Latest news with #PancreaticCancerUK
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Our ‘fit' dad died weeks after we got his diagnosis – his Apple Watch alerted us & a simple question could've saved him
His daughter Lucy says 'medics never connected the dots' and when Alan's diagnosis finally came, it was too late... OUR AGONY Our 'fit' dad died weeks after we got his diagnosis – his Apple Watch alerted us & a simple question could've saved him WHEN Alan Orchard nearly collapsed on a bike ride through the Lancashire hills in 2023, no one imagined he'd be dead just over a year later. But for Alan's children, David and Lucy, yet more heartbreak lies in the belief their dad could have had longer with them, or even still be here now, if just one simple question had been brought up earlier. Advertisement 9 Lucy with her dad Alan, who could've had longer with them if one simple question was asked by medics, the family believes Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK 9 'Fit and healthy' Alan died four weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK 9 Alan's children David and Lucy believe their dad could have been saved Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK 'If the doctors had asked about dad's family history, they'd have found out his sister Judy died of pancreatic cancer 12 years before when she was 60,' David, 35, from Preston, Lancashire, tells Sun Health. 'It could have changed everything.' Advertisement Instead, it took 13 months for the retired council project manager to get a cancer diagnosis from the onset of his first symptoms. And when it finally came, it was too late - Alan died just four weeks later, aged 68. Lucy, 33, says: 'The medics never connected the dots despite the fact it felt strange because he was such a healthy person suddenly having issues. 'I find those 'what ifs' really hard to deal with now. 'Had the doctors known about his sister when investigating these sudden health issues in 2023, things may have been so different. Advertisement 'That knowledge, combined with the pre-diabetes and heart issues, should have been three massive red flags. 'We might have had a chance to explore chemo or an operation, or to go private to speed things up. 'Instead, when it did finally get diagnosed, dad's rate of decline was like going from 0 to 100 in no time at all.' I'm a doctor, NEVER ignore these pancreatic cancer symptoms Alan had lived his life by the book, alongside his loving wife Julie, 69, a retired school bursar. 'He was so fit, so healthy,' David says. 'He was cycling 20 to 30 miles four or five days a week. Advertisement 'He'd never had a day off work in his life.' In May 2023, during a regular cycle with his club, Alan felt faint. His Apple Watch showed an erratic heartbeat and Julie rushed him to A&E. Doctors discovered Alan was dehydrated and suffering from atrial fibrillation - an irregular heart rhythm. By August, blood tests flagged pre-diabetes. He was told to start taking up to 10 tablets a day. Advertisement Beauty business owner Lucy, also from Preston, says: 'He was absolutely mortified. 'He was a really proud man who, like mum, took good care of himself but he actually got quite tearful because the doctor suggested he may be eating the wrong things.' 9 Alan's Apple Watch showed an erratic heartbeat and wife Julie rushed him to A&E Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK 9 If the doctors had asked about Dad's family history, they'd have found out his sister Judy died of pancreatic cancer 12 years before, David tells Sun Health Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK Alan carried on taking holidays in his beloved motor home with Julie and trying to stay active. Advertisement He became increasingly conscious of what he was eating. On May, 26, 2024, Alan saw a cardiologist for the irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillations, that were still bothering him. His heart issues remained, and he was told he'd likely need cardioversion to shock his heart back into rhythm. But the very next day, on the May Bank Holiday, he took a turn for the worse. TURN FOR THE WORSE Lucy says: 'I looked at dad that day and I just cried. He looked grey. He'd lost weight. Advertisement 'We had walked into the village that day to watch my nephew [David's son] in a parade, and I ended up having to link arms with dad and he was propping himself up on a wall as he was tired and had a pain in his upper stomach. 'I was such a daddy's girl, I became obsessive from that day on. 'I think because we were so close, I just knew he had cancer and I was terrified.' Alan returned to the GP on May 31, following the sudden decline in his health. That week, he had numerous doctor's appointments. Advertisement He was told he now had type 1 diabetes and started having to inject insulin. But alarm bells rang when blood tests showed abnormalities in his liver and pancreas. 9 Alan with his grandson George Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK 9 Alan's wife Julie Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK 'The GP said he suspected pancreatic cancer and was referring Dad on the two-week cancer pathway,' says David. Advertisement 'I had taken that day off and, when I heard, I Googled it on the beach while my son played. It was terrifying. 'It said he could have months - maybe a year at best so from that day on, until after he died, I chose not to look again because I wanted to remain positive and hopeful for Dad.' A day later, Alan began to notice his vision worsening. He was rushed to Lancaster Hospital by ambulance. His insulin was increased which helped with his sudden diabetes diagnosis, but over the next week, he found it increasingly hard to eat without experiencing huge discomfort. Advertisement Lucy, who had moved back into the family home, admits: 'I was obsessive, thinking I could heal him with juices. 'One of my friends made some for us and I bought a juicer. 