Chris Smith's story

Chris has beaten four different types of cancer in the last six years. Her story is one of sheer determination to survive.

When Chris, now 73 years old, first heard she had cancer, she never imagined it would be the start of four separate battles in different parts of her body. But it was her most recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer – that hit the hardest. Known as one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose early and with one of the least successful outcomes - Chris’s story highlights the importance of awareness, persistence, and hope.

A healthy life interrupted

Chris had always lived a healthy, active lifestyle. In her late sixties, she was still enjoying life with her husband and family when, out of the blue, she noticed blood in her urine. Doctors initially treated her for an infection, but her instincts told her something wasn’t right. Eventually, tests revealed bladder cancer.

She underwent surgery to remove her bladder, a daunting experience, but one that saved her life. Her determination to fight for the right treatment and specialist care ensured she had the very best chance. That determination would become a theme throughout her journey.

Cancer strikes again

Only months later, during a routine scan, doctors discovered a small growth on her lung. With no symptoms at all, Chris was stunned. Within weeks she underwent surgery to remove part of her lung. Once again, she recovered, leaning on her strength and positivity.

Not long afterwards, Chris began to lose her voice. At first, she thought it was nothing serious, but she pushed for further checks. This persistence led to a diagnosis of cancer in her vocal cords. Radiotherapy followed – six gruelling weeks of treatment that left her with burns and a painfully sore neck. Chris explained how she had to wear a mask over her face and be clamped to a bed while the targeted medicine was delivered. Despite being claustrophobic and hating every second, she even managed to calm a younger patient down and persuade him it wasn’t that bad. He got through it and told Christine it was purely down to her advice that he managed. Chris was told she might need a feeding tube afterwards to which she was determined not to have, and to this day, still does not.

The pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Just when Chris thought she could finally look ahead, a follow-up scan revealed something on her pancreas. It was a huge shock. Looking back, she realised she had been experiencing subtle symptoms such as indigestion, itchy skin, and occasional discomfort, but she had put them down to her previous surgeries. Like many people, she hadn’t recognised these as possible signs of pancreatic cancer.

A biopsy confirmed her fears, and surgeons performed a distal pancreatectomy, removing part of her pancreas and her spleen. It was a major operation, but Chris remained determined. She remembers waking up and asking for toast almost immediately, which was typical of Chris and a sign of her fighting spirit.

The care she received at The Christie and Manchester Royal was, in her words, “amazing.” Surgeons, nurses, and oncologists supported her every step of the way, and Chris says she will always be grateful for the expertise and compassion that saved her life.

Preventative chemotherapy

Although surgeons believed the tumour had been contained, tests revealed that cancer had reached one of the lymph nodes. To reduce the risk of recurrence, Chris underwent six months of preventative chemotherapy at The Christie. It was one of her toughest challenges yet, exhausting and painful at times, but she pushed through with the support of her family and care team.

“I thought the operation was the end of it,” she explains. “But when they said chemotherapy, I just had to get on with it. I kept reminding myself - I want to live, I want to see my grandchildren grow up.”

Awareness saves lives

Chris knows how fortunate she has been. Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late for surgery, but hers was caught early enough to treat. That’s why she is determined to share her story, help others recognise the symptoms and to show that there can be hope after a cancer diagnosis.

“None of us know what’s around the corner,” Chris says. “But if you feel something isn’t right, don’t ignore it. Push for answers. Get that second opinion. It could save your life.”

Living in the now

Today, Chris continues to be monitored with regular scans and check-ups. She embraces yoga, meditation, and long walks with her dog to support her wellbeing. Her message is simple but powerful - treasure each day and don’t give up. Don’t look back, don’t look forward just be present in the here and now and enjoy every moment of being alive.

💜 Chris’s story shows that even against the odds, pancreatic cancer can be faced with courage, persistence, and hope. By sharing her journey, she hopes more people will learn the symptoms, push for answers, and seek help early.