Pancreatic cancer: how long does MDT take to come back?

My mother in law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last week .82 years young sent home and no communication from anybody as I'm the only person she has I dread to think of someone that doesn't have anybody could manage at home , waiting on MDT report to come back , I have had to move in with her to care for her , can't do anything until she hears about this MDT meeting , she was told by consultant it was terminal but would need to wait until MDT report comes back ,I have had to take time of my work , I can't even get a care package in place and I can't even claim terminal benefit for her I don't know where to turn as after a week I'm exhausted attending to her personal needs how long does this MDT take to come back? I feel so sorry for our older generation that have no family I just feel they have been sent home to die if anyone can give me info it would be much appreciated thank you .

  • Hello Sunshie, 

    I am sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's pancreatic cancer diagnosis and that you feel you have received no communication from anyone. I hope that the MDT report comes back soon so you have a little more of a clue as to what might happen next. This situation must be truly exhausting for you and it's a shame you have had to take time off work. I am not sure exactly how long it takes for the MDT report to come back. Procedures might also vary slightly from one hospital to another. 

    I hope that you will hear from some of our members who have been through this process before and that they will share their experience with you. I hope you won't mind but I have slightly edited your title to include the words 'MDT report' - this will give it more visibility on the forum. Our cancer nurses might be able to tell you more about this too so don't hesitate to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Hopefully you will hear from them very soon. Maybe it would be worth ringing the hospital if you find this is taking a bit long and asking them what the timeframe is likely to be as you need to prepare yourself and plan accordingly. I hope you can get this care package sorted soon. I thought I would also share with you the financial support section of our website  which I hope will be helpful to you. 

    I hope you get a bit more clarity on all this soon. We're thinking of you and your mother in law during this challenging time. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Dear Sunshine

    This is definitely the worst time. The waiting!  Even if its only a week, it feels forever!

    The MDT probably only meet once a week and if they are just waiting for one more piece of the puzzle not in, it might have to go to the next one.

    Once they have had it though things tend to move quicker, although it doesn't seem so.   

    This is a forever waiting time  !!  

    Definitely speak to your allocated nurse if you have one.   Don't be frightened to chase as much as you want as long as the frustration doesn't make you ill as well!

    Look after yourself as well as your MIL.  You are going g to need lots of strength and patience to get through this.  Get as much help and support as you need !

    This forum is brilliant and I found Macmillan very helpful with information. 

    Wishing you both well.