I had Gemcitabine chemo over a number of months it made me pretty sick ,I was treated for a known Cancer ,yet others who had same chemo for same cancer ,suffered much less after effects,our bodies and responses to treatments are all different,if you decide to have that treatment do so with an open mind.   ... View more

Belle41 You sure had a shocker of a year being diagnosed with cancer ,surgery and radiation later is in itself very traumatic and now having the Ct checks regularly,means you can be living with the thoughts of what if it returns which can be very unsettling,I found when I was in that situation to take it one day at a time Sometimes professional help can be of benefit to someone with these thoughts have you had a chat to your GP I did,I think it wouldn’t be normal not to have these doubts I can’t imagine finding a parent of mine deceased a very traumatic event and losing your dog after so many years,they become members of our family,no one can say it’s time to get over it we all grieve differently,and for lengths of time,all this happening after what you have been through would be extremely difficult. If you do seek professional advice maybe ask your husband to accompany you ,he may gain a better insight,you may not think so but hopefully things and your thoughts will improve,You have been through so much and are still functioning,don’t be hard on yourself it takes time as much as you need. kj ... View more

Hi TQ Sorry  to read about your Mums diagnosis of pancreatic cancer ,your Mums age and also the staging of the disease will play a huge part with her treatment options,as you helped care for your Dad you will have an idea of what that entails.You have to try and stay healthy yourself and if you need to ask other family members for assistance don’t hesitate. ... View more

Ron that is a good way to explain survival I will remember your words it just happens ,Best wishes and wellness to all for Christmas and As Ron put it  a cancer free future. ... View more

Thanks Kate very informative I will keep the links ... View more

Toughchick Thanks for your wishes on longevity ,After reading your post I can see that your mindset is in the right place to be prepared and face what ever is thrown at you in the future. I really hope and pray that all goes well for you ,Toughchick the name suits you after reading your post. ... View more

Tough Chick I have spoken to my oncologist about my survival,she has no answers except that people do live when it is not expected. It is very hard not to be overwhelmed by all that is happening, After surgery and during chemo I had lots of support,and love from family and friends,I just took it one day at a time during recovery from surgery and chemo,it is very much a mind issue as much as a bodily cancer issue.Trying to stay positive is difficult,doubts creep in but you must try and ignore them,I meditated to try and keep some calmness around my thoughts and focus on small gains regularly.   You are a Mother of 2 children,that is so unfair,but when people are faced with harsh realities,you may be surprised of the strength and courage inside of you that you can draw on in this life crisis.Mothers are very strong when something comes between them and there children. I wish I knew the secret of my survival so others could benefit But I don’t ,I focused on recovery from surgery first then the next issue that arose. I have read previously of your surgery it is very complex,not as straightforward as a Whipple but hopefully your recovery will go well ,patience will be a virtue. I am sorry I can’t elaborate further on my survival I am a very Lucky person. I wish you good luck and best wishes with your subsequent surgery and recovery. kj ... View more

It is a very hard subject to communicate about ,if you have not been diagnosed terminal, it would be very hard to understand the intense mental struggle that people face especially when or if chronic intense pain is involved ,when diagnosed terminal and trying to keep a positive attitude happening with what lies ahead. After surgery and during chemo I was diagnosed terminal I chatted with others who had the same cancer and we discussed matters between ourselves that we did not want our families to really worry more about, concerning our health and daily feelings ,I found nothing was off the table in these talks we helped each other when needed with encouragement,some discussions were confronting as life's frailties were faced but they helped at the time I became friends with the other people going through the same feelings and frustrations of the diagnosis For me I was given some advice I really took note of ,I was told by a friend who was a doctor that we are all going to die some sooner and some later and it looked like I was in the sooner group,but for me the medical term terminal was wrong, I am here 7 years after diagnosis when given 12-18 months to live I have not forgotten my feelings from that time in my life nor my friends whom were not as fortunate as myself.My heart goes out to all involved with a cancer diagnosis,families and carers. ... View more

Thanks very much Kate. ... View more