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 

Hi McMooMad,

I am sorry for your situation. I am in a similar boat and so scared and upset. I have an endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy tomorrow afternoon and I feel sick. I have no idea on staging or anything yet but I’ve had digestive issues and not jaundice so think it must be pretty advanced. 

I’m 41, have a wonderful husband and beautiful young son and I’m devastated. I’m sorry I can’t make you feel better but maybe helps to know you arent the only one. 

Let us know how your biopsy goes and what they say it may be better than you think. I’m hoping mine is. 

Thank you for replying, it's nice to know im not alone. I'm so down at the moment scary situation to be in. The worst part is not knowing and not being able to tell my boys what's wrong with me. 

I still haven't had my results but my cancer care nurse said she will ring with them hopefully next wk so we can start the process of deciding what's the best course of action. 

In the last few days I have started with digestive problems & still struggling to eat. But pushing myself so im strong enough for what fight I have ahead of me!

I wish you all the luck with your procedure tomorrow, I will say its not nice to have done & i hope yours goes as well as it can & your results come back clear.

Thank you so much for replying and for your kind words, I'm struggling a lot mentally but have a fantastic partner helping me everyday.

I'm hoping to get results next wk as my nurse wants my case discussed at the next mdt meeting & im keeping everything crossed that if it is something can be done to help me live long-term. 

I have read some scary stories but also so really positive ones how people are living much better and longer with targeted treatment, so im trying to stay positive and get strong enough for whatever happens next.