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.
Kirsty & Susan
Kirsty’s mum Susan was living abroad when she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She returned to the UK to spend time with her family before starting treatment. Sadly, Susan died before any treatment could start, 15 days after her diagnosis. She was 62. Kirsty reflects on their shock at her mum’s diagnosis and death, and her determination to live life to the full.
Amy & Rosalind
Rosalind, a retired community nurse, was about to start a new chapter in her life when she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She moved in with her youngest daughter, Amy, so the family could support her. A year on from Rosalind’s death, Amy now tells their story.
Katie & Fiona
Katie's mum, Fiona, was the life and soul of the party who always put her family's needs first. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023 and sadly died later that summer. Katie reflects on the difficult time she and her family have faced and her mum's legacy.
Clara & Jim
Clara’s dad, Jim, was a folk singer and a volunteer in a hospice for people with cancer. In 2020 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and sadly died in the hospice two years later. Clara tells us about her dad’s experience.
Dan & Wendy
Wendy passed away from pancreatic cancer when she was 54 years old. Dan shares their experiences of this difficult time, and reflects on the special memories that they will cherish.
Emma & Ian
Ian, a retired firefighter, had always been healthy when he started to get abdominal pain. He was eventually diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, and sadly had severe side effects from chemotherapy. He chose to stop treatment, and passed away at home, cared for by his family, on his 63rd birthday. His daughter Emma tells their story.
Mark D
Mark was 52 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Following successful Whipple’s surgery and chemotherapy he’s back to work and enjoying life.
Steve C
Steve, 60, found out he had stage 2 pancreatic cancer by chance in 2023. He reflects on the care and support he has had, the symptoms and side effects of treatment, and the emotional impact on him and his family.
Laura, Amy & Debbie
Debbie was 64 when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her daughter Laura and Laura’s partner, Amy, reflect on making memories with Debbie before she passed away, 10 weeks after diagnosis.
Alicia & Dave
Alicia writes in memory of her dad, Dave, who passed away just 21 days after being diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, aged only 57. Alicia shares her special memories of how her dad was able to be part of her wedding day, and being there for him at the end of his life.
Gary & Maggie
Gary’s mum, Maggie, started to get symptoms so her family took her to the hospital for tests. They were devastated to learn she had pancreatic cancer which had spread to the liver and lungs. Four years after Maggie passed away at 58 years old, Gary reflects on the impact on their family.
Coral
Coral was diagnosed in 2020 with pancreatic cancer, she was 76 years old. She had a Whipple's procedure but wasn't well enough for chemotherapy. Coral shares her story.