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.
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.
Iain
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.
Claire & Sue
Sue is having palliative care for pancreatic cancer. She was diagnosed in April 2021, and her cancer came back a year after treatment. Claire talks about how she and her mum have faced her cancer diagnosis.
Lisa & Lewis
Lewis was just 37 when he passed away after being diagnosed in A&E. His partner, Lisa, tells us about Lewis’s diagnosis and symptoms.
Sue & Mike
Sue tells us about her husband, Mike, who experienced some rare side effects during his treatment for pancreatic cancer. Mike passed away at home with his family around him in 2021, aged 74.
April & Sharon
April shares the story of her mum, Sharon, who passed away from pancreatic cancer aged 60, after a few short weeks in hospital. She tells us of their shock at losing Sharon so quickly.
Jenny
Jenny found out she had stage 4 inoperable advanced (metastatic) pancreatic cancer when she was 56. She shares her story of diagnosis, treatment, and how she intends to keep living life to the full for as long as possible.