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.
A little bit about me
I have been married to my husband Simon for 34 years and have 3 children (George, Annabelle and Beth). George and his wife Emily have 2 boys (my grandchildren, Asher and Jesse). Asher is 3 years old and Jesse is only 6 weeks.
A diagnosis out of the blue
I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in June 2021. It was a shock, totally of the blue. I had no obvious symptoms until I had jaundice and my GP suggested I go to A&E. Two days later I received the news. I didn’t know anything about the pancreas and was stunned at what an aggressive cancer I had. I had a stent placed in my bile duct which alleviated the jaundice.
I visited the local consultant who suggested I should have palliative care as the treatments for the cancer would be harsh. I was 56 and really fit and healthy, (I had been training to do the coast to coast cycle ride) I actually felt well. A friend of mine suggested I get a second opinion, I didn’t realise that I could. She recommended a consultant to contact.
The meeting with him was so positive. He had a plan and within two weeks I started chemotherapy.
Christine and her family
Getting into a new routine
At first, I was frightened by every twinge in my body. I felt uncomfortable and wasn’t sure how much I should do. Over time I settled into the routine, I had energy and confidence. I was back on my bike and playing tennis, two of my passions. I had lots of support from friends and family plus information from booklets and support lines. I raised money for Pancreatic Cancer UK through a tennis volley fundraiser.
During my first chemo treatment, my tumours initially shrunk and my health was good. Apart from losing my hair no one noticed anything different about me. I played tennis for my club and life has continued very much as normal despite knowing that I was never going to be cured. Cancer makes me appreciate all the little things in life that are taken for granted.
Moving to a different type of chemotherapy
The chemo did stop being effective and I had to have a second option, one that was much harsher and side effects more long lasting. My biggest issue was peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that can cause tingling, numbness, weakness or pain) but despite this I continued life as normal. I’ve had infections and had to have spells in hospital. I have to be aware of my immune system being low. But I’ve learnt to live with cancer. A year ago the second type of chemo stopped working and my consultant had to be inventive and try a different combination of drugs which were effective for 6 months. The cancer has spread over the three years but I’ve never been in pain with it and I’ve lived life very normally.
Changes in my life since diagnosis
Having the diagnosis and subsequent treatment meant that I had to retire on health grounds from my job as a primary teacher, a job that I was passionate about. It was hard to have it taken away from me.
I joined an art group and developed new skills. It is a very mindful activity and has brought me a great deal of satisfaction especially when my friends and family want to have my art. It is strange to think that without cancer I may never have realised this new passion. I paint when I’m physically tired and in quiet moments during the day. I even take my paints to the hospital to occupy me whilst having chemo.
Sadly, I’ve hit a point after three and a half years where there are no effective treatments on the NHS for pancreatic cancer. I’m trying a treatment called Onivyde. It isn’t used very often in pancreatic cancer and is only available privately because it hasn’t been approved for use on the NHS.
The truth is that I am part of about 1% of people that survive for 3 or more years after diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer. I’m starting the new treatment not knowing whether it will work. But it’s no more scary than starting any other treatment and I’ve got to hope it’s successful and will keep me alive a bit longer. I have two beautiful grandsons that I never thought I’d meet. They are three years old and six weeks old. My motivation and positive attitude couldn’t be greater.
I am overwhelmed by the support of my friends and family.
