Where to turn to

A friendly ear or a helping hand

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of overwhelming emotions and stress, often leading to feelings of isolation and uncertainty. We understand the importance of having someone to talk to about what you are feeling – someone who has personally experienced what you are going through – whether you are a patient, caregiver or loved one of someone fighting this disease.

QUICK LINKS

When you or your loved one are diagnosed with cancer (or any major illness) there are lots of people out there to support you, but in the initial days it is very confusing who to turn to for help.

Here are a few great places to turn to for support and information.

Living with Pancreatic Cancer

Supportive (Palliative) Care

Palliative and supportive care holds a major place in pancreatic cancer management. It aims to prevent and reduce symptoms and hospital admissions, while ensuring optimal health-related quality of life

Diet and Nutrition

Regardless of treatment type, pancreatic cancer takes a toll on the body, especially in the areas of diet and nutrition. Check out this advice from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Charity

Support Groups

Consider joining a support group specifically for pancreatic cancer to speak with others going through similar things.

Check out the various sites listed below

I have just been diagnosed

Being diagnosed with cancer can be a huge shock. You might be overwhelmed, worried about what happens next or thinking about the impact on your life.

Here is some information that could be a good starting point. Your doctor will explain the type of cancer you have and what tests and treatments you will need. But often it can be difficult to take in everything that’s being said.

For many people, a cancer diagnosis is life changing. Knowing what financial and emotional support is available can make the future seem a little less daunting. Some people may find it helpful to have some statistics when making treatment decisions. However, while statistics can give you an idea of what may happen, doctors can’t say for certain what will happen to you.

Ask Questions

Your Doctor and Healthcare team can answer any questions you may have about your diagnoses and or/ your treatment.

Asking questions can make it easier to cope with diagnosis and treatment. Knowing what is happening and why will not only make you feel more involved in your care, it can help in making decisions easier.

You will probably have lots of questions. Some of which you may find difficult to ask, particularly when they are about very personal issues. But your healthcare team will be used to all kinds of questions and will be happy to help.

Questions you could ask are:

What is the exact name of my cancer?
What is the stage of my cancer?
Is there anything we need to know or can learn about my disease that will help guide my treatment decisions such as a biomarker or genetic test?
What happens next?

Tips to Remember

Bring a family member or a support person with you to medical appointments to listen, take notes, ask questions and help you talk through the information after the appointment.
It can help to be prepared by writing down a list of questions and concerns you may have to ask
Ask if you could record the meeting so that you can refer back to it if necessary
Don’t worry about asking all your questions at once. You will have other chances to ask them.
It’s also okay to ask the same question again.
Give yourself time to take in and understand what you are being told.
The most important thing is that you understand what the doctor is telling you.

Still Feeling Confused

More information that may help you:

What is Cancer
Cancer and Your Feelings
Coping with Family Life and Work
What to expect from Chemotherapy

Cancer and your feelings

There is no right or wrong way to feel after a cancer diagnosis. You are likely to feel many different emotions.

It’s natural to have many different thoughts and feelings after a cancer diagnosis. Some people feel upset, shocked or anxious, while others feel angry, guilty or alone. There is no right way for you to feel.

Emotions can be difficult for you, and people close to you, to deal with. You may find that some feelings pass with time, while others last longer. Try to find a way of coping that suits you.

It’s impossible to know how you will react to a diagnosis of cancer.

Common feelings include:

shock and disbelief
anger
avoidance
guilt and blame
a loss of control, independence and confidence
sorrow and sadness
withdrawal
loneliness and isolation
fear and uncertainty

There are many ways to manage your emotions. Sharing your thoughts and feelings is often a good place to start. Try talking with someone close. Remember, help is always available if you need it. Speak to your doctor, family or friend if you are struggling to cope.

Still struggling