Willie
Willie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and has since had surgery and chemotherapy. He's welcomed two daughters since his diagnosis, and eight years on is fit and well.
My diagnosis
In early 2017, I went for tests to see if I could be a kidney donor for my father, who was suffering from kidney failure. During those tests, an ultrasound revealed an abnormality near my pancreas. I had no symptoms at all, but I was referred for further investigations. An endoscopy revealed a mass within my pancreas. A biopsy was taken, but the results were inconclusive. The doctors suspected it might be a rare type of pancreatic cancer, but they couldn’t confirm it.
Having treatment
I was given two options: do nothing and monitor the situation, or undergo the Whipple’s procedure. I chose surgery. On December 20th, 2017, I had the Whipple’s procedure. I was surprised by how little energy I had after it. In the first few days following surgery, I could only manage a few steps at a time. Still, I pushed myself to get on my feet and move as much as possible. I spent 8 days in hospital. Once I returned home, I gradually increased the distance I walked each day.
Thankfully, I healed well and experienced no post-surgery complications. After 12 weeks, I was back playing golf. I believe being in good shape before the operation made a huge difference in my recovery.
In January, the pathology results came back: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, stage 1B. The cancer appeared to be contained within my pancreas, with no spread elsewhere. But it did also show that my pancreas contained abnormal cells. Although there were no signs of spread, because it was cancer the plan was to have six months of chemotherapy and then have a scan at the end of 2018.
My consultant was concerned that the abnormal cells, although not cancerous, could develop into cancer later. He recommended a total pancreatectomy, provided there were no signs of recurrence on my scan – it came back clear.
Before my second surgery, I requested an appointment at the diabetes clinic so I could understand what to expect. From what I was told, very few people undergoing this type of surgery ask for that, but in my opinion, it should be offered. It really helped me prepare for what was ahead.
Willie and his girls
Living with diabetes
I had the surgery in February 2019 and recovered quickly, but was left with secondary diabetes. I manage it with insulin injections and take Creon for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to help absorb nutrients from food.
My diabetes is well controlled and doesn’t bother me. I had the mindset that it was a choice between living with diabetes or risking cancer returning—and for me, that was a no-brainer.
I am fit and well, and eight years cancer free
For the first two years, I had scans every six months, then yearly scans for a total of five years—all clear.
Fast forward to 2025: I am fit and well and will be eight years cancer-free this December. My partner supported me through everything, and in 2019 we got married. Since then, we’ve welcomed two beautiful daughters, now aged five and two.
