My pancreatic cancer story - Kerry Irvine

[@gianna13172]

I've lost my older sister to this horrible disease one year ago. She passed away just 5 months later her diagnosis. She had metastasis on her liver and peritoneum. We knew she didn't stand a chance since the beginning. Pancreatic cancer is the worst, and even if the research has progressed a little, it's still not enough. We have to do more

[@bliven8704]

I’m so sorry. My 44 yr old daughter was diagnosed on Easter. Found accidentally no symptoms she has never had a health issue. We are stunned. And mostly at the crassness of the doctors mostly, literally sorry, you’re dying go live your last few months there is no treatment were first words. We fought for chemo finally after two months and we still pray for a miracle. I’m trying to learn all I can from others stories. I know God can heal if it’s his will but it doesn’t make it hurt less. I’m so sorry and I hope soon your happy memories fill you so full there is no more room for tears. And know that sharing your sister’s story and your love for her gives hope and comfort to some of us walking that same road

[@laurenvillegas6103]

My husband just passed away too. Same. Spread to liver. Adenocarcinoma. Lasted 4 months and maybe half of that in the hospital. What hurts more than his death is that I didn't give him the love he deserved in his last days. I have bipolar disorder.

[@marylemley4911]

@@laurenvillegas6103

[@nsmccoy2345]

To receive such a diagnosis and be given no information or support is inexcusable! I’m so sorry u and others have been treated with such disregard! Prayers for your family 🙏🏻❤️

[@jimzimmerman5288]

I'm going through that with Kaiser Nor Cal. Diagnosed almost a month ago not a book up with an oncologist yet. Kaiser stupid protocol.

[@akashazza9994]

My husband has stage 1 pancreas cancer. Had whipple surgery and just finished 6 months of chemo. Now having 4-5 weeks of radiation. I'm hoping this will be over soon and his health is returned. We have been married 42 years in Apri!.

[@SimranRimi498]

Symptoms? When diagnosed

[@James-b7p2k]

🤞🏻

[@pennibrockett6558]

My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 22. He had chemo and radiation for 6 months and it affected him horribly. He doesn't qualify for Whipple surgery as he has other health issues issues and is 78 and we have been married for 47 years. He said if it returns, as it most likely will, he will be on palative care instead of chemo and radiation. I will support his decision. Our oncologist told us to enjoy our lives and that's what we intend to do. He is currently working with a physical therapist mobility and balance. He lost 50 lbs and we're working on that too. Bless to one and all.

[@CharlesJohnson-w9l]

It will never be gone for good It is always hanging out Diet has alot to do with it Sugar cigarettes alcohol just to start with

[@sjennica]

She is still so deeply hurt by this loss. Hurts to watch. 💔

[@oldonetwoable]

My goodness, this poor Man had every symptom, im shocked more investigations weren't done when he explained his symptoms. Poor Man and family

[@deirdrekiely6187]

Right. And some of these are classic pancreatic cancer symptoms. It's appalling how apathetic some doctors are these days. People need to push hard until they get the answers.

[@debbiehenrie2116]

I used to watch these and be horrified and grateful that we weren't socialized in America. Well, here we are, so now there will be many stories coming from here. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss of everyone who has lost their battles due to the apathy and complete indifference by all the horrific healthcare systems in place all over all over the world.

[@jackiecrisman2144]

It is happening in the US. Good health care requires money & great health insurance here!! Our family lived it. Sent home sick & unable to care for himself.

