u/Competitive_Land3220

Hi All,

I am a big believer that miracles can and do happen every single day - so please to those who are fighting the good fight - know that my asking this is about knowing more, coupled with the recognition that every single situation and person is unique.

That said, I guess I’m just wondering what the goal is of undergoing FOLFIRINOX with someone who is stage 4? is it about hoping the cancer will shrink enough for surgery? Is it about keeping the disease at bay? Is it to kill it off entirely? I see what ppl go through when they take it and knowing this I just wonder…what is the goal of the treatment? Does it differ for everyone?

As a DIL I don’t really feel like it’s my place to ask this directly so I’m asking this wonderful, supportive community. I think a lot of the info we’re receiving right now is on a need to know basis…

TIA :)

Alright all, my husband and I have enrolled in sailing lessons and secured a spot in our local marina. I grew up on Lake Huron and spent the majority of my youth operating power boats. I sailed a bit but it was kind of like a forbidden fruit - my dad did it a little and always enforced mad respect for how quickly weather can change and as a result I didn’t ever fully take that plunge for fear of it…

Fast forward to today and a stage four diagnosis of a close family member and it means for the first time in my 42 years I won’t be heading to the Great Lakes this summer for typical boating…I’ll be staying home so my husband and I can be close to his father and there is an abundance of rivers and small lakes…(river being the large Ottawa river)…

So I had this thought about a new adventure…

If you’re still with me I’m looking at a siren 17 as a beginner which I will add a small 8-10 outboard to (I have one lined up to view next week) or something a little larger like a 21 foot freedom OR an ODay 20 (another I have lined up to view). Ideally something I can trailer and launch somewhere not too deep…

Please share your infinite wisdom. I think for the first few years, leading with a great deal of humility and a swing keel is my best bet. On the other hand may family Would be able to more easily enjoy the 21ft with me even if strictly at the dock initially.

Advice welcome. I always do my homework and know it takes a lifetime to master sailing so I want to be smart, but also enjoy it… if that makes sense…

This comes approximately six weeks post diagnosis. He is mid sixties in relatively good health though quite tiny in physique. He eats extremely clea/very healthy so it’s difficult to know if weight loss is a result of the cancer or just natural. Either way, while I know there’s no typical trajectory of what to expect, I guess I’m just wondering what to expect…if that makes any sense.…

I’m only a DIL (as weird as me framing it that way may be) so I’m cautious not to overstep…..it’s a complex dynamic but at the end of the day I’m worried about him (obviously) and my husband who for the most part seems to think him starting treatment means he’ll be fine…

I want to be very hopeful, and am, but I’m also a realist and worried about my husband’s obliviousness in severity. But then I think…maybe he will be one of the lucky ones……treatment is getting stronger…it sounds like they’re not entertaining any ideas to be alternative….which maybe is great…idk so many mixed emotions…

Any suggestions anyone can offer? Must not be a lean smoothie.

TIA :)

Hi All,

Just curious what a typical timeline is for beginning treatment? As some of you are aware, my FIL was diagnosed around May 15th With stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He will begin treatment in mid June so approximately a month or so after diagnosis. To me that’s seemed like a fairly long wait, however, I’m not really sure what is typical. He is very healthy other than the obvious. Thoughts? He will begin chemo.

Thoughts and prayers to everyone experiencing this.

it’s confirmed my FIL is in fact stage four. He will receive chemo via a subcutaneous port for a year (Lord willing). What I’m worried about is we live in a large city with some of the best treatment centres in the world…and that’s it? No clinical trial ? Who advises this? Do we need to mobilize and find one? Should the doctor refer? How do ppl approach these clinical trials?

I keep reading to start clinical trails alongside chemo before things get too far out of hand….yet here we are. Obviously I don‘t want to overstep but I can’t help but feeling like Is this all? Is this all we should be doing atm?

Hi All,

I am looking at becoming an RSW via the OCSWSSW.

For context I have a Master of Education, Master of Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Education, and Bachelor of Communication. In addition I am also obtaining my currency hours under an MSW. I have previously been employed as a Disability Counsellor and I currently provide assessments (psychoeducational) under the supervision of a psychologist. In addition to the degrees noted above I've taken the following courses (see list below). I was one course away from an addictions diploma, however, could not complete due to placement requirements (I can't afford to not be paid to work). Just wondering what my chances might be. I wanted to finish that addictions diploma, however, I am not rich and not able to take time off work to do an unpaid placement and my MSW supervisor will be verifying 700 hours of related work as per the application requirements. The last four courses I did through Athabasca (and the first seven through Algonquin College).

Please let me know if you think I have a good chance. TIA :)

Additional Course List:

Impulse Control Disorders and Behavioural Addiction
Motivational Interviewing and Change Practice
Working with Youth and Families
Chemical Substance Use & Abuse
Community Services and Support in Addictions and Mental Healht
Holistic Assessment and Intervention
Mental Health and Addiction Foundations
Critical Reflection Practice
Social Work and Human Servies
International Social Work in Canada
Social Justice in Action

Is this a good sign? I’m apprehensive to even ask that. I’m new and maybe just don’t fully understand what we’re up against yet. Thinking of everyone. ❤️

I am new to all of this (much like all of us) and I guess just wondering what to expect in he coming days. context; doesn’t drink, smoke, very active, eats super clean, mid sixties. Obviously we’re all shattered. we will find out more in the coming weeks but he went to the ER with significant pain and they found a mass. Stage 4 pancreatic having spread to his liver. so far the pain hasn’t been terrible. what are we in for?

God bless (or whatever you believe) everyone fighting this horrible disease. I’m so sorry. im oscillating somewhere between shock and fear and just trying to support my husband the best i can. Advice welcome, we’re all a mess.

xx