Courtney & Steve
Our journey began long before we ever heard the words “pancreatic cancer.” Courtney’s dad, Steve, had symptoms for over six months before he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Later, the doctors found out his cancer was an even rarer type.
Vague symptoms appeared
In July 2024, my dad started to feel unwell. Nothing specific at first – just a vague, persistent feeling that something wasn’t right. Then in August, everything changed. He was hit with severe abdominal pain, and we rushed him to A&E, completely unaware that this would mark the beginning of a new and difficult chapter in all of our lives.
It took months to get a diagnosis
What followed was a blur of hospital visits, tests, admissions, and endless waiting. The symptoms were elusive, and as we’ve come to learn, that’s heartbreakingly common.
Dad suffered from intense stomach pain, jaundice, fatigue – and yet every scan or blood test seemed to tell a different story.
We were told it could be a gallbladder infection, then gallstones, a kidney infection, a UTI (urinary tract infection). He had his gallbladder removed, but the symptoms persisted. Each time we hoped for answers, we got more questions.
Finally, on February 11th, 2025, we received a diagnosis. It was cancer. At first, we were told it was pancreatic cancer – a word that hits you like a freight train. But at least we finally knew what we were dealing with. That day changed everything.
We could finally get treatment for Dad
From there, Dad’s health deteriorated rapidly. He became weaker, and the weight of the diagnosis settled heavily on us all.
But in the midst of the fear and uncertainty, we were given a small glimmer of hope – he was eligible for the Whipple’s procedure, a complex and life-altering surgery. In April, he had the operation, and since then, he’s been recovering at home with strength and determination that inspires us every day.
Sadly, the cancer has spread
We recently received updated information: his cancer is actually intrapancreatic bile duct cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cholangiocarcinoma. It’s not technically pancreatic cancer, though it presents in almost identical ways, and is just as difficult to detect early.
My dad finished his fifth round of chemo a little while ago, and we were all holding onto hope that it was helping. Sadly, when the scans came back, we were told the cancer had spread. That meant instead of being stage 3, it had become stage 4 and terminal. He’s now been given a prognosis of 12 months.
Steve with family
We need better ways to diagnose rare cancers
This journey has taught us how critical early diagnosis is – and how challenging it can be with these kinds of cancers. Symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue – they’re so easily put down to something else. We’ve learned how important it is to trust your instincts, to advocate for yourself or your loved ones when things just don’t feel right, and to keep pushing for answers.
We’re so grateful for the care my dad has received, for the opportunity to have treatment, and for every single day we get to spend with him.
But we also know how many families don’t get that chance. That’s why sharing stories like ours matters – to raise awareness, to push for better tests, and to ensure that no one else has to go through months of uncertainty before getting the answers they need. That’s why I wanted to tell our story, and I also use my TikTok to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma.
Thank you for reading our story.
And to you, dad: your strength and positive mental attitude is absolutely admirable, and is something I will carry with me and project, myself, in every stage of my life!
Courtney
September 2025
