Hello Shaner nice to hear you being positive. I was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in May 22, I had Whipple surgery in July followed by 6 months of chemo. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago I was informed that the cancer had returned to its original site and also spread to my right lung. When I was initially diagnosed I immediately thought  I would be dead in three weeks, but after nearly two years I am still here. When I initially asked my consultant about life expectancy times he said " that's upto God" the last two years have been very difficult both mentally and physically, The surgery has left me with two incisional hernias, and several bowel indigestion orders. I too, like you have been lucky to have a very supportive wife, but  the strain is beginning to show. I try to remain as positive as possible, keep exercising , gardening, I previously worked U/G in a Coal Mines for 37 yrs, so am used to hard work. What I have been able to ascertain through my journey is that A positive attitude does help. I always think I could shut myself away and wither and die or I could try and live everyday and enjoy what time I have got left....I 'll let you guess which I prefer. Stay positive and take care.

Absolutely positive mindset helps tremendously something I’ve now adopted thank you so much for your reply that’s great to hear your getting on with it 2yrs in I guess I can put it with God only he knows and maybe I shouldn’t focus my mind on time just take it as it comes I do struggle with the not working as this just come to sudden stop after 35 years shock to the system I totally agree and se what mean about now maybe I should take to the garden now it’s about that time to learn a bit more and be out doors thank you you also take care made me smile 

Hello Shaner and Teege, love and share your attitude to life, being positive is so important, despite your diagnosis. I have advanced prostate cancer, T4, Gleason 10, now in 9 places, diagnosed June 2022. Though I also have a few co-morbidities life is good, i don't know how it is, but am making the most of it. Was in healthcare for 15 years and did 5 years in palliative care which was mostly cancer, and until the last weeks it's mostly just guesswork to how long you have left. I don't know if i have 2 weeks, months or years, I have my last HT injection in 12 weeks and will decline any more treatment, rather than risk harming how i feel now, take care.

Eddie 

Hello Eddie, nice to hear from you, the more the merrier. Sorry to hear of your predicament but admire your positive attitude. I start my second lot of chemo next week along with immunotherapy treatment, so bracing myself for the side effects and whatever else comes with it. 

Take care and stay positive.

Hi Shaner, great to hear you're keeping a positive mindset - I firmly believe this is the most important thing to do and I am exactly the same. A year ago I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer which has spread to my liver and some lymph nodes. I was told I can be treated but not cured. I was in lots of pain and discomfort, and yet one year down the line I feel as fit and healthy as I ever have been! I've been through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Still having chemo and immuno every 2 weeks. I can't thank Cancer Research and the NHS enough - I don't think I would still be here without them and these treatments.

 One thing I did was to start taking turkey tail mushroom capsules as they are known to boost your immune system (immunotherapy works better if your immune system is strong). Three months ago I switched to a different (more expensive!) brand, and within 4 days I noticed a MASSIVE difference in how I felt. I then upped the quantity I was taking, and again noticed a big difference. Now, instead of taking almost a week to recover from chemo, it now takes me one day. One day! Seriously, I've never felt healthier. I have my next scan tomorrow and get my results a week next Friday, and I'm actually looking forward to hearing the results instead of worrying. 

 I've been in constant discussion with my oncologist about this and he is really intrigued to see where this goes. I'm glad he didn't advise me not to take them. That being said, if you choose to go down this route, please talk to your team and do your own research - make sure there aren't any issues with interactions with other medicines. I'm certainly no expert.

I took a long hard look at my life (I'm 53 now) when I was given my diagnosis. Various hobbies that I used to love that I've kind of forgotten about are now very much in my life again, and they're keeping me fit and active, and above all, HAPPY. Keep your brain happy is absolutely my motto these days. I actually feel I'm living a better life right now than I have done in years. Long may this continue!