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.
Andy
Andy was 64 and taking part in a lung disease screening programme when a scan showed two growths on his pancreas. A year later, after surgery to remove them, he was formally diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour and a microcystic serous cystadenoma. He reflects on how lucky he was to be diagnosed early.
Jen & Christine
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.
Peter & Sandra
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
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 & Mandy
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.
Trevor G
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.
Jane
Jane shares her experience of pancreatic cancer, and talks about her treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to shrink the cancer.
Fiona & Ann
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
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
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.
Deborah & Von
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
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.