absolutely devastated

[joanne30]

I've just found out yesterday that my mum might have pancreatic cancer. The doctors' have diagnosed a cyst on my mum's pancreas, and they've said yesterday that it is almost certainly cancer. My mum will need major surgery to remove the pancreas, and because of my mum's other serious health conditions, (she's had WG since around 1985), that she could have a heart attack or stroke during the operation, but if they decide that they can't operate on my mum because of the risks, and it is that she could only have months to live. The doctors' said to discuss it with our family, and to let them know next week what our decision is about wether or not to go ahead with the operation.

Any advice and support would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

joanne30

[HiveMind]

Hi Joanne,

Bless you; you and your family must be feeling dreadful. What an awful situation to find yourselves in.

My family found ourselves in a similar situation 10 years ago with my younger sister but it was a different type of cancer. Eventually, fate took over and it was decided that nothing could be done medically and we all had to face up to losing her.

Have you thought of getting a second opinion?

I totally understand the feeling of helplessness you may be feeling and how unfair life sometimes is. There probably isn't much I can say to help you but I do really feel for you, as I know something of what you're going through.

I wish you all the very best and I'll mention you're mum in my prayers.

Stay strong. X

[John_Mills Volunteer]

Oh Joanne we are so sorry...the prognosis for pancreatic cancer is not good at the best of times... it is something you need to talk to together with your mum and the oncologist..

We wish you all the best with what ever you and your mum decide to do... we are here for you if you both should you want to talk more.

Susan and John

[Nadine99]

Always difficult to know what to say in a situation like this but better that we should 'talk' to you than just not say anything and then at least you know we're thinking of you at this awful time.

I haven't experienced anything like this myself but I wish you and your family all the best. Enjoy all your time together, make it count.

[joanne30]

Thank you for all your support. It feels like I've been hit with a sledgehammer.I'm trying to be stong for my mum. She's seeing her kidney specialist who treats her wg, on Tuesday, to get his advice on the operation.

All I keep doing is praying for my mum.

[PatriciaAnn]

Dear Joanne

I can only echo what the others have said. I am so sorry to hear this news. Discuss all eventualities with your mum, your family and your oncologist.. Maybe you need to know what the success rate is generally for such an operation when there are no other underlying problems. Maybe that will help you all to decide what to do next.

Love and best wishes to you all. PatriciaAnn

[hamble99b Volunteer]

Dear Joanne, I will pray for you and your Mum. Life seems so cruel but I hope that others are thinking of you helps. The kidney specialist might be able to explain things clearer.

I want to be more helpful but I don't know how. Please know that I feel for you.

love and best wishes,

sandra b

[kath12341]

Hi I am really sorry to hear your bad news. Just a thought could your mum use an epidural? My mother in law didnt want to have a general she was going in for an operation which ended up being a total hysterceomy and this was performed wih an epidural. She just took some music in put in her head phones and was really okay. She opted not to have a general as it makes her really ill. Perhaps worth considering.

[Bun1]

Hi Joanne,

I am so sorry that there is no easy answer.

Two years ago my wife who had WG since 1980 was told she needed a 2nd heart valve replacement which carried a very high risk. After much discussion and prayer we took the decision to go ahead on the basis that without it she could have died at anytime, but if successful there was the chance of some further time together.

I am so glad we did as we did have that extra time although she passed away last October from WG issues.

No one will be able to give you the right answer, but I hope this may be of help as you come to your decision.

I've just added you and your mum to my prayer list.

God bless.

David

[joanne30]

Hi everyone, I've had some brilliant news today!!!! My mum's had her results back from her endoscopy today. There's no malignant cells in her pancreas. She has inflamation in her pancreas.

I would like to say a big thank you for all your support and prayers during the last few months. It has been a very stressful time.

God bless you all.

Joanne