SYMPTOMS

[Gillyanna]

Hi, I have just been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, my only symptoms at the moment is a tumour on the head of my pancreas and feeling nauseas, though early on I suffered severe indigestion across my chest. I have asked for the scan to be delayed as we are going away for a few days, and then after the scan I shall see my oncologist. Everyone tells me how well I look, and quite frankly, apart from the nauseas, I feel ok. Occasionally,I have been getting pain in my left side near the lower ribs and my stomach, but am not sure if it's from my pancreas or not as I have multiple sclerosis and also muscular skeleton. I was wondering if this was normal for Pancreatic cancer, or is it one of the other problems. Would appreciate any feedback. Also because of the MS, the specialist has said he would rather not do the operation as it could affect the MS, but I have decided that because I feel well and at the moment the tumour is small, that I would rather have the op now. I am hoping I am doing the right thing.

[karen17]

Hi there and welcome to the forum 'family',

It seems with this type of cancer that many have no symptoms and look well for a lengthy period of time but of course the tumour is still there. If you are offered surgery then I would think it would be for the best but obviously you have the added complication of ms.

Best thing to do is to call Jenni or Dianne who will advise you.

Take care

Karen xx

[PCUK Nurse Dianne]

Hi Gillyanna,

Welcome to the Forum. I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I hope you find the forum helpful and I am sure you will have lots of support from other 'forum family'. As you say and Karen have noted, this is often the case with Pancreatic Cancer. From the perspective of the MS, this would very much depend upon the current state of your MS, however you do say that you are fit and well. From the perspective of pancreatic cancer, if you have the option of surgery, this is an important aspect to consider, as this is really the 'gold standard of care' in this situation, and the window for surgery is often quite narrow. I would suggest that you discuss this option again, and if you have a consultant you manages you from the MS perspective, he/she should also be consulted re this. I have had previous experience with a patient with MS in a similar situation so if you wish to contact us on the support line (020 3535 7099 or support@pancreaticcancer.org.uk) and we could discuss further rather than a prolonged post on the forum. I hope that is helpful and encouraging for you.

Kind regards,

Dianne

Support Team

[Gillyanna]

Thank you Karen17 and Dianne for your input, I don't know if I did right or wrong, but after the specialist nurse rang and told me of the results and informed me that I would need another CT scan, I decided to go ahead with the holiday that we had planned. While on holday and more so since returning I find I am in more pain than I was before, and am now really scared that it is no longer in the early stages any more. My CT scan is next week, followed by my appointment to see the surgeon the week after, it all seems do very far away, and for the first time, I am actually feeling very much afraid and depressed.( before, I was feeling very positive and was in a fighting frame of mind. Is this usual?

[MelindaEverettutu]

So sorry , hope everything will be OK .

[Gillyanna]

Thank you Melinda.

[Jwilson]

Gillyana, hi there and I hope you are feeling ok today. My husband experiences the pain you are describing and at times it's really dreadful. Have you been put in touch with a hospice nurse or anyone similar? They are real pain experts and give fantastic support to us. Bill takes OxyContin night and morning, 90mg. Then 2 paracetamol every four hours and if pain persists, 30mg of oxynorm. It all works well together and I keep an eye on the clock so the paracetamol is not one minute late. Once that pain kicks in you are in trouble. The nurse explained the importance of almost anticipating pain as if you allow it to take hold you are just 'chasing' the pain. I hope you get help and relief!

June W

[cestrian]

Hi

If you are given the opportunity I would go for a nerve separation if the pain increases. Of course this will depend on your other complications but made a world of difference to my own well being as I was able to minimise pain relief medication.

[Gillyanna]

Hi June Wilson, thank you for your advice, fortunately the pain seems to have eased off a lot lately, it is more a discomfort that actual pain now.

I went to the hospital for a pre-op today, and ECG and symmetry? have passed all those, but now have to go on an exercise bike to check my heart rate under stress, as I am classed as border-line COPD, as well as having MS.So I shall be going back on my own exercise bike until then just to get back into things ready for my appointment. Hope your husband is keeping well or at least as well as can be expected, which I hope is good.

Once again, Thanks Gill Lowrie

Edited September 24, 2013 by Gillyanna

[Gillyanna]

Hi Cestrian, fortunaely as I told JWilson, the pain seems to have eased off and is now just an feeling of discomfort, but if the need should come, I shall bear in mind your suggestion.

Thank you, Gill Lowrie.

[Cathy]

Hi Gill

A belated welcome to the forum family. This is definitely the best place to get advice, both from people on here posting and from the nurses. It does make you feel far less alone I find. And everyone is lovely

Best of luck with your appointment. Do let us know how you get on. Great news the pain has subsided as well. Long may THAT continue.

Cathy xx

[Gillyanna]

Thank you Cathy for the welcome, I still get pain but nowhere near as bad as the original pain that sent me to the Dr's in the first place, plus it seems to be in a wider area no too. I just feel that it's dragged on for too long, since my first visit to my GP, and then the specialist, which has seen the tumour grow to what may now be an inoperable size. I am keeping my fingers crossed though that it hasn't. Gill

[PCUK Nurse Dianne]

Hi Gill,

I have just noted your forum thread, I will email you independently of the forum and see if we can help to move things along for you.

Kind regards,

Dianne

Support Team

[Gillyanna]

Thank you, I have two possible dates for the operation now, either next Tuesday 8th Oct, or the following Tuesday 15th Oct.