long as he could, some of the treatments made him sick, but he stayed positive, as Horizon has mentioned there are support groups that will help you, you can find out about them through the hospital or google.

My cousin was 55 when he was diagnosed and after the treatments, went and did all the things he wanted to do, in his life.

I believe his positive outlook has helped him.

On the other hand, my mother took a negative approach when she had cancer and died 6 weeks after being told she had it.........she convinced herself there was no hope & gave up.

So stay positive and look for some support groups....

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

horizon1907 — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:42:08 GMT

Purple, I couldn't agree more with you. The "Power" of the Mind is awesome. Positive Thinking !!!! Talking with folk in the same boat may be just the thing. Have a chat with people who are going / gone through what your going through may just be the Tonic. Have a laugh & cry and let it all out. Easier said than done, I know, but just by doing so, it's all out there. Grab Life by the Reins and Ride like the Wind. YOU CAN DO THIS. XXX

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

freddie*rooster — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:57:41 GMT

When you go to start your chemo ask to speak with a social worker or the cancer care co-ordinator these people are the angel's of this earth, they will guide you through any concerns you have financially, emotionally or spiritually.

Take my word for it your emotional concern is to be expected, to be told you have the dreaded C is like a mack truck hitting you in top gear. Acceptance is important, once you accept the realization that worrying about the outcome will not change things this will help with your overall wellbeing.

Try and keep cheerful smile and above all be kind to yourself.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

bright.ton42 — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 01:40:15 GMT

You really need all the support you can get, here is a link to th Cancer Council Support Group ..

http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/49274/cancer-information/general-information-cancer-information/when-you-are-first-diagnosed/emotions-and-cancer/cancer-connections-online-support/?pp=42833%2Fgroups&gclid=Cj0KEQiArK6lBRC5-_jv48uxgrgBEiQAuxdZ9fqOuV6UuCn92ePhsskwQrHtfn7YDU90Y91pYSFEPLIaAltT8P8HAQ

I believe they are very good. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

the_hawk* — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 01:59:40 GMT

Sorry I have no personal knowledge on Pancreatic Cancer.

but my 2cents worth of advise is to get out there and do the things you have always wanted to do and enjoy every day you have.

Sitting around feeling sad and doing nothing will just rob you of your life.

We have a guy in our club that is now in his final stages of cancer, up until recently he was still riding his Harley on club rides and coming to club nigth events even if it was only for half an hour.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

freddie*rooster — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 21:11:21 GMT

Hawke, your post reminded me of my youngest brother he rode and belonged to a bike club.

About a week before he passed away the bike boys got together about 60 members one with a sidecar, they arrived at my brothers home and blocked off the street until they got him into the sidecar, they took off into the sunset for his final ride.

I have the picture the smile on his face was priceless.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

bright.ton42 — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:03:15 GMT

That is so moving.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

the_hawk* — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:05:40 GMT

Freddie bikers a strange group to anyone that has never known them, but when you are one you have one very large and loyal family .

Glad your brother got to have his last ride with his mates

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

freddie*rooster — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:23:38 GMT

Thanks Hawke, 3 of my brothers out of 4 had bikes and they all rode together plus belonged to bike clubs, sadly 2 have passed and the 3rd Brother now has glaucoma so his riding days are over now as well. The stories they told about their rides would bring us to tears with the mischief they got up to.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

freddie*rooster — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:25:12 GMT

The 2 boys behind my brother are his twins.

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

this-one-time-at-bandcamp — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:39:38 GMT

The war department was diagnosed with breast cancer in '97, and had a radical mastectomy. The next year, the other breast was cancerous..............then in '03 it was cervical cancer...........she never quit, endured both radiation and chemo, and has been cancer-free since 2003. The hardest part for her was losing her hair, and the chemo. I stayed with her during every episode, reading to her, getting her food, and sharing favorite movies on VHS.

We are offering our prayers for your continued well-being.......

Re: Pancreatic Cancer

the_great_she_elephant — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 04:38:37 GMT

((())) Bluestang. Of course you are crying and of course this is absolutely normal. You have been given the worst news anyone could possibly receive and you are shocked, frightened, angry and desperate. Who wouldn't be?

Surround yourself with people who care and who know how to LISTEN. Talking out your illness will help you come to terms with it.

Take advantage of any counselling you can get - counsellors are trained to be very good listeners.

Come here and talk to us. We are all here for you and will try very hard to acknowledge what you say and not offer you meaningless platitudes.

Do something special for yourself every day - "because you're worth it."