Hello

[Jfenney]

I have just joined having recently been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer , at the spritly age of 55 I like many thought wow that’s a shock as it came from a blood clot on my leg. I was in the army for 23 years, never smoked or drink to excess and fairly fit playing sport on the weekends.

My wife was shocked but i still had a very pragmatic view whatever the case we will deal with it and having our first consultation the consultant did not mince his words and gave it to us warts and all , I still remember that figure 30% chance of making 5 years.

However I said it will best 5 years I will tell you, this being said the mass in the pancreas was 7cm in diameter and a Radical left pancretocomy and Spleeocomy was to be performed basically pancreas and spleen with gall bladder out they come.

I was admitted a week later into the Hospital (hospital name removed-Moderator) having to cancel my forthcoming holidays to Munich, Barcelona and the Carribean much to my distain but the surgeon said your in and that’s that as well as pressure from my wife.

The operation went well and I was out of the hospital in 10 days and took 3 months off work. We went to see the surgeon 2 months later all prepared to hear the worst and get a date for my chemo.

He had that look that you cannot stare through and said “If I was to have a tumour this is the one I would have” The tumour was neuroendocrine so I do not need chemo, at this point my wife was in tears and I felt numb and didn’t know what to say.

After reading about this disease and how it tears peoples lives I am a very lucky person, yes I am now diabetic and type 1 insulin taker but it was a small price for me. I joined to meet like people who either need to talk and swop stories but knowing someone is there listening and know what you are going through

[PCUK Nurse Rachel C]

Dear Jfenney,

Thank you for sharing your story on the forum and I am sure that your recent diagnosis was not only a shock but also, to some degree, a relief to find out that your hand a neuroendocine tumour!

You sound as if you have a very positive attitude, which is fantastic and are also very compassionate and selfless... offering to support other people and share your story and experience. This is truly an amaizing quality!!

I am also just wondering if you have come across another organisation called the NET Patient Foundation? This organisation is specifically to support people with a neuro-endorine tumour (NET), like yourself, so it may be worth touching base with them also?

https://www.netpatientfoundation.org/

I believe that they run support groups and NET natter groups throughout the country, where you may be able to offer support to people in your local area. I believe they also have patient stories on their website and it may be that you can contribute in some way there too?

Thank you once again for posting and for your offering your support.

With kindest regards,

Rachel.C

Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse

Support Team

Pancreatic Cancer UK

email: nurse@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

support line: 0808 801 0707 (Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm)