The first symptoms I had were weight loss and diarrhea, which I sought medical attention for a few days later. The diagnosis came back as pancreatic cancer that had spread to my liver.

All I felt then was sad because I had known that pancreatic cancer is one of the worst types that you can get.

According to my doctor’s recommendation, I opted for chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I have chemo every 2 weeks. After every 6 rounds, I’d have scans and then be back for more. After 40 rounds of chemo, I was offered stereotactic radiotherapy. I had high hopes that the radiotherapy that I had was going to be a success. Instead of that, I was told I had 2 new spots in the liver and lung; that made me fearful.

In total, it would be 45 rounds of chemo over 30 months and 5 radiotherapy sessions over less than a month. In terms of financing treatment, I am covered by insurance.

The worst side effect I had was constant diarrhea, which I have had for almost 3 years now. I have had to learn how to cope with it by taking prescribed Imodium. Besides that, I also struggle with fatigue and hair loss.

Managing my day-to-day life has been tough, but the hardest part has been the impact on my social life and relationships with loved ones. I have stopped socialising. I knit or crochet 6 to 8 hours daily and this stops me thinking of what is down the line for me. Besides crafting, my local cancer care group has also given me so much help with massages, etc. But I feel so sorry for my children and grandchildren that will be left behind when I am gone.

The fear of not surviving or dying scares me the most. But I try to keep my mind and hands active with my crafting.

I can’t help but feel fearful. I had stereotactic radiotherapy and was expecting that it would turn my cancer into scar tissue; instead I was told that I had 2 new spots in the liver and lung.

When I got my diagnosis, I was shocked as I had known that pancreatic cancer was one of the worst types to get. Once I started my treatment and saw from my scans that it was stable, I got more positive and remained so.

Stay away from negative people. Stay positive, though I know it is not always possible. Don’t be afraid to speak about your cancer to family and friends. I have informed my family about every step of my journey. I have continued to go on my holidays (abroad). If you get fitted with a port, do not be nervous about it. In my opinion, it has to be one of the best inventions. Amazing!

Go to your local cancer care center and access their available services. It will help you both physically and mentally. Try and write a diary and jot as much as you can! Have a one page calendar and mark off your treatments as they happen.

Try and get as much fresh air as you can. If sitting outside, remember to wear gloves and cover your mouth with a scarf or mask, especially for the few days after a chemo session. Do not be afraid to share your fears and concerns with your family. Eat as well as you can – not always easy, I know. Pray and pray. Best of luck to you on your cancer journey.

Some practical advice: be prepared for touching cold items and wear gloves when going to take food from the fridge. Wear warm clothing, particularly on your feet on the chemo days. Avoid washing hands in cold water! After my first session of chemo, I went to the bathroom and when I washed my hands the water was cold and I was not prepared for the pain I felt.