Hi Phil It became real for me when chemo started, first couple of sessions were fine, not knowing the unknown can be quite intimidating. I've learned that the chemo is doing its job albeit making you unwell to become well. I'm on a high protein diet as I've lost 20kgs since diagnoses, they like you to maintain a certain weight when having chemo, lost 3kgs in between sessions last week due to being unwell and losing appetite. I hope your recovery from surgery is a quick one Phil and i too would be interested in your progress. Regards Malcolm ... View more

Hi there They did discuss the Whipple procedure prior to me starting chemo, hopefully the treatment will shrink the tumor enough for them to remove it. It sounds like its an intense operation. Haha...I'm missing bacon too! ... View more

Hi kj Nice to hear from you.   I was going really well after the third treatment until last Monday, i ended up in hospital with an infection. Spent the whole week in hospital, apart from being unwell , I became depressed as the chemo transformation (hair loss and looking ill) has stolen my identity and I was struggling to accept it. My family was there to support me and help me, but no one really knows how you feel unless you've experienced it.   It's a new week, the oral antibiotics have helped, my white cells are up so feeling a lot better at the moment. I visit the Oncologist this Wednesday and then start the second round of treatment, if all is well.   Thanks for your concerns and support kj. Malcolm ... View more

Hi LG I'm more embarrassed on the transformation of the chemo tmt.   In recent days my hair started falling out ... View more

Hi kj Just a quick message to let you know i had my first session of chemo today. I woke feeling ok, as the day progressed I became more anxious. I arrived at the clinic not knowing what to expect and a bit apprehensive. All the staff were so compassionate, friendly and made the whole experience a positive one. Not what i was expecting. I came home feeling super tired and I know things can change but there is nothing to be scared of, everything that happens from now is purely for my well being. Thanks for your support. Malcolm ... View more

Thanks kj, I appreciate your time. I've had an emotional day today, everything seemed too hard, am I over thinking stuff, its always on my mind and it sometimes depresses me. ... View more

Hi kj Thanks for your reply. I've read a lot since being diagnosed and its great to hear from someone who has experienced what I'm about to. I met the Oncologist today, he confirmed that I'm Stage 3, however, during the PETscan a lymph node on the neck was picked up and that it was mildly infected , a biopsy couldn't be done as its in a vulnerable position. The Oncologist said that its not a problem but if it was i would be Stage 4, its good news in a way but I'm still concerned. You're right about having chemo before surgery, hopefully it will shrink the tumor enough. I also had some other good news today, I also have Crohns disease, the chemo will help that as well. I start chemo next Wed, I'm pleased that I've finally got a date to beat this. Kj, how long was your recovery time and what sort of impact, if any, did this have on your lifestyle. I understand about the replumbing etc and you have to retrain everything...time and being in a postive frame of mind helps too i guess. Thanks for your well wishes and time in replying, also great to hear from a survivor. Malcolm   ... View more