I am new to this community

[DizzyDee]

My father has just recently been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. He has been sick for months but it has only been confirmed in the last three weeks as to what the cause of his sickness is. In October he had a scan that showed nothing and now it seems to be so far progressed that they can only make its invasion slow down! I am so angry that no one seemed to be able to find this out sooner, but my anger can do nothing for what is happening now. I just want to say I am here because I want to do all I can for him and this looked like a great place to start.

[chris_martin]

Hi there Dizzy Dee. Like you my 83yr old dad has oesophageus cancer and I.m told there is not much more they can do. But you have made the best decision by logging onto this site!!!!. I am still lost but there are so many wonderful and kind people her who are always willing to listen. I know it won't prolong dad's life but it is making it a little easier on me to know that there are kind people willing to listen and give advice. My advice is to spend as much time with him as you can and always keep telling him how much you love him. That has helped me and my dad heaps. Take care Chris

[WishingStar]

Hi DizzyDee, I think medicine, like so many other things in life is not an exact science. Many of us struggled with symptoms for a while, before being diagnosed. Anger is a natural response to a cancer diagnosis - as is denial, then grief then acceptance of the diagnosis. I think the best thing to do right now is gather as much information about treatment options, prognosis, pain management, financial assistance - all the nitty gritty so to speak as best to help your dad and yourself - and just be there for him - this is a great place to start. A great place to voice your emotions, to vent, to ask for help or just discuss things in general. Cancer is a huge rollercoaster ride that is completely different for everyone that goes on it. So best to get as much information as you can from the cancer council and your dad's doctors from the get go! Just letting you know that I am thinking of you, Nicole

[Sailor]

Hi Dizzy Dee As Nickij says, medicine is not an exact science, and no matter how good scans are they can only reveal so much. Use the Cancer Helpline 13 11 20 to, as Nickij says, get as much information as you can so that you can help your Dad as much as possible. Don't be afraid to dump your anger and other emotions on this site, it is a good place to do it. Pancreatic cancer is not a common cancer so try to get him to see specialists at a specialist cancer hospital or major hospital that has a big cancer centre. Look after yourself as well as your Dad will need you. Take care. Sailor Never go into strange places on a falling tide without a pilot. Thomas Gibson Bowles

[deejjay]

DizzyDee Nicole gives some good advice. Firstly it's finding out as much information as you can and making use of the resources and support that are there to help you and your father through this difficult time. How does your father feel about the length of time it took for his cancer to be diagnosed? And what would he like to do about it if he does feel there was unnecessary delays in further investigations etc when his symptoms didn't resolve? That will help guide what your actions would be there. He may well feel his doctor was proactive but took time to pick it up. Then you can decide whether you want to get some legal advice, even if it is to set your mind at ease, and at what point you want to take action if you wish to. Your state health care complaints body is worth getting advice from and your local community legal centre for starters. Hugs from Deejjay

[#6]

Hi Dizzy Dee, my father has pancreatic cancer also. I felt very angry when I first found out, and it is such an evil sneaky disease. I just want you to know that I feel for you and if you ever want to say anything, please message me and vent or ramble or anything you feel like xoxo Seashell