[@mustwereallydothis]

I can't help but have horrific flashbacks watching things like this. Why do doctors so often disregard a patient's pain? It's so very cruel. When you are suffering with that sort of pain and getting treated like you're either blowing it out of proportion or, worse, just out for pain meds, it feels like the doctor is torturing you and really enjoying doing so. That sort of pain is bad enough, but when they add humiliation to the mix, I just can't begin to tell you how bad it can get. I tried so hard to die over the decades when I was in agony more often than not, but I failed every time. I don't understand why I'm still here. Although my condition has been under control for almost a decade, (no thanks to any of my doctors btw) I can't honestly say I'm overly happy to be alive just yet. I live in so much fear of ending up in the hospital for any reason, I can seldom force myself to leave my house. If you are a doctor or nurse reading this, please examine your motives when deciding to pass judgment on patients in pain. Are you honestly so terrified of being fooled that you are comfortable causing that degree of misery to other, innocent human beings?

[@ginybrown8738]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your bravery in telling his story to help others is beautiful. I am sorry you didn’t get any help, that is truly sad. I pray that this is changed. God bless you

[@kaynewsom6780]

I am so sorry It’s such a hard cancer. Very few survive. A few years back my mother and I had been planning a cruise, leaving December 6th. The day after thanksgiving she turned yellow , we didn’t go on the cruise. She died on December 15th…it’s heartbreaking. Take good care of yourself.

[@tomharries847]

Thank you for your moving story, I send my deepest condolonces to you and your family. I have been through this with my dad. September 2021 he started complaing about stomach and back pain but put it off. He was a hard working mans man if you know what i mean. In december he went jaundice and went to hospital for tests and scans which came back as stage 1 pancreatic cancer, he went downhill quite quickly but didnt show it physically as he was always on the go. He just got tired really quickly. By the end of january it had gone to stage 4 and he was told there was nothing that could be done. We had his 64th birthday on the 13th of january for him which he really enjoyed with all his family around him. He was told he would have 4 to 8 weeks. He passed away at home with his family around him at 8:40 pm on the 25th of february 2022. Alot more needs to be done regarding early screening for this horrible silent killer. Myself and my family donate to Pancreatic cancer Uk in hope that in the future alot more people will have more of a fighting chance. God rest your husband and to my dad, I know your at rest and out of pain, I love you and always will. God Bless xx

[@Victoria-ny3cc]

I’m so sorry for your loss! If he was stage 1, why didn’t they perform the whipple?

[@jamesho8820]

Thank-you for sharing your family's difficult story. My uncle went through a similar battle several years ago with metastatic pancreatic carcinoma which presented with "gastric" symptoms and jaundice. At T-giving he had initially informed me (retired pathologist) of his symptoms and I immediately referred him to a colleague (gastroenterologist). My reaction at the time was intense anxiety since I suspected the worst possibly gastric, pancreatic or esophageal cancer yet I hesitated to share my suspicions. His diagnosis became clear after the usual scans and biopsies. He was also deemed surgically unresectable in as much as the tumor had already metastasized to liver. After a rather distressing struggle, he succumbed to the cancer approximately 12 months following his diagnosis. I can relate to your ordeal as it is very difficult watching a loved one "wither away" and the helplessness that one experiences.

[@suemoo22]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband. God bless you for raising money for cancer research, that is a positive light to come out of this. Prayers to you and your family. ❤️

[@Μαρία-κ2μ]

I feel your pain . Iam so sorry 😢. I lost my husband 4 years ago, with pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed end of September 2018, and died on 6 of January 2019😢..

[@sandismith2480]

I'm so very sorry for you and your children's loss, it's not fair.

[@KSMFHoofpounders]

I just got diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. So hard...

[@kaynewsom6780]

I am so very sad about your news…if you would like to be pen pals I would love it.

[@alissatyau849]

How are you doing??

[@imanedunn5095]

How are you doing?

[@eden7440]

I am so sorry. Your pain and loss is so hard and grieves me also to see how you are suffering. I have read many stories similar to yours from the UK and the indifference shown by primary care doctors is nothing short of shocking. They will have a lot to answer for one day. What a discrace to the medical profession. Why do they even bother to practice?

[@cherylemaybury9967]

I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer and she only had 10 weeks from her diagnosis until death. She never lasted until her appointment with the oncologist. It was very quick for her but she made certain that she saw everyone and said goodbye.

