Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Dear Beckylynn
Although you may think that this is bad news it is very good that the doctor says that the tumor is operable. Many times tumors need to decrease a lot in order for the surgeon to operate. So this truly is a gift or blessing if you can think of it like this. Good luck with the surgery and all our thoughts are with you and your husband
Sincerely Susan M

So we didn't get the best news yesterday from my biopsy. It does appear to be cancerous but operable. So hopefully a little good news. They say that I should be scheduled for surgery within a week or two. I am trying to be positive and hopeful but sometimes it's so hard. I have a strong faith in God that I can lean on but our human vulnerable side still comes out at times. I pray for each of you who are going through the same struggles. I would like to remain part of this group and I appreciate all your feedback. thank you and God bless.

Not sure of your age. I am 74 and had surgery in February of this year. A wonderful surgeon. We used a spinal block and I would definitely recommend that. It allowed me to get up and walk with less pain and thus out of the hospital in 5 days instead of the expected 7-8 or more. I pushed myself but didn't overdo anything. The spinal made the difference for me. I am now fighting disease progression in the liver as my tumor was rare genotype in 1-2 % only and I had 1 positive node that I think is the source of my metatasis even though my cancer was found early. I am fighting and my medical team is trying many options but we know it is a difficult fight. I too worry about my husband who has already said if I die, he will follow. We have two wonderful children and two grandchildren that need him. We are working on plans of how to keep him positive for his future even if mine is not. Would like to hear others thoughts.
Keep your head in a positive atmosphere, let your family and friends support you in whatever way. I love thee cards they send and positive vibes they pass along. Enjoy every day however you can. Cry if needed, scream and then go to the positive again. The BEST to you.

Hi Colleen & Members, thanks so much for reaching out.

Tomorrow will be three weeks since my diagnosis. I have been on autopilot just trying to go step by step. I haven't allowed myself to take time to absorb everything and I'm not at all prepared emotionally or physically for my surgery next Wednesday, 9/22.

My husband, Tom, will be with me. I don't have children. I have three sisters who are my support system. I would do anything to spare my husband this pain. He is such a good man but he can only understand so much of what cancer is about and what it does to you psychologically. He can only go with me so far on this journey. I will need to go the rest of the way alone.

I have many questions: how much pain can I expect after surgery, how long will it take to be up and about, when does chemo start, what foods will I be able to eat? The questions go on and on.

One of the most difficult aspects of this is that I've never been comfortable asking for help. Unfortunately, this is just too big for me to handle on my own. 😪

I would appreciate hearing about everyone's experiences if you're comfortable sharing.

Thanks so much.

Sincerely,
Catherine

That's wonderful that nothing showed up. Thank God. My husband will be there with me. I am not doing anything much different in my life. That may completely change Tuesday. Prayers for clear biopsy.

@becklynne1960 The 30th is just a few days away, and if you do not have a support team near you, now is the time to "rally the troops"! Having someone physically near you as you go through the scan will give you a chance to voice what you are feeling. Of course, we are here on Connect for you, also!

As you go back and forth in your emotions, remember, this is a normal reaction, okay? From "I am strong, I got this!" to "Oh, my heavens what will I do?" and everywhere in between. Interrupted sleep, healthier thoughts being pushed out of your mind [for now], poor appetite, all these can be chalked up to the emotions and nerves. Be gentle on yourself. Have confidence in your medical team. If you have some music that you have turned to in the past that is calming, now is the time to play it again. Write out what you are thinking/feeling, then tuck that paper away. Go for a walk, deep breathing fresh air and listening to nature sounds.

I have an ultrasound on the 29th, that will tell me about a previously discovered cancerous tumor, to evaluate if it has grown in size. The results will determine my health course for the next 6-9 months. So, I get your basket of emotions!
Ginger

Beckylynn, A basket of emotions is a good description. I can relate. I think about it as standing in the water at the shore of the Pacific Ocean. I’m the West Coast and the Pacific is a mighty ocean to me. I’m feeling ok watching the waves and then a big wave comes and knocks me down. I pick myself up and hope it will be ok and awhile later I get hit by another wave. The thing is that I don’t know when that big wave will come. I don’t know. It’s the I don’t know part that’s so scary to me.

I had a PET/MR scan a few weeks ago The time period leading up to the scan I felt just as you described. All over the place. I already knew my endometrial cancer had come back in a small spot. But what else would turn up on the scan? I feared the worst. But the scan showed nothing.

Will there be someone with you when you go for the scan? That helped me. Do you have someone to talk to about your fears? How are you taking care of you?

Thank you so much. I'm just a basket of emotions right now. I go between being scared to thinking maybe it's nothing. Virtually no symptoms but I also know that's not a definite either way. I appreciate your responses.