Lost both parents to Pancreatic cancer in 2020

[Mandz65]

Hi, I lost both previously healthy parents to PC in 2020. 5 months apart. I continued to work in our small hospitality business. I woke up vomiting the other morning and have had some stomach pain and am paranoid that I might have this cancer. Is this normal after loss? 

[kj]

Hi  Mandz65

Sorry to read of the loss of your parents.

It could be because of your recent loss ,but I would see your GP explain the position and ask for an ultrasound,a CA19.9 blood test,and if possible a ct scan,with such a history of pc in  your family you can’t afford to be complacent as so far there are no early warning test.be proactive not reactive.Keep on top of any symptoms.

[tree1]

So sorry about the loss of your parents in the same year.   That has to be very hard to bare. I will keep you in my prayers.  But do get checked if you can, never hurts to. Before my husband passed he wanted my daughter and I to get our checkups. 2020 has not been good in so many ways.  How old were your parents? I know stress and heartbreak can make the body feel bad too. 

[Mandz65]

Thanks tree1,

Yes it was a rough year.

Dad was 80 and Mum 79.

Both were previously heathy, clean living and active people. The thought of possibly having this disease and being under the microscope for testing does not appeal to me at the moment. 
I will have to consider these things as I really don’t want to face them at the moment and the fact that there is no cure or early detection anyway, doesn’t help.

Thanks for your prayers x

[sch]

Hi Mandz65,

I'm sorry to hear about your parents.

The truth is, if now doesn't appeal to you for getting tested, there is probably never going to be a good time. Especially if you are exhibiting unexplained symptoms.

My father had cancer of the pancreas/bowel by early 50's and I was diagnosed with bowel cancer the year I turned 40.

There is never a good time for testing.

I've recently started having an annual Endoscopic Ultrasound  to monitor my pancreas, in addition to colonoscopy and endoscopy.

Good luck!

-s

[OzStu]

Mandz65 

When you say there is no cure,  that is not necessarily true.  My brothers neighbor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 4 years ago.   He is alive and perfectly healthy today with no evidence of disease.  They wont say he is cured,  but he is living life just as he was before he got diagnosed.  Yes he went through hell with surgery,  chemo, and radiation,  but right at this time his scans show all clear.  Perhaps he is just experiencing a long remission, only time will tell.    But there are other people who have survived pancreatic cancer and still test negative several years later.   One thing for sure though, the later you discover it,  the more extreme treatment you will need, and the less chance of success.  No matter what the cause of  your symptoms, you should get them investigated at the earliest possible date.