Thanks so much for your reply. I only read it today. Sorry!  So relieved to hear that others have found the same thing happened to them after treatment and it’s not just me!🤣 And thanks for the good wishes. I hope things are going well for you too.🧡 ... View more

Hi Grahame (and Chris)  I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 1st 2022 at age 77.  Initially I was keen on having the Whipple procedure but I had to undergo chemo first, to kill the cancer cells that had spread to the four nearest lymph glands. (I was diagnosed quite early because of jaundice caused by a duct blockage between pancreas and liver.) But unhappily I had a devastating reaction to the chemo, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, nausea and extreme stomach cramps. After three fortnightly doses I decided not to continue. At that point, death would have been welcome. I feared that the Whipple procedure would cause more digestive distress than I could bear, so I chickened out. I then had five weeks of radiation therapy. A few weeks later, another CT scan showed the primary cancer had shrunk to 2cm and the ducts and lymph glands were clear!  Three months later, my most recent CT scan showed even more shrinkage of the tumour. All my vitals and blood tests were excellent, even for a 77 year old grandmother! The only meds that I took between the scans was medical CBD oil so that was interesting!? My next scan is due on October 25 so I will keep you updated. (Sorry this is so long but I’m hoping my little successes will give your wife some extra positivity.) I send my best wishes and heartfelt sympathy to Chris. I hope she goes from strength to strength, and I’m sure your support means the world to her.  I now live with my daughter who is my carer, secretary, cook, chauffeur and shoulder to cry on. She has been absolutely remarkable and I know you will be the same for your wife.  Bless you both. Please keep posting! ... View more

Hi Sathya.  I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September last year, just like your mother. I was lucky to be diagnosed early in stage two.  I had an upset tummy, dark urine and no appetite but being 77 at the time I didn’t rush off to the doctor.  My daughter dropped by to check on me and noticed I was very yellow. She took me to the doc right away and he was shocked enough to send me to the ER of our local hospital at once. They did a blood test and an ultrasound before transferring me to a larger hospital by ambulance. I thought I had viral hepatitis and they were fussing  needlessly!   But a CT scan showed I had pancreatic cancer which had blocked the bile duct to my liver and spread to the four closest lymph glands.  They inserted a stent into the bile duct and kept me in hospital for a week as I had tachycardia (racing heartbeat) and a temperature. During October,  November and December I had three bouts of very strong chemo because the plan was to operate (Whipple) if the cancer had retreated to the primary site. However, I reacted very badly to the chemo with severe gas, diarrhoea and horrendous intestinal cramps.  I wanted to die it was so bad. After researching the Whipple procedure and learning how similar the after effects were to my chemo experience, I decided not to have the operation and didn’t accept the fourth chemo bout then had five weeks of daily radiotherapy which was easy except for fatigue. A second CT scan showed the tumour had shrunk to just 2.5cm long and retreated from the bile ducts and lymph glands. They offered the Whipple procedure again but I don’t think it’s worth the complex after effects and low success rate.  Now I take CBD oil only, as there is an outside chance it might slow the cancer down.  I am due for another CT scan in three weeks so I’ll give an update then.   PS.  My State (South Australia) has recently passed euthanasia laws which I can access for “assisted dying” once I reach stage four. I will definitely take advantage of that because I know how bad I’ll feel at that stage. I wish you and your mother all the best. (My own daughter has been amazingly supportive.  I now live with her and  my three young adult grandsons.) ... View more

So sorry for your mum, and for you too.   During chemo I suffered a lot of nausea and the medication I found most effective was one where you placed the small pill under your tongue and it dissolved quickly. Can’t remember its name though, but it did work well. Perhaps your mum could benefit from it since she can’t keep pills down.  Good luck and good wishes.🙁 ... View more

Hi David. I have pancreatic cancer (terminal unfortunately), but have had no cramps after chemo and radiotherapy. However, I was plagued by severe leg cramps for years before diagnosis. Strange!  There are products on the market specifically for cramps but they are basically just magnesium so save your money and buy a box of plain Epsom Salts, which are pure  magnesium.  Also invest in a tube of magnesium gel to rub into the affected muscles when having an attack.  Just the massaging alone will help the muscles relax. Use the Epsom salts in your bath as they can absorb through the skin.  I hope this helps you. I know how excruciating those huge leg cramps are! Good luck! ... View more

How about hair dye for those sneaky little greys?😄😄😄 ... View more

Thanks Linda. I think a trim might help as I have some longer straight hairs among the curls which are the leftovers from my original hair that didn’t fall out. Quite a combo! My daughter found an old tube of leave-ln conditioner in the cupboard so I ‘ll try that too. Even when we are dying we women still like to look the best we can! Best wishes and good health.😊 ... View more