[@johncarr3855]

Very brave lady.

[@arknlght]

Doctors forget their hippocratic oath that they swore to help patients with their pain and suffering. I know two fellow patients who committed suicide because the pain was so intense. 24/7, the pain never stops.

[@bobmcnelis3648]

As a newly diagnosed patient that has NO information, I surely feel for you and your family. God Bless you for all that you’ve done, and continue to do! I’m not even sure at this point, that I have cancer. I’ve been hospitalized with a 6CM mass on my pancreas, and the first follow up, is 2 months from the day of the discovery, and it’s with a pancreatic surgeon. You are correct that Google can be helpful, as it shows me that the only symptom that I do not have is Jaundice. I will continue to keep a fighting outlook, as you and your husband did, and I wish the world had more people like you, in it!

[@InvisibleVicky]

GPs have a lot to answer to

[@joannewignall6417]

The GP has fobbed my breathlessness and pain off for 4 years. I’m now awaiting PET scan and biopsy results. I just hope it’s not too late 🥲🤞 This story is heartbreaking! 💔

[@christinetyrrell2086]

Heartbreaking listening to your story which mirrors that of my sister but you are a stronger than iam

[@effinyu9554]

I know our medical system here in the U.S is expensive, but it seems like every story from the UK has people waiting for a long time.

[@pam164]

Treatment is not good here in UK and its just pure luck if you get a good Doctor!

[@loulou7963]

Very true. It’s just months and months before you even get to see a consultant

[@fairynuff167]

In NZ they close for xmas! My poor husband was deemed palliative last week v November. Handed over to GP clinic and not picked up till 1st week v January as doc letter passed to from oncologist, was on leave.

[@lunargoddess2002]

@@dee2862 where do you live? I’ve been feeling bad since January. I made an appointment with my digestive medicine doctor. I made an appointment in February. I just had my appointment in October. While there, an ultrasound was ordered and I’m getting an MRI. It takes forever to see my account doctor/internist. It takes a month to get into her. The fact is everywhere there are not a lot of doctors.

[@maryquitecontrary6658]

When I was diagnosed I was seen by an oncologist within 5 days here in the States. I can't imagine waiting like that.

[@karennoble2564]

I lost my husband to pancreatic cancer when I was 37 we had 4 children

[@Greygranny]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[@ftmrivas3043]

I am sorry for your loss

[@MountainmommaWV3]

I’m so sorry, we are so fortunate here in the states to have the health care that we have. It is expensive but considering the alternative we are blessed.

[@effinyu9554]

How awful. I'm sorry for your loss.

[@leewalsh2428]

*Thank you so much Kerry I still have hope*

[@SherryakaWimpyRambo]

Thank you for sharing Luv!

[@jedidiah5131]

Thank you!

[@darrellhicks360]

Kerry Irvine obituary With a five-year survival rate in the single digits, pancreatic cancer is one of the world’s deadliest cancers and tragically Tyrone woman Kerry Irvine knows this to her cost. Since losing her husband Noel 10 years ago this month, Kerry (48) has been devoted to raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of what can be a treatable cancer if caught early enough.

[@alissatyau849]

Just diagnosed myself stage 2 pancreatic cancer. Took 15 months to find out why my stomach hurt, Mt back hurt. They said pancreatis then the last CT showed mass, then biopsy shows cancer. Wasted 15 months of my life because of hmmmmm......

[@catherinealexandrian9927]

18 months saying IBS

[@sharonscott7913]

Incompetency

[@pam164]

A friend of mine, her partner was at my GP practice and went for over a year with not feeling well, he was in his late 40s they kept saying it was IBS eventually after he lost loads of weight, they found he had Bowel Cancer. Luckily after Op and treatment 5 years on he is ok. They thought he was too young for Cancer! When will these Drs learn.

