Petra
Petra, diagnosed in 1999 with operable adenocarcinoma of the
pancreas
At the age of 47, on 10th December 1999, I developed symptoms of
jaundice, pale stools and dark urine. Following blood tests,
ultrasound, CT scan and ERCP I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
on Christmas Eve 1999. As my father had died of untreatable
pancreatic cancer a year after his diagnosis in 1993, I was keen to
find out what could be done to help!
Despite the festive season and new millennium occurring at the
time, I was immediately referred to Poole Hospital, and was seen by
my Surgeon on 7th January 2000. He informed me that he could
perform a Whipple's operation to remove the cancer. My operation
took place on 12th January 2000.
It was fairly major surgery, involving the removal of 1/3 my
pancreas, ½ my stomach, my duodenum, gall bladder and bile duct,
and then basically plumbing me back together using spare bits of
bowel. I was in hospital 11 days, and then off work for 3 months. I
need to take antacids (Lanzaparazole) to prevent stomach acid (as
the bit that would prevent it naturally isn't there anymore) and
also a pancreatic enzyme (Creon) so that my food digests properly,
but otherwise no other treatment or medication.
Following my return to a fairly high-powered job I found that I
suffered a lack of stamina, possibly because of lack of appetite,
and I became depressed as I wanted to be able to do it all!
Eventually after trying to work only part-time, I was retired from
my job in 2003. It was actually a relief not to be under pressure,
and to adapt to my own pace of life!
Since then I have been thrilled to welcome three grandsons into
the world, and to have enjoyed spending time with them. I have also
enjoyed several holidays, in particular a trip to my namesake
ancient city, Petra in Jordan, which I had wanted to visit for many
years.
Voluntary work, such as Samaritan volunteer and local community
hospital League of Friends has enabled me to give a small bit back
to the community.
Life after pancreatic cancer hasn't always been easy, and I have
had occasional bouts of pancreatitis and depression, but on the
whole it's been wonderful, particularly thanks to my husband, Dave,
my children, grandchildren and great neighbours.
April 2011