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.
Cath & Jonathan
My partner Jonathan (56 yrs) was diagnosed just before Christmas 2012 with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Kevin & Sandra
Kevin shares the story of his mum, Sandra, who passed away only three weeks after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He talks about their incredibly emotional journey and how he found comfort and solace.
Amy & Cathi
Amy's mum, Cathi, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer aged 49. She had a Whipple's procedure but sadly the cancer had spread. She passed away aged 51. Amy talks about her mum's determination to live life to the full and reflects on how much she is missed.
Elliot & Denise
Elliot's mum, Denise, passed away a few months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was 57. Elliot reflects on their journey to diagnosis and how the family supported Denise at the end of her life.
Alice & Phil
Alice's dad, Phil, was 53 when he died four months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Alice reflects on her dad's zest for life and his determination to make the best of things.
Vérène & her husband
Vérène’s husband sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in February 2021. Vérène talks about the emotional impact of the worry surrounding his loss of appetite, his extreme weight loss at the end of life, and how they coped by finding acceptance.
Sarah & Diane
Sarah’s mum, Di, began to feel unwell six months before she sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer, which had spread to the stomach. She was 64. Sarah and her family are raising awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and she talks about her mum’s strength in the face of her diagnosis.
Clive
Clive was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after his daughter noticed he had symptoms of jaundice. He was able to have the cancer removed by a Whipple’s procedure. Clive is recovering well and shares his story to help others who are being diagnosed.
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.