I've survived

I'm getting on a bit. 48 y/o now. 

Had NHL diagnosed in 1980... treated for 2 full years with chemo & radiotherapy. Discharged and sent for the rest of my result check ups at a different hospital in 1990. Didn't like a minute of it over there. Deffo suffered with a lot of undiagnosed ptsd through the years which mum & dad couldn't really help me with when the docs thought nothing of it. No shame or blame. That's just how it was. 

Fell ill again in 2014, diagnosed 2015 (yes, it took that long) with what turned out to be pretty much, Pancreatic Cancer. Went through a Whipples procedure. Then was supposed to go through light chemo to clear the margins which resulted in my having heart failure.. got my notes back from the first hospital a few weeks ago and they'd already seen that heart failure coming in 1981.  Hey-ho.

I'm still here. I've got loads of experience, nearly all positive, from a little kids perspective, to a grown adult perspective. 

Happy to talk to parents of patients and patients with permission and/or older patients, anytime. 

Big love

Kevin

  • Hello Kevin, always good to hear a positive story. I was diagnosed with Pancreatic head cancer, stage 2b in May 22, Had  Whipple surgery in July 22, followed by 6 months of chemo. The Whipple left me with complications such as severe malabsorption and incisional hernia. The cancer reoccured in January this year, at the site of the previous surgery and two nodules in my right Lung. Just started my 1st cycle of second dose of Chemo, and its equally as bad as the first. tried to stay positive for a long as I could but the the last month has been very very negative, Had massive support from wife initially, but lately I feel that this is turning more into dread and despisement.  Don't know honestly, how far I will be able to progress with the Chemo. 

  • Thanks bro. To give you an idea... by the time they diagnosed me I think I was stage 4 with the pancreatic. The Whipples took it out so I know have to meds to mitigate that. You too? The brand is CREON over here in u.k. I'm super sorry to hear you've got more to deal with but hey... stay strong, stay positive. I'm right here for you. I'm very fortunate once again that *** hasn't come back.