“The possibility of pancreatic cancer haunted me due to its grim outcome, but with his GP focused on ulcers, I questioned myself, thinking perhaps I was overreacting.”
Raising Pancreatic Cancer Awareness - Maggie Watts' Story of husband, Kevin's, Battle
Kevin Watts was a dedicated builder, loving husband, and father in his 40’s when he began experiencing subtle symptoms of indigestion and mild stomach discomfort. As his wife, I noticed these early signs were sporadic and easy to dismiss, especially since Kevin had a hearty diet with frequent fried breakfasts. Despite his generally good health, the symptoms slowly increased, and he eventually felt the need to visit his GP – an unusual step for Kevin, who typically avoided doctors.
Kevin’s initial symptoms were vague: intermittent indigestion, a sense of feeling generally unwell, and then, more troubling, persistent upper back pain, which he attributed to his work outdoors in winter. As his discomfort grew, he’d often retreat to bed with a hot water bottle after a long day, which was unlike him. Concerned, he returned to his GP, who explored possible gastrointestinal issues and tested him for H. pylori, a common bacterial infection linked to ulcers. However, despite being prescribed indigestion medications, the pain and symptoms remained.
During this time, Kevin’s appearance also began to change – he lost weight and took on a pale, almost grey tone, further raising our alarm. His GP continued to address the symptoms separately, treating the back pain with strong painkillers and his stomach symptoms with various tablets. However, there was no connection drawn between these seemingly isolated complaints.
As Kevin’s symptoms persisted and his weight loss became more pronounced, I started to worry it could be something more serious. Even though his mother had passed away from pancreatic cancer, Kevin was only eight at the time and was unaware that this might have genetic implications. It was 2008, and neither of us knew about familial pancreatic cancer or associated risk factors. I began researching his symptoms online, which led me to pancreatic cancer as a potential cause. The possibility haunted me due to its grim outcome, but with his GP focused on ulcers, I questioned myself, thinking perhaps I was overreacting.
In April, we went ahead with a trip to New York we had long planned. But while there, Kevin struggled to keep up with the hustle and bustle of the city. I could see he was deteriorating, and by the end of the trip, I firmly insisted on accompanying him to his next GP appointment. Despite my fears, I refrained from mentioning pancreatic cancer specifically, hoping to avoid unnecessary panic. However, the GP continued to focus on gastrointestinal issues, dismissing my concerns and declining a referral for further scans.
At this point, I pushed for a private scan through our insurance, where the results revealed a worrying spot on his pancreas. The gastroenterologist mentioned the possibility of cancer but expressed reluctance to consider it seriously due to Kevin’s age. Tragically, we learned that while the cancer was still confined to his pancreas, it had wrapped around a major blood vessel, making it inoperable.
In May 2008, Kevin received the formal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Though his tumour wasn’t operable, he began chemotherapy in hopes of shrinking it. The initial response was somewhat positive, and the tumour size reduced, but it remained wrapped around the vein, preventing surgery. From the beginning, Kevin showed incredible resolve. He took on his treatment with determination, even completing the Great South Run after starting a new chemotherapy regime. Running this race – against his oncologist’s advice – became one of many ways he confronted his illness head-on.
Kevin’s diagnosis gave him an estimated 6 to 18 months to live, and he managed to defy this prediction, surviving for 20 months. He remained active, continuing his work as a builder on a significant project that he had planned for months. He also organised a “Still Standing” party, an evening spent celebrating life with loved ones, inspired by his love for Elton John’s song “I’m Still Standing.” This event allowed him to say a bittersweet farewell to his friends and family. Having left hospital just the day before, he was on the dancefloor all night.
Kevin passed away in 2009, but his strength and positive outlook made a lasting impact. Looking back, I believe that if his symptoms had been more widely recognised by the medical community, we might have caught the cancer earlier, perhaps when it was operable. This is why I am committed to raising awareness of pancreatic cancer symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent indigestion, and back pain. Kevin didn’t exhibit some of the typical signs, like jaundice, so it was easy to overlook these clues as unconnected. Had we known what we know now, Kevin’s journey might have been different.
Today, I work alongside Pancreatic Cancer Action and continue to share his story, hoping that by increasing awareness, others may seek help sooner and potentially have a chance for earlier diagnosis. Awareness and early diagnosis can make a difference in this fight against pancreatic cancer.