'I'd buy all organic vegetables and fruit and leave several options for him next to a little note that said 'I love you'.' The gastro consultant confirmed pancreatic cancer and that it had spread to his liver but it was all very fast. David Alan's weight loss, pain and weakness continued. On June 10, a full-body CT scan was carried out. Advertisement A week later, a doctor called Alan to say he had looked at the scan results and found blood clots on Alan's lungs and he needed to make his way to the hospital urgently. What you need to know about pancreatic cancer AS with most cancers, the earlier you detect pancreatic cancer the better a patient's chance of survival. That's why it's so important to know the signs and symptoms, and to act and seek your GP if you're worried. Here, Nicci Murphy, a specialist nurse who staffs Pancreatic Cancer UK's Support Line, reveals what you need to know. How common is pancreatic cancer? Around 10,700 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year in the UK. Are there different types? There are different types of pancreatic cancer, the most common being pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which accounts for around 95 per cent of cases. However, there are other, less common types of pancreatic cancer, such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs). What are the early warning signs and symptoms you should look out for? Pancreatic cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in the early stages which makes it incredibly difficult to detect. As the cancer grows, it may start to cause symptoms, but they are often vague and associated with common, less serious conditions. Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: tummy (abdominal) and/or back pain unexplained weight loss and indigestion. Other symptoms include: loss of appetite changes to bowel habits – including steatorrhoea (pale, smelly poo that may float), diarrhoea (loose watery poo) or constipation (problems emptying your bowels) jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, pale-coloured stools and itchy skin) recently diagnosed diabetes or sudden, uncontrolled blood sugars in diabetics problems digesting food – such as feeling full quickly when eating, bloating, burping or lots of wind feeling and being sick (nausea and vomiting) and difficulty swallowing. If a person has any of these symptoms and they don't know why they have them, they should contact their GP or call NHS 111. If they have jaundice, they need to go to their GP or A&E straight away. What's the treatment and survival rate? Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer: more than half of people die within three months of diagnosis. Research into the disease has been underfunded for decades, resulting in survival rates that have barely improved in the last 50 years – in stark contrast to other cancers. Due to the vague symptoms associated with the disease and a lack of early detection test, 80 per cent of people aren't diagnosed until after the cancer has spread, meaning they are unable to have lifesaving treatment. Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment for pancreatic cancer yet just 10 per cent of people are eligible for it. It was that day, on June 17, 2024 that he finally got a diagnosis. 'The gastro consultant confirmed pancreatic cancer and that it had spread to his liver but it was all very fast,' David says. 'They booked a biopsy for June 27, but Dad was already deteriorating rapidly.' Lucy, who was waiting with David in her car outside the hospital, recalls: 'I was beside myself when I saw them both. Advertisement 'They were walking slowly towards the car clearly distressed and Mum said, 'it's not good.' 'They could barely speak because of the emotion of it all and then dad just gave me a massive hug and we were all just crying. It's something I'll never, ever get over.' Alan grew sicker by the day. He suffered violent hiccups, caused by the tumour blocking his duodenum - part of the small intestine. His first oncology appointment was set for July 9. 'It felt like everything was too slow,' David says. Advertisement 'Every day matters with this type of cancer. It's one of the most aggressive out there. We kept being told there were processes to follow. But it felt like no one was in a rush.' Alan suddenly took a serious turn. 9 Alan suffered violent hiccups, caused by the tumour blocking his duodenum - part of the small intestine Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK 9 You can't turn a blind eye to any symptoms, says Lucy Credit: Joel Goodman/Pancreatic Cancer UK Because he was so dehydrated, medics gave him an IV drip, not realising at this point his tumour had caused a blockage. Advertisement When Alan returned home, he started being violently sick because of all the fluids he'd been given, and his hiccups were so severe, Lucy says, 'it was like he was fitting'. After returning to hospital, on July 15, in agonising pain doctors fitted a stent to unblock his duodenum, in the hope that if it was successful he could begin chemotherapy. The next day, it was the Euro Cup final which will forever remain a bittersweet memory for David. David says: 'England were playing Spain, and I watched it with Dad in hospital but it was a very surreal experience for me because I was driving through my town watching people going to the pub to watch it but I was going to hospital to watch it with my dad, who was dying.' The stent operation appeared to go well. Advertisement 'He came out of theatre with a smile and a thumbs up and said, 'I'm ready for the chemo now,'' David remembers. But just like his sister Judy, Alan deteriorated within days. Lucy says: 'The last few hours, when dad was in hospital, were just awful because he was in so much pain he couldn't even speak. 'I was just holding his hand and saying 'Dad, just picture yourself on your bike, and you're going to get a massive 99 ice-cream' because that's what he loved.' FINAL HOURS Finally, after the help from his sister-in-law, Alan was taken to the hospice to see out his final hours in peace with Julie, David and Lucy by his side. Advertisement He died in the early hours of July 18, just nine hours after arriving at the hospice. 