My journey: diagnosed 2 weeks ago with pancreatic cancer

Diagnosed two weeks ago with pancreatic cancer not started treatment as yet but in a lot of pain I cannot sleep .have no worries about  my cancer yet I'm concerned about my family .I just wanted to share and see if any of you can assist my sleep pattern

  • A very big welcome to Cancer Chat Mazza62 as you embark on your pancreatic cancer journey. I hope that you won't have to wait too long to start your treatment. I am so sorry to hear that you are in a lot of pain and that this is affecting your quality of sleep. It might be a good idea to talk to your GP or specialist about this intense pain and I am sure they will be able to help you find the most effective pain relief so that you can sleep a bit better and feel more rested. 

    It's normal to be concerned about your family and I hope that you have good family support by your side. I thought I would also mention another member who posted very recently about their pancreatic cancer journey - have a look at  's thread on her own pancreatic cancer story and feel free to respond to it if you wish. This member was diagnosed in June and is therefore a little further along treatment so would be a great person for you to chat to. 

    We also have a nurse helpline you are welcome to ring on 0808 800 4040 - it is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm if you feel like talking things through or have any questions about treatment or anything. 

    I hope that you find out more about treatment soon and that you will also hear from other members of our forum who have been affected by pancreatic cancer. Hearing from others' shared experiences and journeys can be invaluable at a time when you might feel a little alone after just hearing the news of your diagnosis. It is a lot to process for you and I just wanted you to know you are not alone.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Mazza, Im sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer which has spread to my spine and pelvis.  I am in lots of pain too.  The doctor has given me pain relief tablets and sleeping tablets.  Its the nights that are the most worrying as so many things go around and around in my head.  I am still waiting for treatment as well.  I think once we have a treatment plan in place it will be easier to deal with.  You are not alone in this x

  • Hi Mazza

    So sorry to hear you've been DX'ed with pancreatic cancer. I was Dx'ed for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma Stage 2B in April '24. I experienced quite a lot of pain in my upper right quadrant at night and found that Buscopan and a paracetamol 20-minutes before bed helped a lot. If the pain is in the tummy then sitting up with your legs tucked against your chest and bending slightly forward should help relieve any more severe bouts of pain. A warm hot-water bottle wrapped in a towel pressed lightly on your tummy should also help alleviate some of the pain too.

    Hope this helps, and I also hope you get started on your treatment pathway soon.