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.
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“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.”