'It was peaceful. The hospice staff were incredible,' David says. 'Absolutely nothing can prepare you for the loss of a parent,' Lucy says. 'Every day you wake up and it hits you, like, 'oh my gosh, did that actually happen?'.' David, who runs a cheese export business, says doctors need better training to ask about simple risk factors. Advertisement 'A year earlier, if they'd looked at Dad's family history, if they'd joined the dots - it could've been a totally different outcome,' he says. The siblings are now backing calls for more investment in early detection, including a breath test in development, that could flag pancreatic cancer in its early, silent stages. Absolutely nothing can prepare you for the loss of a parent. Lucy 'If you catch it early, there are more options - like being able to operate, chemotherapy, and survival rates change dramatically,' David says. 'But once it's late, it's too aggressive. Dad never stood a chance. 'We were told things had changed since Auntie Judy died. But with pancreatic cancer, nothing has changed.' Advertisement 'You can't turn a blind eye to any symptoms,' Lucy adds. 'Detecting pancreatic cancer is so difficult and there's just not enough awareness about it. 'We're coming up to the first of everything. I know the first anniversary will be difficult. 'But I will always remember dad as the most incredible, caring person who was so much fun. 'We were so lucky to have him.'
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
brothers walk 140 miles in memory of dad after battle with cancer
Brothers Stuart, James and Michael Thomson have undertaken a 140-mile walking challenge which will see them visit significant places from their dad's life after his sudden death from pancreatic cancer. Michael spoke to us about why they wanted to take on the gruelling challenge. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... We lost our dad two years ago, 10 days after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When dad got his diagnosis, we thought it was quite a rare cancer, but we've actually met a lot of people this week who know others who have been affected by this disease, so it's still very widespread and the survival rates are really really low. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We had it in our minds to do something to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK and wanted to take on a big challenge - but also to do something that was very much in dad's memory. A lot of good progress has been made in the last number of decades in terms of treatment, improving survival rates and detection of various cancers, but pancreatic cancer is not one of them, so anything we can do to raise awareness and funds for this charity would be very welcome by us as a family. It's something very dear to our hearts now and we want to provide support for families who are going through what we went through. Michael, Stuart and James Thomson are walking 140 miles in seven days in memory of their father Stephen Thomson. The 'Walking in our Fathers footsteps' fundraiser will raise vital funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK | Submitted We're taking on a big physical challenge. We're walking 140 miles over seven days, but it has a personal touch because we're stopping at places that were important to dad and meant something to him. It's allowed us to combine our tribute with a challenge that people can get behind and support a worthy cause. We launched our fundraiser at the start of the year when we were still planning the walk and contacted people who may want to get behind us - and a lot of them have. And now that we've started, people are seeing our updates and continuing to help our campaign. Even on the walk itself, people have seen us walking in our Pancreatic Cancer UK t-shirts walking down the street or coming into their restaurant or whatever and they're asking us about what we're doing and why we're doing it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Once they hear our story a lot of them are kindly donating as well so we've been blown away by the kindness of people. We've also learned how far-reaching pancreatic cancer is in terms of the impact it's had on so many people. From left to right: James, Stephen, Michael and Stuart Thomson at the Roxburghe House Hotel | submitted One of the nicest things about the walk has been to journey with my two brothers. We've had lots of conversations about our dad, particularly when we've visited these places, all the memories of the good times come flooding back and we've been able to reminisce and chat about them - it's just been a lovely thing to be able to do together. These are places that meant a lot to dad and places that we'll always associate with him so it's great to visit them one by one. Our friends and family have been there to welcome us at some of the places and walked alongside us for a wee part of the walk so that's been lovely as well, just to see that support Today (May 29) we'll visit our family business, JK Thomson in Musselburgh, where my dad worked for 40 years and helped drive it to where it is today. That will be a special stop, we've got a lot of staff who had a lot of love and care for dad, and we'll have family there as well of course. That will be our last stop today before we head to Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We'll finish the walk at our family holiday home in Elie on Saturday, which would have been dad's 58th birthday. We're looking forward to that because we've never actually walked the Fife coastal path before and we're expecting to have family and friends with us on that day. We're a close family and we generally do things together so it's been nice to be able to share stories together and just remember dad, who he was and what he stood for. It was a blessing to be able to call him our father.
