CLAN Cancer Support

My pancreatic cancer diagnosis

After the Coronavirus Pandemic I was sleeping a lot, had no energy and was struggling with reflux. Anytime I ate, I felt the food was left sitting in my gut and I suffered with constipation. My weight had dropped quite rapidly – something which I didn’t notice myself because I don’t own any scales. I also had achy shoulders and a sore back which I put down to always carrying a heavy bag.

I made several trips to my doctor and was put on various medications, but I still felt that something wasn’t right.

In April 2025 I became very unwell. Out of nowhere, I was noticeably jaundiced with my eyes and skin looking yellow. I also experienced severe diarrhoea with clay-coloured stools.

These symptoms all came on quite suddenly and I was referred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. I was given a CT scan which revealed a tumour in my pancreas. The tumour was blocking my bile duct which was causing many of my symptoms.

My mum, who was with me, broke down when the doctor told us. I couldn’t take it in.

I was told I would need to undergo a risky operation to remove the tumour.

I was referred to Clan by my housing officer because I was really struggling with anxiety after my diagnosis and ahead of my operation. This was no doubt intensified by my ADHD.

I had two sessions of listening support with the team at Clan House and it felt like talking therapy.

My treatment

Following the diagnosis I had to begin to prepare myself for six rounds of chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumour ahead of having surgery to remove it.

I started chemotherapy in June. I lost a little bit of hair and was quite fatigued. The worst side effect was peripheral neuropathy (which affect the nerves in the hands, feet and arms) which made me feel like I couldn’t even hang out my washing without pain.

I was in Aberdeen city centre one day in July when I received a phonecall from The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to say they had a date for my operation.

I was immediately anxious – not only was I going to undergo a huge operation, I also had to consider how I could leave my two autistic sons at home on their own for the first time.

Thankfully my neighbour Sharon stepped in to help and my sister-in-law came down to Edinburgh with me for the operation.

The tumour, which originally measured 3cm at my diagnosis, was 5cm by the time I was due to be operated. The surgery took eight and a half hours. Despite feeling anxious ahead of going to hospital, I was extremely calm on the day. I do remember being completely confused when I came round after the anaesthetic had worn off – I didn’t know if I had survived or not.

Then I heard the consultant tell me that the treatment had been a success. They had managed to remove the tumour along with 14 lymph nodes as well – one of which was showing signs of cancer.

I was in hospital for seven days in total. By day three I managed to have a shower and I by day four I was able to get out for a short walk.

I was constantly reminded by the medical team how amazing I had done and how having a good level of fitness had helped my situation. I felt so lucky.

My ongoing recovery

In October 2025, I started another round of chemotherapy and had to do a scan to ensure the cancer hadn’t returned. I recently got the results to prove I was clear of cancer and I was delighted.

If you compare my health in April 2025 to my current state it is quite unbelievable. I didn’t think there was any point in me buying Christmas presents this year – but now I have that to look forward to.

My experience with pancreatic cancer has been a huge wake up call. I have completely changed my lifestyle as a result.

I will continue to do my daily walk to Hazlehead Park and I have now completed cut out sugar from my diet. I don’t eat processed food anymore – I’m now trying to get more nutritious foods in my diet.

My scar is still sensitive. It will take about a year for the feeling to come back. It’s going to take time and the recovery is ongoing.

I’m not forgetting about myself again. I’m now prioritising my health.

This blog was created as part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, 2025. Clan and Pancreatic Cancer UK will be at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Tuesday, November 18 from 10.30am in the Rotunda to provide information about the support available.