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.

Deb and Von
Real story

Deborah & Von

22 June 2022

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 poses in his green jacket in a Scottish landscape in summer
Real story

Ash

20 June 2022

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 and his dog pose next to a Trig point
Real story

Iain

16 June 2022

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.

Sue and her husband on their wedding day
Real story

Claire & Sue

8 June 2022

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.

A man and woman smile for a selfie at a charity fundraiser.
Real story

Lisa & Lewis

19 May 2022

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.

A man and woman smile at the camera in a sunny image taken in the stands of Wimbledon Centre Court
Real story

Sue & Mike

13 May 2022

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.

A blonde woman, Sharon, is shown smiling and in her carer's uniform.
Real story

April & Sharon

7 April 2022

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 smiling.
Real story

Jenny

8 March 2022

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.

Paul and Sharon on their wedding day
Real story

Sharon & Paul

19 November 2021

Sharon shares the story of her husband Paul, who passed away at home with his family aged 51, just weeks after being diagnosed.

Robert
Real story

Robert

10 November 2021

Robert went to his GP suffering from nausea and was quickly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, aged 59. He talks about getting treatment and taking part in a clinical trial.

John & Cath
Real story

John & Cath

9 November 2021

Cath’s husband, John, was diagnosed in 2020 and had surgery followed by chemotherapy. A year on, they’re feeling positive and looking to the future.

Real story

Sammi

27 September 2021

Sammi was 34 when she was diagnosed, and pregnant with her first child. She talks about getting a second opinion, having treatment with chemotherapy, Nanoknife® and the Whipple’s procedure, and reflects on her journey.