STV News
2 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Early detection of pancreatic cancer may have saved my brother, says campaigner
A pancreatic cancer campaigner has said early detection of the disease could have saved her brother's life, as she brought her 200,000-name petition to the Scottish Parliament. Isla Gear's brother Tam Barker died on Boxing Day last year, following months of symptoms which were not identified as being caused by cancer. Mr Barker, a cab driver from Fife, had been to the doctor's surgery six times and A&E three times throughout the year but the cancer was not spotted until November. One of his final wishes was for a campaign to help others in his situation, and his sister decided to take up the cause. On Thursday, she and Tam's son Max, 12, handed over copies of her letter to MSPs at Holyrood. It calls for regular monitoring of those at highest risk of pancreatic cancer and the development of new tests for early detection. Ms Gear, from Leven in Fife, told the PA news agency a simple test in a GP's surgery could have 'given him a longer chance, if not saved his life'. She said: 'From this, we can save someone's life in honour of what Tam wanted. 'Tam thought he would beat the statistic and he was very hopeful… 'He said 'If anything comes from this, the one thing I want is to stop it from happening to other families'. 'I don't know if he knew he was passing then, or if he thought he was going to be here to fight. 'But certainly I'll do the fighting for him.' A petition she set up has secured more than 200,000 signatures and Ms Gear has joined the 'unite, diagnose, save lives' campaign from the charity Pancreatic Cancer UK. The petition is thought to be the largest related to a disease in the UK. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Sister of man who died four weeks after pancreatic cancer diagnosis calls for treatment investment
Cab driver Tam Barker was sent home with laxatives by doctors in the months before he his death when he was actually suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer. A grieving Scots sister is demanding government action after losing her brother to pancreatic cancer four weeks after his diagnosis. Isla Gear lost brother Tam Barker on Boxing Day last year, leaving behind his 12-year-old son Max, after months of countless GP appointments and A&E visits in agony while symptoms were dismissed. The disease was never detected until it was too late and the beloved 47-year-old cab driver ended up in hospital days after diagnosis, never to return home. Just hours before Tam's death, he asked Isla from Leven to set up a petition calling for critical investment in early pancreatic cancer detection in Scotland. It received a 200,000 signatures - making history as largest petition in the UK related to the disease. Isla is now taking the campaign to Holyrood and will hand-deliver an open letter to the Scottish Government today, backed by over 59,000 signatories, hand-in-hand with nephew Max. The 38-year-old said: 'Tam was meant to be here for this. I'm spreading the message because he can't. "For him, his young son, our family and every person who may be affected by this disease in the future." Tam began experiencing stomach pain and constipation symptoms as early as spring 2024. Despite repeated efforts to seek help — and a family history of the disease — his concerns were continually waved off as minor. 'When he went to A&E, they kept saying he had a blockage,' Isla recalled. 'He was given laxatives and sent home. "It wasn't until Tam had an appointment with his usual GP in November that the symptoms were taken seriously. "On the 21st of November, Tam went back to A&E on his GPs orders. They ordered a CT scan to check for a blockage." The scan intended to investigate a suspected blockage revealed Tam was suffering from pancreatic cancer. 'He said it felt like being fired from a job,' Isla said. 'They just sent him home, still in pain, with no real answers. It just didn't feel real." After weeks of pain and rapid weight loss of 20kg from September to November, Tam was admitted to hospital again on December 4 with hopes he'd return home soon. Tragically, he was moved to a hospice on December 22 where he passed away the day after Christmas. Every year, around 897 people in Scotland and over 10,700 across the UK are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. No early detection tests currently exist to help doctors diagnose it and, once discovered, 80% of cases are already too advanced for life-saving surgery. The open letter, part of the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity's 'Unite. Diagnose. Save Lives.' campaign, demands the Scottish Government take three urgent steps: Roll out regular monitoring for those at high risk of the disease. Back promising early detection tests and integrate them into cancer services. Pressure Westminster to invest at least £35million annually in pancreatic cancer research for the next two decades. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Isla and Max have also committed to delivering their message to all four UK parliaments. 'Even if it saves one family, that's enough,' Isla said. 'Cancer doesn't respect borders, and neither should the fight against it. "Tam was selfless. He wanted to help everyone. Now, through this campaign, he still can.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I was left devastated when I found out what my unexplainable pain really was'
