Pancreatic cancer and me

[cptwhite_uk]

When my time comes, I hope it will be in the spring so I can enjoy the optimism that comes with it. I'm not religious but do take comfort from the cycle of life, we will all die, but that will not be the end of us. The people we've met and the legacy we leave will carry our memory on past death.

It's not fair you're dying at such a young age, life isn't fair sometimes, but you have loved, and have been loved, and will continue to be loved beyond your death. By those who know you, and by people who knew you only through your online presense such as this community. We will remember you, as we do others we have known and have sadly passed away. You are a part of this community, and with you we loose a small part of something we all shared.

Try and enjoy every last moment you have, and the view from the window. We're all part of the cycle of life on this planet, and we will all join you in whatever form comes after death, when our time comes too.

Thank you, it's it's a pleasure conversing with you, and I wish you as peaceful, painless and contented time as possible with the days you have remaining.

[Output]

Thank You for being part of the magic that made the HEXUS Forums so great to visit. I hope you and your family get as much enjoyment as possible, in whatever forms are possible, in the remaining time you have together.

[jimbouk]

Stared at the blank box for a while, had a long cuddle with my little boy and still couldn't think of the words. Sounds like you've been making the most of the time you've had, so with a tear in my eye farewell for when you go. I guess I don't have to go for low alc in the next place so a proper beer for me.

[Dareos]

Chris, should you read this, one of the last conversations I had with my dad before cancer claimed him, was the "i love you" conversation. In the end it doesn't need to be said, but it does need to be heard, if that makes sense.

Peace, and thankyou for sharing your journey with us.

[sammyc]

So sorry to read, and just want to add my respect and admiration for the way you have dealt with this and the way you have posted, and we are all following you sooner or later, so yes, you're absolutely on for an Ice Cold in Alex style reunion.

I can't and won't comment as a non-parent on the unfairness of this on you & family, so I'll just echo cptwhite_uk and hope that your view over the garden gives you peace & comfort, nature is the business. We'll be here for Kate anytime. x

[AGTDenton]

A very hard read. We were all so glad you were able to spend those days away with the family last year.

Thank you greatly for the pointers you've given me, no matter how small.
And thank you for sharing your experience, it's not an easy task at all.

A true warrior! When I can finally have my first drink again I shall be raising it for you.

[vicar]

Chris my thoughts are with you Kate and the family.

[ik9000]

Chris you have faced this so bravely. I'm sorry to hear your latest prognosis. With my own dad now going through treatment I can now see first-hand how horribly cruel this is, magnified in your case given younger ages and stages of family etc. We are praying for you and your family and I hope it is as pain-free as it can be. Thank you for the candour and grace with which you have kept us informed. We will miss you.

I am looking forward to having a decent knees-up together in the next life for the reasons below.

I think most old-timers on here will know that I'm Christian and I have been leaning heavily on it recently for these and sadly for other similar recent events. We've had past threads where there's been some good debate on it and where I've tried to explain why I bother/believe it. I would generally leave such things to those threads - and please people let's not recreate those threads here. We are all free to come to our own conclusions, and I respect there will be a variety of faiths (or none) reflected on here. All I can say is after a string of recent bereavements and similar diagnoses I still can't find anything that better explains the weird significance and simultaneous nonsense, grief and injustices of this life.

On the one hand the bible tells us life is beautiful and a gift to enjoy, and we often see this played out before us, not least when I enjoy my own garden and the beauty that can be seen in nature. It also tells us life now is broken and corrupted, and with all the misery of life at the moment, both home and abroad so to speak, it seems clear to me that it is this also. I find myself inwardly screaming "but why? It shouldn't be like this. It's FUBAR!" I open the pages and it warns us that we will face injustice, illness, disease and disasters, to expect selfish, inept and wicked rulers who will exploit, oppress, invade countries, and even mass-murder for their own selfish gain. It explains why we intrinsically know that this is not how it should be and hence we are rightfully crying at your news, even those of us who have hardly known you. It also tells us all those things will finally get dealt with, communally and personally, once and for all. We are promised a better life to come free of the covid, the cancer, the cowards and the cruel dictators, and even our own intrinsic flaws and failings. Life 2.0 if you will. Bigger, better, perfect. Unlike apple tech it really will "just work". No BSODs, no battery decay and throttling, no EOL, no death. Unlike MS "upgrades" it's not forced on us against our will and there is no min requirement, no worry of a missing TPM module or inadequate BIOS, we just need to accept the free package.

There are various analogies and similes in the bible, but with ref to a number of comments above, the next life is repeatedly referred to as a perfect wedding banquet. There will indeed be a bar, and I will be delighted to see and share a drink with folk there. Even JC himself will be drinking (for those who want the reference he says so at the last supper eg Matthew 26:26-29). I don't think it's pushing it to say the first round will probably be on him!

God speed Chris, may he see you safely there. Thank you again for your friendship and support on here. I'll be the one in the corner with the beard playing the guitar, supping a 30yo cask single malt and hopefully improved by a more svelte figure, refined personality, and maybe even a better singing voice that people might actually want to hear!

[MrRockliffe]

Effing hell. Chris, your constant positivity throughout all of this is admirable and breathtaking.

I really hope you and your family are able to find peace. My thoughts are with you all.


Thank you being a good use of the oxygen on this planet

[blokeinkent]

Hey Chris, I doubt there are any words I could say that would give comfort or make any difference in this sad situation but I'd like to thank you for your openness and candor. It's not something I've shared as I'm still trying to come to terms with things but I'm facing an unwinnable battle myself and to see how you've conducted yourself throughout this is commendable.

Both yourself and your family will be in my prayers tonight brother.

[Iota]

No words Chris, just hugs and love from another Chris.

[cheesemp]

What more words can I add that others have not already said... praying against the pain and strength for plenty of hugs with your loved ones.

[MrRockliffe]

Hi Chris/Kate


I hope that time has not yet arrived, but if it has, I’m really, genuinely sorry.


I wish your family good health, and we’ll always be here for you if you need anything

[Apex]

I just don't have the words,

If there is another life after this, I bid you fair weather and calm seas.

[cheesemp]

Chris and family. I don't know how things are going but I just wanted to keep the message going that we are still thinking of you all. Love to you all.

[Saracen999]

Indeed, we are still thinking of you all. I'm working on the premise that, at this point, no news is probably good news.

I hope.

The situation still sucks, big time, even so.