Quote from: PeteHukb on January 17, 2024, 08:26:40 pmI don't wish to alarm you, and the combination of symptoms your dad has could be due to any of a very long list of diseases, but the reason he's been referred within a 2-week window is because some of his symptoms can be signs of cancer. In fact - and this is for everyone else - given that one in three of us will get cancer at some point in our lives, if anyone over 60 develops new/unusual symptoms which last more than 4-6 weeks, cancer will almost often be somewhere near the top of the list of possibilities. I've just turned 40 and am increasingly considering myself as an "older adult" from this point of view, not least because my cousin recently got diagnosed (and successfully treated) with kidney cancer after a single episode of blood in his urine, having never in his life had that before, and being fit as a fiddle. Cancer is a scary word, but that shouldn't prevent us from talking about it and raising awareness, because awareness genuinely saves lives.A timely post. As per the "one for the runners" post a while back about my sudden weight loss, looks like it might not be the gastroparesis the doc initially though. Had a CT scan which has shown a small lesion on my pancreas. Awaiting further appointments to see what the next steps are. Can confirm the advocacy bit - I had to push for the scan and if my brother hadn't died of cancer in his GI system I might not have got one. Anything unusual - get yourself checked. And do your poo on a stick test when it arrives. I'm nearly 55.Anyone with any knowledge on what to expect, be great to hear.(Apologies for the hijack James, but it is kind of relevant, good your dad is getting the attention he needs).
I don't wish to alarm you, and the combination of symptoms your dad has could be due to any of a very long list of diseases, but the reason he's been referred within a 2-week window is because some of his symptoms can be signs of cancer. In fact - and this is for everyone else - given that one in three of us will get cancer at some point in our lives, if anyone over 60 develops new/unusual symptoms which last more than 4-6 weeks, cancer will almost often be somewhere near the top of the list of possibilities. I've just turned 40 and am increasingly considering myself as an "older adult" from this point of view, not least because my cousin recently got diagnosed (and successfully treated) with kidney cancer after a single episode of blood in his urine, having never in his life had that before, and being fit as a fiddle. Cancer is a scary word, but that shouldn't prevent us from talking about it and raising awareness, because awareness genuinely saves lives.
Quote from: Duma on January 15, 2024, 04:24:14 pmQuote from: seankenny on January 15, 2024, 01:13:52 pmRemember, a doctor isn’t just for treating ill health, but also for perpetuating existing systems of social inequality and hierarchy! what?General poorer outcomes for women, ethnic minorities, lower income people. Diseases which mostly affect women get much worse treatment (I know, I have one!). Women’s pain getting taken less seriously or symptoms being psychologised rather than treated. Sometimes presenting a doctor with a thing they don’t understand is dangerous for the patient, as it upsets the authority and hence social standing of the doctor. If this sounds weird or extreme then you are lucky, bask in it.
Quote from: seankenny on January 15, 2024, 01:13:52 pmRemember, a doctor isn’t just for treating ill health, but also for perpetuating existing systems of social inequality and hierarchy! what?
Remember, a doctor isn’t just for treating ill health, but also for perpetuating existing systems of social inequality and hierarchy!
Have you ever been on UKC or the Supertopo forum? Agree the support on here is great.
Had a CT scan which has shown a small lesion on my pancreas. Awaiting further appointments to see what the next steps are.
Quote from: SA Chris on January 18, 2024, 08:49:13 amHad a CT scan which has shown a small lesion on my pancreas. Awaiting further appointments to see what the next steps are.Update if anyone is interested. Consultant sent a letter saying it's just a small cyst / IPMN and no cause for concern. Which is obviously a relief, and good news as it's not serious, but something is still up with my digestive system and I don't know what.Hope your dad is doing OK James.
Sounds potentially positive at least.
Time to go and spend some time with my dad…
Quote from: James Malloch on February 02, 2024, 08:31:14 pmTime to go and spend some time with my dad…That's such an inspiring response from you. Best wishes through it all.