After experiencing unexplained abdominal pain for months, Emma received a shocking diagnosis aged 39 during a visit to A&E - something she says resulted in her life taking an 'unexpected and transformative turn' A woman who endured months of unexplained discomfort has taken to social media to share her health journey after receiving a shocking diagnosis. Speaking through the charity, Pancreatic Cancer UK on TikTok, Emma disclosed how her life took an "unexpected and transformative turn" in April 2024 at the age of 39 following a trip to A&E. "Tests confirmed a rare form of pancreatic cancer, inoperable due to its location," she sadly recounted. "As I wrestled with the diagnosis, another layer of complexity emerged: I carry a faulty version of the BRCA2 gene, which heightens my risk of developing several types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer." Courageous Emma posted a series of photos pre and post-diagnosis, illustrating her year-long struggle with the disease and what it means for her future. While her genetic mutation provided some insight into why she developed pancreatic cancer, she noted that it also offered "guidance" on potential beneficial treatments. "Chemotherapy became the gruelling cornerstone of my initial treatment," she detailed. "Despite its challenges, follow-up scans indicated that it was slowing the tumour's growth. "The next stage was radiotherapy, which like chemotherapy, is a waiting game. Its effects often persist after the treatment has concluded, meaning the impact wouldn't be clear until my next scan, three months later." Emma described the agonising wait for her medical results as a blend of hope and anxiety. She elaborated: "On one hand, I hold on to the possibility of good news. On the other, I must prepare for the possibility that the cancer has progressed. The uncertainty is challenging, but it has taught me to live more in the present, cherishing moments with my loved ones and finding joy in small victories." Currently, Emma is considering irreversible electroporation (IRE) as a potential treatment option, which might pave the way for surgery down the line. She shared: "The thought of another intensive treatment is daunting, but if the tumour responds well to the treatments I've had, it could bring us a step closer." And she reflected on her journey, noting that battling cancer involves both physical and emotional struggles. Emma expressed: "Cancer is not just a physical battle; it is an emotional one as well. The diagnosis brought an overwhelming wave of fear. At the same time, I've discovered a resilience that I never knew existed. Support from my family, friends, and medical team has been invaluable, providing strength and encouragement when I've needed it most. "I am filled with a mix of emotions - hope, apprehension, and determination. The road ahead is uncertain, but I am committed to fighting this disease with everything I have." Moved by her tale, one TikTok user responded with a touching comment: "I'm sending you lots of positivity and hope that you beat this horrible disease." Whilst a second person encouraged Emma: "I lost my late husband to this disease, your story is an inspiration, keep fighting." Meanwhile, after reading Emma's story, many others were eager to learn more about the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. You can find comprehensive information on Pancreatic Cancer UK's website. What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer? Indigestion which is a painful, burning feeling in your chest, upper tummy or throat Tummy pain or back pain are common symptoms. The pain may start as discomfort in the upper tummy and spread to the back Changes to poo, including diarrhoea (runny poo), constipation (when you find it harder to poo) and pale, oily, smelly poo that's hard to flush (steatorrhoea) Unexplained weight loss – losing a lot of weight without meaning to Jaundice, which causes yellow skin and eyes, dark pee, pale poo and itchy skin Losing your appetite Recently diagnosed diabetes, which is a condition where the amount of sugar in the blood (blood sugar level) is too high Problems digesting your food, which causes bloating, lots of wind, burping, and feeling full up quickly Feeling or being sick (nausea and vomiting) Blood clots in a vein (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) Fatigue, which is feeling very tired all the time, even if you rest Less common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include fever, shivering, and generally feeling unwell, and depression or anxiety without any obvious cause The charity adds: "If you have jaundice, go to your GP or A&E straight away. If you have any of the other symptoms and you don't know why you have them, go to your GP or contact NHS 111."
