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.

A woman drinking tea - Christine - Pancreatic cancer UK
Real story

Jen & Christine

9 December 2022

Christine was 73 when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She passed away a little over a month after first seeing her GP. Her daughter, Jen, shares their experience and describes how her mum lived the way she wanted to, right until the end.

Sandra dressed up whilst on a cruise
Real story

Peter & Sandra

25 November 2022

Peter’s wife, Sandra, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in 2019, and sadly passed away in June 2020, aged 73. Sandra had been showing symptoms for some time. Peter tells their story.

Dovile
Real story

Dovile

23 November 2022

Dovile talks about being diagnosed with a rare type of pancreatic tumour. She shares her experience of treatment and the challenges she faces in her road to recovery.

Georgia and her mum Mandy
Real story

Georgia & Mandy

23 November 2022

Georgia shares the story of her mum, Mandy, who passed away less than six months after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Georgia talks about the shock of both Mandy’s diagnosis and at how quickly the cancer took hold.

PCUK - pancreatic cancer uk logo
Real story

Trevor G

6 September 2022

Trevor was 61 when he was diagnosed with cancer in the head of the pancreas. He reflects on the emotional impact of his diagnosis and treatments, and how the support he has had from his wife is helping him through this.

A photo of Jane Travers standing against a blue door wearing a t-shirt with the word hope repeated
Real story

Jane

2 September 2022

Jane shares her experience of pancreatic cancer, and talks about her treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to shrink the cancer.

Two women pose happily for a photo in a cafe.
Real story

Fiona & Ann

25 August 2022

Fiona’s mum, Ann, was 77 when she was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, and passed away just six months later. Fiona reflects on the shock to their family from her mum’s diagnosis.

Nat & Alvin pose for a picture on their honeymoon
Real story

Nat & Alvin

17 August 2022

Alvin was 52 when he was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, during the Covid-19 pandemic. He passed away a few months later, in May 2021. His wife, Nat, looks back on how they both coped with the news and the impact it has had on their family.

Anna & Virginia
Real story

Anna & Virginia

8 July 2022

Anna shares the story of her mum, Virginia, who passed away from pancreatic cancer aged 62, just six months after first experiencing symptoms. She tells us of the struggles they faced getting Virginia the help she needed during this time.

Deb and Von
Real story

Deborah & Von

22 June 2022

Deborah’s mother Von was 72 years old when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was later discovered it had spread throughout her body. Deborah talks about Von’s symptoms and caring for her at the end of her life.

Ash poses in his green jacket in a Scottish landscape in summer
Real story

Ash

20 June 2022

Ash was 52 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, during COVID-19. He tells us of his determination to enjoy life while he is well enough, the fantastic support he’s had from family & friends, and his plans for the end of life.

Iain and his dog pose next to a Trig point
Real story

Iain

16 June 2022

Iain was in his late 50s when he was diagnosed with cancer on the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Thanks to early detection and treatment, he was given the all clear and tells us about life after the Whipple’s procedure.