Hello,

I'm just looking for some support and find it helpful to talk to others in a similar situation.

My Dad was recently diagnosed with duodenal adenocarcinoma which has spread to the liver, lymph nodes and bones. The news came as a complete shock as he was so fit and healthy before his only symptom (obstruction) appeared a few weeks ago. He had had blood tests, including FBC and liver function, that came back as 'good' along with a clear endoscopy. I feel like a bomb has exploded and life as we all know it has changed forever.

I've not been that pleased so far for how things have been communicated to him and us by Consulants, and how long he has had to wait for an oncologist appointment. We have also tried several times to get in touch with the Clinical Nurse assigned to him who is not returning our calls, and were told that we would receive some support in terms of counselling, but have had no further information. 

There is so little research in terms of best practice treatement about this rare type of cancer which doesn't help. I feel completely lost and dibilitated - I am strong and positive when I am with him, but break down when I am alone and am finding my body just weighs really heavy and I am struggling to make it into work and concentrate. I am really worried about my Mum too - she is being amazingly strong but they have been together since they were teenagers and I can't imagine what she must be feeling. 

I am really struggling to accept and process this news as it has just come so out of the blue, and my Dad is only in his mid 60s. He should have many years ahead of him, and I just wish I could take the emotional and physical pain away from him and take it on myself instead. 

I suppose I am also looking to connect with any others with experience in this type of cancer. 

Sorry for the incoherent rant x