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World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day today (20 Nov)

(35 Posts)
Primrose53 Thu 20-Nov-25 22:33:45

6 weeks ago today my son had major surgery at Addenbrooke’s hospital for Pancreatic Cancer which was diagnosed at beginning of August. It was 8 hour surgery to remove the tumour, part of the pancreas, part of the stomach, the bile duct, the gall bladder and the duodenum. The tumour was attached to a major vein so it was very tricky to remove and repair the vein and he had to have countless different types of scans, xrays and other tests before they finally decided they could operate. Without surgery they gave him 6 months.

After 3 weeks in hospital where he received great care he is home with us and doing well and just waiting for a date to have chemo.

80% of people with PC are diagnosed too late for surgery so we realise how fortunate we are and would like to raise awareness of the symptoms which are often very vague. Jaundice, pain in back or abdomen, loss of appetite, fatigue, unexplained weight loss and change in bowel habits or urine colour.

Please take a look at Pancreatic Cancer UK for further information. They have been absolutely fantastic!

MadameP Sun 23-Nov-25 17:51:25

I wish you and your son all the best for his recovery. My husband was diagnosed with Pancreatic and bile duct cancer two years ago and had a Whipple Op followed by chemo. Unfortunately it is now terminal and we don’t have long left although he is still well. Great strides have been made with this dreadful disease through research so any donations will definitely help.

Anneeba Sun 23-Nov-25 18:45:26

Maggie Hambling has donated a beautiful painting that for £15 tickets you might win in aid of pancreatic cancer. A win win, good cause, potential for a lucky win. I wish gambling rules didn't mean people can just send an sae to enter . I hope if one such won it they'd make a very significant donation.

Linda48 Sun 23-Nov-25 19:30:32

I lost my lovely husband aged 69 to pancreatic cancer in 2016, 17 days after diagnosis & my beloved brother aged 61 to it in 2020 - I still can’t believe they are both gone - what a dreadful disease it is. I hope & pray for tests to aid earlier diagnosis so there is a better chance of recovery. Thinking of you Primrose 53 & sending positive thoughts for your son’s recovery.

GANNET Sun 23-Nov-25 20:04:08

Such an awful time for your son. I really hope that your son is one of the lucky ones who survives this dreadful cancer. The hospital is an excellent one and hopefully everything will be well. Sending my very best wishes to you.

Cagsy Sun 23-Nov-25 20:23:06

Thank you for having the courage to share this with us despite how you must be feeling. I do hope your son can cope with the treatment and it gives him many, many more years. I lost a friend to this disease during Covid, lockdown was just coming to an end and she would have revelled with being with everyone again. Her poor husband knew what to expect as his own Mum had died from the same disease. Let’s trust that more research and treatment can give people real hope.

Meandrogrog Sun 23-Nov-25 20:37:03

Sending best wishes Primrose to you and your son. I hope he makes a full recovery. 💐💐💐

SueDonim Sun 23-Nov-25 21:12:06

I’m so sorry, Primrose and I hope that your son makes a good recovery from the surgery. A different illness but I am also dealing with a son who has had an awful diagnosis so you have my love and sympathy. flowers

FranP Sun 23-Nov-25 22:07:57

I have gall stones. My GP tells me that if I am not dietary careful, it is possible for this to develop.

OK, so please can I get some advice?

Yes, we will refer you to the hospital - a year's wait so far.....

Allira Sun 23-Nov-25 22:13:28

Might be an idea to start another thread, FranP 🙂
Your query could get lost on here.