Just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Hi, I had a meeting about my biopsy result with my consultant this morning, & he told me I have pancreatic cancer. I've had abdominal problems for nearly a year now, & was admitted for acute pancreatitis last summer for several days.

it's in the tail, contained, & I don't believe that it's a large (stage 1?). I'm due to have an operation (tail of pancreas & spleen to be removed) at the end of April, then to start chemo.

the meeting was all a bit of a blur, but I felt well supported.

I've now come to bed as I'm completely exhausted with the news, telling family & friends, lack of sleep last night.

i just feel incredibly guilty for what i am putting mrs. WB & my 2 grown sons through. I can't  feel bothered about me that much, but I just keep imagining what they must be feeling. I lost my mother & older brother to C, so I know what it's like for loved ones.

there, got that off my chest.

WB

  • Hi Will,

    I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnosis and you shouldn't feel guilty about it at all. You're not putting anyone through anything, you're just seeking the treatment you need to get better and there's nothing wrong with taking time to process your own emotions as well. You also deserve to take of care of your yourself, especially through what I can only imagine is a really difficult and shocking time. 

    Sending you the very best wishes and I hope everything works out x

  • Thanks for those kind words, Poppy, and best wishes to you. 

     

    WB.

  • Hi WB

    I am so sorry to hear this. I know guilt is a strange but apparently normal emtion (amongst many others) in these circumstances but of course this is not your fault.  Looking on the positive side, the fact that is is possibly Stage 1 and operable sounds hopeful.

    I totally get where you are coming from.  I am still formally undiagnosed but things definitely  seem to be heading down the cancer route as more and more innocuous things are ruled out.  My husband got really upset for the first time (at least in front of me) last night and it just killed me to see him crying with worry.

    Let us know how you get on and very best of luck.

     

    Bluebear x

  • Hi WB, firstly don't feel guilty - you have no control over this cancer & I'm sure your family will be supportive once the news has had time to sink in. Just to give you an idea - I am a healthy person - , healthy weight, exercise, don't smoke , hardly drink etc  & I was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic in December. There doesn't seem to be any reason for us to get it - we're just unlucky but at least yours sounds like it's a treatabke . operable stage so that's positive. My mum  & dad unfortunately dues of cancer in the last 2 yrs ( breast & bowel) so it is in the family which makes me wonder if my daughter is at risk. My tumour is t2 (under 4cm) &  in the head of my pancreas but it had also spread to the duoduernum & slightly to my bowel. I had a whipper operation in jan 21 and started folfirinox chemo on 13th March. On cycle 2 of 12. I have been looked after fantastically by the pancreatic team at hospital - there're real specialists and perform this surgery about 4 times a week & are very experienced . They also have a pancreatic support team / buddy ststem and set me up with a lovely lady who had similar condition & she's been cancer free for 5 yrs now. Try & stay positive. Everyone has good & bad days so give yourself some slack - take care