Do you want to know how other people with a tumor in or near their pancreas feel and what they’re experiencing? Read their personal stories.
Good mental and physical condition helps
Jac (72) wants to share his experience with pancreatic cancer. During the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group Day, he heard stories from others who, in his view, had or are having a much harder time. With his story, Jac wants to offer others hope during difficult times.
Since April 2023, at age 70, I’d been experiencing pain in my lower back and in my left flank near my lower ribs. My GP referred me to a physiotherapist, suspecting a strain or a pulled muscle. But that didn’t help.
After a few months, I suspected RSI in the muscles I’ve used for 60 years of trombone playing. Six weeks of rest, but that didn’t help either. Back to the physiotherapist, who eventually referred me to my GP, because the pain was worse around my spleen.
If later is now
Hein created a podcast about his battle with his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. In this podcast, you’ll hear the story of Hein and his family. Themes that surfaced during sleepless nights, such as fear, struggle, pain, and jealousy, are discussed. Conversations with loved ones explore Hein’s personal experiences and the stories of those around him.
This podcast is meant to inform and inspire. It stems from the uncertainty that drove Hein to sleepless nights shortly after his diagnosis. It’s a tribute to those who also face daunting challenges and still find the strength to make the most of them.
“Netflixing all day isn’t for me.”
It’s September 2021 when the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die, premieres. On that day, Pex Langenberg (64) is diagnosed with a tumor in the tail of his pancreas. He is currently living in Berlin, where he works at the embassy. The diagnosis changes his life; he moves back to his beloved Leiden. But he’s still there, and ‘no time to die’ has become his motto: “I keep busy with all sorts of activities; I don’t have time to think about a sudden end.”
The diagnosis follows a year of back-and-forth visits to the GP for back pain. After Pex also developed intestinal problems, he was able to have a CT scan performed by a specialist. “To be honest, I only just remembered I had a pancreas, but I didn’t know what it did or where it was located. The GP had been very nonchalant, but now it suddenly became incredibly serious.” A laparoscopy soon followed, which revealed metastases in the abdominal wall and liver. “Surgery wasn’t an option at that point. The surgeon clearly indicated I only had six to nine months to live.”