[@carollovell4286]

My dad died of this it’s horrendous x

[@laurenvillegas6103]

Yes! Just horrendous! I don't wish it on anyone. We are nothing without God. It's just better if his kingdom comes now. I pray for it to come to see my beloved husband again.

[@kimbauman3733]

So sorry for your loss terrible how they treated you

[@theresaoneill6525]

I really wish I could say or do something that would help. I'm sorry you and your family have to deal with this tragedy. Please be well.

[@donnathompson2370]

God bless you & your wee family .❤ x 🙏

[@tbunnyshy1]

I am very deeply sorry for your loss. I just wish there was more information on symptoms. I am aggressively seeking answers but due to covid my EUS has been delayed.

[@ginaposa4506]

Very sorry for your loved one it's so awfull life is super perious for us all god bless you love hugs.😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@Bebs995]

🫂 so strong thank you for sharing with us 🌹🌹

[@TOOFERMAC53]

Wow, it took them 18 months to realize all his symptoms were due to pancreatic cancer

[@dominiqueruiz4292]

Je suis vraiment désolée pour la perte de votre mari. Bon courage à vous et votre famille. Qu’il repose en paix maintenant après tant de souffrance. 💞💞💞

[@johnryan2193]

It sounds like your Dr did not know the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which is just not good enough.

[@Steve992.1]

It's strange how people who get this sort of disease feel like they're receiving a lack of help and support when the reality is that there is nothing to do. It's a death sentence you're either eligible for surgery or not and if it's metastasized to the liver then it's already too late.

[@anneoconnor8741]

Help and support does not always mean a cure. It is possibly MORE important that patients and their families facing a terminal prognosis have somewhere to turn to get information, and advice on how best to cope with what is to come, including reassurance about pin relief. Good end of life care makes such a difference, not only to the patient but to their families.

[@fairynuff167]

Exactly. A really cruel and painful terminal condition.

[@loriadams1873]

Wow.. because there's always hope... This comment seems extremely harsh my husband was diagnosed 3 months ago which stage 4 pancreatic that metastasized to other organs non operable.... here in the United States they put him on a four-part chemotherapy treatment immediately to keep it from spreading It's 3 months he's not dead yet not even close to it Yes it's bad Yes it will eventually kill him....but even a year it two of longevity is worth it Why just give up????????

[@irwinmarant6014]

That’s what happens with socialized medicine. It’s lacking. I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer 6 years ago. Had Whipple and so far doing fine. I live in the US and my care made all the difference in the world as far as treatment and recovery.

[@vtwinbreed]

I'm happy for you and yours. We are also going through same. Dad was diagnosed officially January 2022, had whipple end of Feb 2022, he's still kicking, barely, with COPD, heart failure, etc.. Heavily medicated, but he's alive.

[@jelafean]

My 61 your old sister, was diagnosed with stage, one pancreatic cancer and is set up to have a Whipple procedure. In the next few days, they ask your age and what stage? Prior to the surgery my sister had colon cancer with a mass removed just a year ago don’t know how she’s going to do with this Whipple procedure? She can’t afford to lose any weight just barely getting it back on from her previous surgery.

[@laceybanter5937]

I've actually told two doctors the same thing. Only then did they find what was wrong after months of pain. I just don't know what they're thinking!

[@deirdrekiely6187]

A lot of doctors today just have apathy - they do the bare minimum, especially general practitioners.

[@suesmith23]

My dad passed away with this horrendous disease 😢 when he found out he was stage 4 He lived 2 years after diagnosis

[@laurenvillegas6103]

How did he manage to live 2 yrs after diagnosis? Was it neuroendocrine?

[@imanedunn5095]

Did he take chemotherapy?

[@Weekend658]

The pancreas is a very tucked organ. You are very unlikely to get diagnosed with any early stage pancreatic cancer due to this. Symptoms often mimic other illnesses. Nothing is likely to change in modern medicine because it’s tucked behind important, key, organs. Even if you do exploratory surgery to test the pancreas function, it won’t detect cancer there.

