Pancreatic cancer at 43

Hi all, don't really know where to start.....I'm lost, scared, confused and so down.

I was taken into hospital 2wks ago with jaundice, told i had a blocked bile duct easy fix fine....whilst waiting for the ercp had mri & ct. Was told that they found a lump on my pancreas & it was more than likely advanced. I had no symptoms other than the jaundice so really shocked & I know this is one of the *** ones. Had my ercp Thursday & they took the biopsy, since then I have lost weight dramatically & now experiencing pain. I have 3 beautiful young boys and just met the man I want to spend the rest of my life with & it could all be gone in a matter of months! How do you tell your kids mummy's gonna die, im so so scared 

  • Hello McMooMad

    I'm very sorry to hear that you've recently been told that a lump was found on your pancreas and that you're now waiting for biopsy results for a probable cancer. I don't doubt that all this news has been overwhelming at times, and it's understandable that you've likely been experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. 

    What have the specialists said in terms of how long you'll have to wait for the biopsy results? Hopefully it won't be too long and they will be able to give you some reassurance about the next steps in your care. 

    In terms of the pain, please do reach out to your GP, or if you were given contact details for a specialist nurse at the hospital, then give them a call. They will be best placed to help manage this problem and make things more comfortable for you. 

    I hope that you have family, friends and loved ones around you McMooMad, who you can lean on for support during this difficult time. Don't be afraid to reach out to them and ask for help.  Having a support network around you will help make things easier for you and your boys. 

    It's understandable that you're worried about talking with your children. We have some advice about talking with children about cancer on our website that you might find helpful. It's also certainly worth letting a teacher or trusted staff member at their school(s) know what is happening so that once they are aware you're unwell, the school can help support them as well. 

    If it would help to talk with one of our nurses at any point, you are most welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I know that there are going to be some difficult days ahead McMooMad. Keep posting here in the Cancer Chat community if it helps to have a safe space to put things down in writing. We're here for you. 

    Sending my very best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator