It's been a while since I posted here, work, travel and life just kept being so busy I never seemed to find the time((
Well my COPD has not worsened since my last post and life has been treating me well and apart from the inhaler I have not really noticed the COPD.
I thought it would get me in the end but just followed the rules and it has kept away)) But life can be a little twisted and it seems COPD will not get after all)) last week I was diagnosed with terminal, inoperable pancreatic cancer - ain't life cruel. I start chemo on Friday and not looking forward to it. But you know what - I am ok with it. I think that everybody has been horrified and shocked that I have just accepted it and not moaned and bitched about life but there is nothing I can do about it so I am just going to have fun and carry on as normal. Just unfortunate that I have to stay in the UK from now on except for maybe a European motorcycle tour when the chemo allows. Just going to enjoy everyday left.
So just remember keep to the rules and make sure that every little twinge you feel that does not go away quickly or if like the advert on TV says you find a pain or the like do not say just get it checked. It would be terrible to fight and win against a lung condition only to be clobbered by something else.
In the meantime enjoy what you have and live each day to its fullest and remember to be strong and dont give up
Andrew
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andyrrc
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Oh bless you Andy, so good to hear from you but his awful to have such a diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer is a real bitch but you seem to have accepted the hand life has dealt you. Thinking of you and hoping all goes as well as possible on Friday. Xxx😘
Not much I can say to help, Andrew, but I admire your attitude and wish you the very best in your fight against your new foe. I'm looking forward to reading about that motorcycle tour.
Such bad luck Andy. Admire your attitude though and hope you have plenty of support around you. Hope you can enjoy carrying on as normal for a long time. Cx
Sorry to hear your news but total respect with your attitude towards it. Hope the chemo isn’t too gruelling and you are well enough to do many of the things you want including the motorbike tour.
You are one brave and positive man Andy, I hope the chemo isn't to hard on you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You keep enjoying your life you deserve it. Have a lovely day sending virtual hugs and love 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx
You have every reason to moan and winge at the hand life has dealt you,but you are also very wise and courageous,accepting there is little you can do about it.I hope the chemo treatment is not too unpleasant and that it also gives you time for that biking trip and lots of other things you want to do and achieve.
Sorry to hear that Andy, wishing you the best. As someone who has both mild COPD and Chronic Pancreatitis it’s always been in the back of my mind. I’ve had a few CT scans over the years and they’ve not showed anything to date on the pancreas. As I understand however CT can be hit and miss for pancreas related issues. Would you mind me asking what was the definitive test that led to the diagnosis?
The cancer was found following a massive pulmonary embolism which I thought was down to a normal DVT after driving for 16 hours. The ct scan of the chest showed some anomalies on the liver so a further ct was done of the abdomen. This showed shadows and the consultant was not happy with the shape of the pancreas. As the liver showed some changes they decided to do a biopsy of the liver as that is easier than the pancreas and that showed the pancreatic cancer sign associated with it having spread to the liver hence stage 4 (M1) cancer.
Thanks for replying Andy. On my most recent CT Scan they picked up a tiny spot on the liver. Too small to biopsy apparently 🤦🏻♂️Pancreas looked ok though. They recommended coming back in a year for another scan. Never ends.
Life’s a bitch sometimes I like your attitude stay positive do what you can do when you can do it I’m in a similar position untreatable liver cancer I’m certainly not going to sit here and say oh woe is me, I want to see my footy team avoid relegation!
Thank you all for your best wishes, as I said I am resigned to it. I am also considering start a blog or online diary to follow the treatment and progression but have not decided yet, might be having too much fun to remember to update it))My biggest goal at the moment is to try and get people not to ignore things that are not normal - I was diagnosed with a small cyst on the pancreas more than 2 years ago and so put the occasional twing/pain down to that. Perhaps if had checked it out then maybe it would have been found earlier but hey we all try and ignore things at times
Yes! Life is full of surprises. It’s a real roller coaster ride. There are days I just want free of the ride to be honest. So sorry for your news. It is a harsh pill to swallow.
It is so sad to hear that this is happening to you. Hoping you get that motorcycle tour when you are well enough to enjoy it. Thank you for sharing your post has made me re-evaluate some things.
Hello Andy, I did wonder how you were. I remember you saying you adopted a dog and had starting walking him. I knew you were probably busy with travel and work. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you were faced with this diagnosis. I am truly sorry to hear it. I really hope you go on that motorcycle tour and enjoy yourself thoroughly. I wish you peace and lots of happy joyful moments yet with your loved ones. Much love.
It’s good to hear from you again, Andy, although your recent diagnosis isn’t what anyone on here wants to hear from you. I think your positive approach to your diagnosis will help you cope. I feel, from my own health issues, life is the hand you’re dealt, and often the problems we have are nothing to do with how we have lived our life, and trying to think positively will help many people.
So sorry to hear your news Andy. You have a really good attitude to your illness, I doubt if I could be so positive having been hit with your diagnosis. Sending you best wishes for as long a life as possible, full of happy times with your friends and family.
None of us knows what is around the corner waiting to jump out and get us! I agree with you that symptoms should not be ignored, although many of us will say, 'I'll give it a couple of weeks and if it's no better then ,,,' and then if 'it' isn't any worse, we learn to live with it, and so it goes on.
You have a great attitude and I love the fact that you have plans (your bike trip) to focus on. I think sometimes that once something is inevitable it becomes easier to deal with. Otherwise, it is a case of seeing if this works, trialing that drug, changing your lifestyle, often with no better outcome.
So go for it now, while you are able! Do the things on your bucket list and go out with a bang! I doubt anyone of us knows how long we've got and so we should all be following your lead. I intend to, as far as I'm able, so thank you for being an inspiration and reminding us that there are things other than our lung problems that may need attention.
Hi Andy. So sorry to hear about your news. I hope that the chemo does what it is supposed to with minimal side effects. Enjoy the time that you have and spoil yourself as much as possible. Thinking of you. John
Sorry to hear your bad news but so pleased you have the right attitude towards the situation you’re currently in . Stay strong , stay positive. I , along with so many others, will be sending healing thoughts and prayers 😊xx
So sorry to hear your sad news but so admire your fighting spirit. Take care and live for todayxx
That’s such a body blow Andy, but good for you with your attitude to enjoy every day. I hope the chemo goes well and does it’s job. Keep us posted and remember its okay to rant and moan, we’re happy to listen. Jax🐶x
Best wishes for a long and enjoyable future. A lady I knew booked a nice wildlife holiday after a terminal pancreatic diagnosis- in the jungles of Costa Rica. xxx
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