Hello Luke1971

I wanted to reply to your post to say thank you for sharing a brief outline of your journey and offering to support others who may travel a similar pathway in the future. I'm sure that at some point there will be others who will benefit from hearing your story. 

It's great to hear that after all your treatment, life is now beginning to move forward again and that you're well enough to return to work. 

I do hope that things continue to progress positively for you. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Thanks so much, Jenn. I know that quite a few people go through the Whipple and FOLFIRINOX, so fingers crossed for some further conversation.

Hi, I am 6 weeks post whipple and due to start chemo soon. Saw oncologist yesterday and although she said I am cancer free at the moment it’s highly likely to come back. I was feeling optimistic up till then. Now I’m in a complete state of panic thinking the chemo won’t work and it’s the beginning of the end. Read your post and hoping for reassurance that this can be cured, I’m so scared at the moment and fearful of the chemo 

Hi, Stephanie - hope you're ok. Don't panic! If it's FOLFIRINOX you're having (most likely and, in my experience, if it's only been 6 weeks they must think you're pretty fit and strong), then it's an incredibly strong regimen with, as I understand it, a high success rate. I finished my course about 18 months ago and I'm completely able to live my life as I used to. The treatment isn't pleasant, but it's completely manageable and hugely effective, in my experience. Do DM me if I can be of any help. But don't panic: you've been through major surgery and they clearly think you're strong enough and ready for the next step. It's very common to follow up the Whipple surgery with treatment to minimise the chances of anything returning. But, as I say, do message me if you'd like to chat further.

Hi Luke thank you so much for replying and the invaluable advice. Yes it’s FOLFIRINOX so dreading all the potential side effects. Just had a complete meltdown yesterday after seeing oncologist as results showed main tumour removed found in one lymph node out of 12 with a margin of less than 1mm - whatever that means lol. Having undergone whipple I hope chemo destroys anything left but I’m so anxious about the future. It’s good to hear you have recovered so that gives me some hope.  Just a mess at the moment as reality set in. I nearly died after the operation as I had multiple pulmonary embolisms so still trying to deal with that too !

Thanks for the tips they are really helpful. I know everyone reacts differently to chemo so will just have to wait and see. I think I’m struggling more emotionally and everyone keeps telling me to stay positive but it’s so hard. I’m trying to distract myself but my head is all over the place. Hoping the cns has done a referral for psychology. Have ct scan next week and that’s making me anxious too. Thank you for responding xx

It's so personal, I know. The best advice I can give is just to take each day as it comes. It's really hard to invest in an uncertain future - either positively or negatively - so just try and take it a day at a time, if you can. Easier said than done, I know. But you have strength, and that's the most important armour and best preparation that you can have. xx