Real Life Stories
In this section you will find real life stories from people affected by pancreatic cancer. These stories provide examples of how people are diagnosed, the treatment they have, their experiences and how they take care of themselves.
Helen
Helen was 44 when she started to notice symptoms. She later found out she had ampullary cancer, where the pancreatic duct and bile duct meet. One year on, she tells us about her difficult but successful treatments, and how she is living life to the full.
Alison & Aidan
Aidan was 57 and otherwise fit and healthy when he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Although he had symptoms, it was months before he got a diagnosis. Aidan died less than three months later, with his wife Alison by his side.
Jo & Joan
Jo’s mum, Joan, was initially misdiagnosed with a pancreatic cyst. Sadly, it was actually pancreatic cancer which had also spread to her liver. Joan died eight weeks after her diagnosis, aged 61. Jo is now determined to raise funds and make others aware of pancreatic cancer, in memory of her mum.
Ben & Pete
Ben's dad, Pete, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2024. He passed away at home in early November 2024, only nine weeks after diagnosis. Pete faced many challenges but he and his family remained positive. The family is now keen to help save lives by campaigning for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
Natalie & Rosemarie
Natalie’s mum, Rosemarie, struggled to get a diagnosis for her symptoms. Sadly, her cancer was advanced by the time she was diagnosed, and Rosemarie passed away nine weeks later, shortly after her 52nd wedding anniversary. Natalie talks about her determination to raise awareness of the symptoms.
Amy & Eurico
Amy's Dad, Eurico, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2023. He died in May 2024. Amy reflects on how quickly everything happened and the challenges of processing it all. She talks about her daughter remembering her Avô (grandad in Portugese), and her baby son getting the middle name of Eurico.
Georgia & Leon
Georgia’s husband Leon was 51 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He sadly died two years after first noticing symptoms. Georgia talks about the difficulties they faced and advocating for Leon to get the care he needed. She also remembers the wonderful support their young family had from the hospice towards the end of Leon’s life.
Emma and Martyn
Emma’s Dad, Martyn, was the light in every room. Loving, kind, a karaoke connoisseur, with a laugh you could hear for miles. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2024 and died shortly after in October aged 73. Emma reflects on the heartbreaking diagnosis, journey of many twists and the place her Dad will always hold in her life and heart.
Alice
Alice began to feel unwell while on holiday in July 2023. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has since had chemotherapy and surgery. Alice is now back at the gym, gaining weight and looking forward to the future.
StuartB
Stuart was 63 when he was diagnosed with a tumour at the head of his pancreas. After a success Whipple's procedure and chemotherapy, Stuart has been able to get back to travelling and enjoying life. He reflects on his experience of the diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Christine
Christine was 56 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She shares her experience of this diagnosis and her subsequent treatment. Christine also reflects on the satisfaction she's felt since developing a passion for art, a hobby that she started after her diagnosis.
Jade & Tracey
Jade’s mum, Tracey, was 55 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which had spread to her liver and lungs. She sadly died just three months after her diagnosis. Jade talks about the support they got from a local hospice, and how she has coped with the loss of her mum.