[@loulou7963]

Very much like ovarian cancer that destroyed my beloved mommy. She was stage 4 before diagnosis and it was too late.

[@deirdrekiely6187]

Abdominal CT and MRCP MRI can show growths in the pancreas and liver. The problem with pancreatic and ovarian cancer is that the symptoms often mimic non-fatal diseases like IBS, gallbladder, etc. so doctors brush it off and give antacids and things like that and the whole time cancer is growing inside.

[@Weekend658]

@@deirdrekiely6187 correct. You have to know to look there tho. In 12 years of medicine, I’ve never seen 1 patient with stage grade 0 or 1A/1B diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It would become an instant field study to appropriate better prognosis.

[@loulou7963]

@@Weekend658 same as ovarian. How many women do you see with stage 1 or 2 ? Unless it’s accidentally spotted by sheer luck usually when investigating other health issues

[@ginawhittaker2585]

I’m so sorry about your husband, I can’t imagine going through that. The reason I was watching was because my older brother has been having pain in his upper stomach when eating certain foods, indigestion, pain around his heart and shoulder and sometimes down his arm, he’s also been having light colored stool. They did some test, so far his heart and gallbladder are fine and now they’re doing test on his liver. I’m so worried I just hope he doesn’t have cancer.

[@chennforajido]

How is he doing now?

[@ginawhittaker2585]

@@chennforajidothe last time I spoke to him he just said they were still doing test and hadn’t found anything yet. He knows something’s wrong, I just hope they figure out what’s going on.

[@chennforajido]

@@ginawhittaker2585 I wish him the best

[@ginawhittaker2585]

@@chennforajido Thank you 🙏

[@deirdrekiely6187]

@Gina Whittaker - If you're concerned about pancreatic cancer get this test - MRCP MRI. It specifically looks at the pancreas and liver and surrounding structures. Also, an abdominal CT scan can show growths in the pancreas. Getting blood work is not enough.

[@verily360]

Would private health care make any difference in the way the drs deal with the patients?

[@somewhereinthemidwest9827]

I’m sorry for your families loss. Is this typical care where you live?

[@sheilajohnson6478]

Why would the doctors even give an option of chemo, when they knew the man was going to die anyway? It’s all about the money for the treatment. Shame on all of you doctors, for not being straightforward honest.

[@Victoria-ny3cc]

I agree with you to a certain point, because the chemo can actually help with the overall symptoms in most cases.

[@Cwgrlup]

The medical system in this country is worse than the U.S. and it really sucks here.

[@hilaryelworthy1464]

This is a hard watch….

[@ClareLeamore]

LOVE 💚🤍🧡

[@BernadetteMcGovern57]

My mum waited a long time for a scan and dionosis it made cancer get a quicker hold why do pancaetic patients have to wait so long

[@loulou7963]

Like ovarian. It’s very rare to diagnose that at an early stage unless by sheer luck. My beloved mommy wasn’t diagnosed until stage 4. 😢

[@paulinemuirhead4604]

I need further tests done app doctors don't send people 4 scans or mri never heard of that before I no I have cancer jue 2 stytoms I got

[@colinnz]

That lady has about 3 different accents. ❤

[@lindasears8244]

Why oh why don't they do ct scans as part of your health check up like colonoscopy? If i hadn't gone to er for colitis an had a ct the cancerous mass on my pancreas would of neer been found early

[@kw2299]

Going to the NHS for health treatment is like going to Sweeney Todd for a haircut.

[@lorikean3405]

Cancer sucks!

[@corinnejeanmaire3697]

❤

[@paulinemuirhead4604]

Not helping me a tall

[@nelysvabska]

I couldn’t understand nothing.

[@skyeblu1722]

Can’t understand a word you’re saying