This November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the month we will be sharing a series of stories written by survivors of the disease. This is Jo’s story. 

75% of people cannot name a single symptom of pancreatic cancer

Jo, mother to 4 beautiful children, was just 45 when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

In January 2018 Jo was suffering from a trapped wind in her upper stomach for around 5 weeks before she was admitted to hospital when the pain got worse and her urine was a dark colour. Jo had also lost about 5 pounds in weigh over the Christmas period which is unusual for most people.

After an ultrasound scan and a CT scan Jo was told that she had focal pancreatitis and sent home.

Jo says, “I was still very poorly and concerned so contacted the private hospital for a second opinion. I had an endoscopy biopsy and was diagnosed with a tumour in the head of the pancreas which was pressing on the bile duct and causing the jaundice and pain.

I was incredibly lucky to be just about well enough to have the Whipple operation 6 days later.”

Before her diagnosis Jo knew nothing about the pancreas, the function of it, or that you could live with only half of it.

Jo now runs a successful business giving money advice and is the author of “What’s your excuse for not being Better With Money?”

Read more inspiring patient stories here

Find out more about World Pancreatic Cancer Day here.

If you would be interested in sharing your pancreatic cancer story with us, we’re looking for real life stories to share on our blog and social media as part of our #PeopleOfPanCan campaign. Click here to take part or to find out more.