Jan’s been diagnosed with operable pancreatic cancer yet she can’t decide whether to have the surgery
Jan is deciding whether to have surgery or not for operable pancreatic cancer
” I’m trying to make an objective, unemotional decision about the best course for me. To date, I have been incapable of making up my mind about what to do. One day I decide that I will have no treatment other than palliative treatment; the next I decide that I will go the full hog and have the surgery and chemo. It is the first time in my adult life that I have been incapable of making a decision.”
Jan tells her story about being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which can be treated with surgery. Yet she cannot decide whether to have the surgery or not. Her past experience of surgery and hospitals has put her off having any surgical procedure, even if it will save her life.
In her own honest account, Jan grapples with making a decision that most patients with pancreatic cancer will not have the luxury of making. As, for most patients, late diagnosis means surgery is not an option. Read Jan’s pancreatic cancer patient experience and let us know what you think.
6 Responses to “Jan’s been diagnosed with operable pancreatic cancer yet she can’t decide whether to have the surgery”
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The views expressed in this blog are the authors' own.
Jan I had my distal pancreas and spleen removed in 2009 and than had a Whipple’s in December 2010 because of early malignant tumours in the pancreas.
My surgeries were carried out by Charles Imber, the first at University College Hospital and the second at the Royal Free.
I have been followed up at the Royal Free ever since.
Mr Imber is a wonderful surgeon and my recovery each time was much less than six months.
Of course I am now diabetic and dependent on pancreatic enzyme supplements.
I know that you are finding it hard to make a choice, but for me there was no choice because as soon as I knew I had a tumour, I wanted it taken out.
I have a very good life and am very glad I had the surgery.
Best wishes and I hope you manage to make your decision soon.
Anne
Hi Jan, I had a Whipple in Oct 2007 and without question it was the best decision I have ever made. Life is always better than the alternative and I for one cannot run my life looking on the bad things that has happened. We have to try and somehow make the most of our lives.
I understand the bad NHS experiences are affecting your decision but think about your life before 2009 is all what you have learnt, experienced and I assume for most of it enjoyed going to be wasted. I live like all other Pancreatic Cancer Club members with the thought that it may return at any time, but if it does I want to be true to myself, look into the mirror and say I TRIED. Please think long and hard about your decision and Good Luck!
Jan I had my Whipple at Castle Hill East Yorkshire on 9th January 2011. It was performed by my brilliant consultant surgeon. I was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma which involves the common bile duct from the liver and pancreas. Thus needing a full Whipple, I do not regret it for one minute, as CC usually means a death sentence because it is rarely ever found in time for surgery and has spread to other organs and lymph nodes by that time. Please have a look at “Whipple Surgery Survivor” group on facebook for a lot more info on the Whipple…
Jan I had my distal pancreas and spleen removed in 2009 and than had a Whipple’s in December 2010 because of early malignant tumours in the pancreas.
My surgeries were carried out by Charles Imber, the first at University College Hospital and the second at the Royal Free.
I have been followed up at the Royal Free ever since.
Mr Imber is a wonderful surgeon and my recovery each time was much less than six months.
Of course I am now diabetic and dependent on pancreatic enzyme supplements.
I know that you are finding it hard to make a choice, but for me there was no choice because as soon as I knew I had a tumour, I wanted it taken out.
I have a very good life and am very glad I had the surgery.
Anne Dawson I hope you come to your decision soon.
Best wishes,
Anne.
Is this a joke?
You silly silly woman,my husband has just been diagnosed with PC an it is not operable,u av been given a chance of life an you are pondering over the fact,there are thousands of people including my husband who would of loved to have heard those words said to him…we can operate….what on earth are you thinking….