Hello everyone
I am new here and reading others' posts to the forum I have been both terrified (by the heartbreaking scenarios some are facing) and encouraged (that I am not alone in my fears and all-consuming anxiety).
I am a previously fit and healthy female of 54. Since Christmas I have been experiencing a range of symptoms which have worsened over time: mild indigestion, dull ache in right side under ribs and more recently the same in my mid-back, tiredness and now some albeit minor weight loss all of which, seem to me, based on extensive online research, to match with pancreatic cancer and very little else.
When I first saw my doctor at the end of December she thought I presented with symptoms of all too common gallstones and I was reassured. She referred me for bloods and ultrasound, mainly for my peace of mind. Other than slightly raised amylase my results were normal and on a repeated blood test the amylase had lowered which was further reassurance. The ultrasound showed no gallstones and a normal thin-walled gallbladder. Although still experiencing intermittent symptoms, I felt it might just take a while for things to settle if my gallbladder or pancreas had been irritated. However iby mid Feb my symptoms seemed more frequent and the dull ache in my side although not constant had spread to my back. Also I was finding I am less hungry, so I went back to the doctor (was seen by different doc) who referred me for a chest x-ray (which was clear) and a CT scan which I had yesterday,
I fully understand the dangers of Googling symptoms and also, I am aware that at the moment - in lockdown, with time on my hands and a lack of the normal distractions - I am probably hyper-focussed on my symptoms but they match so well with pancreatic cancer, particularly as they have steadily worsened. I also know it is one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose, frequently not picked up by initial diagnostics and also to treat so I am terrified and already trying to prepare myself mentally for the worst news.
Just wondered if any of this resonates with anyone else.
Thank you.
