Pancreatic Cancer

[mybluestang]

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.

[freddie*rooster]

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.

[bright.ton42]

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...

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

[the_hawk*]

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.

[freddie*rooster]

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.

[bright.ton42]

That is so moving. 

[the_hawk*]

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

[freddie*rooster]

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.

[freddie*rooster]

The 2 boys behind my brother are his twins.

[this-one-time-at-bandcamp]

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.......

[the_great_she_elephant]

((())) 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."