Pancreatic Cancer

[Masbroughlad]

Does anybody have experience of dealing with someone who has pancreatic cancer?

One of my best friends, my Dad, who started my love of railways, has been diagnosed with this horrible disease. He has lead a healthy life.

Heartbroken and gutted are understatements.

Can anybody share good news stories or experiences of making things better.

Sorry for the dark topic but I know things like this touch everybody at some point.

 

[Haydn1971]

My mum has diabetes, the last 15 years has gradually got worse, firstly feeling ill, then ulcers, neuropathic issues, broken bones in her feet that she can't feel, vision issues, kidney issues that's led to her been on dialysis for last few years, she had a leg amputated, meaning she's in a wheelchair, which led to us having to move her from her two storey house to a flat, sell her house to fund a bungalow, then use her pension lump sum to gut the bungalow, provide a wet room etc... She's suffering from anxiety and doesn't want to do anything now... She's 65 and I don't know if I'll walk in and find her dead on the floor today or in 20 years from now....

I'm shattered and exhausted, she's a real handful, family has been no help at all, I've had anxiety problems due in part to her, which isn't great for my health physically or mentally

All bad ? Not really, enjoy the time you have with him as I've tried to do with mum. Given his condition, I suspect that time with your best mate may be very short, making the long term living difficulties in his condition seem insignificant, but also meaning you won't have to see him suffer over decades of bad health, but given the short timescales, you will be able to cram as much as possible into that time, go travel, spend lots on special trips, help him go with a smile, pay for it later.... Be thankful it will be over quickly rather than dragged over decades. Life is **** sometimes, don't let it consume you to a degree that you forget to enjoy your time with him before he goes

 

[PaxVobiscum]

You need to be able to talk to someone about this. MacMillan (0808 808 0000) are there for exactly your situation. I don't like their TV advertising but they are very good.

 

[jon91]

As others have said spend as much time as possible with them, and if you feel that you need it then find someone to speak to about what you're going through. It sounds daft but in my experience it really does help.

 

[Strathclyder]

I have two relatives with cancer.

My aunt's breast cancer has spread to her bones and her skull, amongst other places. It's now inoperable. It'll take anything from a few months to a few years to kill her. I was floored when I heard about the severity of the spread.

My grandfather's prostate cancer has been causing a few scares recently, too. We've been told that the medication isn't working properly anymore and that he might need to start radiotherapy.

I'll say this in regards to your dad: Spend as much time with him as possible. Treasure every moment.

 

[D2022]

I'm sorry to hear this. But I'm also sorry to say that last Tuesday we buried my girlfriends Dad. He died of Pancreatic cancer a few weeks ago. It was quick, only about a month from diagnosis to him passing away. I hope they have caught it soon enough to help in your circumstances.

With regards to my girlfriends Dad, he didn't suffer in pain too badly, just some discomfort. The medication can control all of the pain and most of the discomfort. Even to his last moments he never complained of pain. The hospital and Dorothy House were most helpful, they provided a wheelchair almost instantly, gave him an oxygen machine at home, a zimmer frame, the nurses dropped in daily and came around all times of the day and night to check in and talk to him so he wasn't worried or suffering.

It's an evil cancer. Make the most of the time you have. Be there for him, tell him you love him.