Bryony

I was diagnosed with stage 2b pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) just before Christmas 2019. I was 41, and our daughter was just 8 years old. The harsh reality of the poor survival rate and the low chance of seeing her 18th birthday was at the forefront of my mind.

My surgery and recovery

I was very lucky that my local hospital had an experienced surgeon willing to take on my case, despite the complexity of my tumour encroaching on my portal vein. It’s common in this scenario to use chemo to shrink the tumour. But my team decided not to wait, and I was in surgery for my Whipple’s within just 14 days of diagnosis. It was far from straightforward, and I was on the table for 14 hours.

Histology showed successful margins, but also three affected lymph nodes. I managed 8 rounds of Folfirinox, as adjuvant treatment after surgery.

The combination of getting used to taking Creon and my reduced appetite caused by the chemotherapy drugs meant that I lost 4 stone in weight. I became pretty frail. Chemo caused neuropathy in my hands and feet. I thought this would stop when the chemo stopped, but it progressed for some months, and I had to use a stick to walk.

A big move for the family

As a family, my diagnosis made us look at our lives. We decided on a more rural life. After 26 years in the city, we upped sticks and moved to the countryside. We were looking at houses whilst I had my pump for my chemotherapy drugs attached. I think the move was a part of us trying not to let the cancer, and the fear of its recurrence hold us back. We took on a massive project. We entirely renovated our house, whilst living in a caravan in the garden. I’m not sure I’d recommend it as a recovery set up!

Dealing with psychological and physical aftermath

I was absolutely petrified that the cancer would come back. Every small twinge in my body sent me into panic. In all honesty, I think I spent the first few years waiting for bad news. But, I remained cancer free, and we had a big party to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

Fatigue has been my constant partner, and I started having attacks of cholangitis (inflammation or infection within the bile ducts). These got so bad that I was landing in A&E, and having to have weeks off work.

Working with my GP and consultant, we found a medication – usually used to prevent gallstones, that has got on top of my liver issues. This meant I could start to trust my body more and really start to feel like I was moving beyond my treatment.

Getting my running shoes on

I saw that Pancreatic Cancer UK was going to be the London Marathon Charity of the Year, and it coincided with my 5 year milestone. The idea seemed crazy, but I decided that’s what I wanted to do to mark it. My fitness was on the floor. I was averaging just 500 steps a day, and sleeping 12-14 hours a day. Doing a marathon would take some serious training.

I started by simply walking. At first this was five minutes a day but steadily got up to an hour each day. In September 2024, I started actually running, and the day before my 47th birthday I ran the Gloucester half marathon. That was a month out from the London Marathon and I stuck religiously to my training plan . Interestingly, although fatigue is still a factor in my life, the marathon training helped reduce it.

On the Friday before the big day, my hip went awry. Last minute chiropractic treatment meant I could at least limp to the start line. I wanted to at least try. I was in too much pain to run, so I walked every step. It took me 8h 33m, but I did it – raising over £7.5k for Pancreatic Cancer UK in the process. From just 500 steps a day, to completing a marathon is quite the achievement. I am so proud of myself.

The next chapter, living well

For me, this feels like a chapter divider between treatment and recovery and living again. My life has been so defined by my illness for so long. Proving to myself that my body (and spirit) can do this has been important to me. Being one of those who survive this devastating disease is such a privilege. I feel I owe it to all those who can’t be with us to live well. Completing the London Marathon is a massive step towards that.