I never considered the possibility I’d get pancreatic cancer
Katherine Aherne, who was sucessfully treated for Pancreatic Cancer having been diagnosed almost three years ago. Photograph Moya Nolan
According to the Irish Cancer Society, roughly 600 cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year.
It has one of the poorest prognoses of all cancers, with fewer than 15% of Irish patients surviving beyond five years.
Katherine Aherne is one of the lucky ones, as she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer almost two years ago, and thanks to swift action, she underwent treatment and is currently doing well.
During Christmas week 2021, she developed an itch on her arm and noticed her urine was “abnormally” dark.
“I made an appointment with my GP, had some bloods taken and then went out Christmas shopping. But two hours later, my doctor rang and said I should go to A&E immediately as my liver function bloods were extremely high and it was very likely that I would be admitted — and although I was unaware at the time, my cancer journey kicked off from there,” she says.
After undergoing some tests, scans revealed a mass in the head of her pancreas, which needed a biopsy.
“Although cancer was not initially discussed, I gathered it was a cause of concern. I was healthy, fit, active, had lots of energy and living a full life, so this all came as a huge shock as cancer was just not on my radar. I was very naive to have never considered the possibility that I’d get cancer. I was so stunned and shocked that I didn’t ask many questions that day and probably wasn’t ready to hear too many details as I needed time to absorb what was happening.”
Covid restrictions were in place then, meaning no hospital visitors were allowed. “I will never forget the emotion of phoning my husband and family and trying to remain strong and positive while telling them the worrying possibility that I might have pancreatic cancer.”
The mother of four, who lives in Naas with her husband, Seamus, spent Christmas 2021 in hospital and in early January 2022, she received results from the biopsy, which showed that the tumour was malignant.
“Seamus and I had agreed from day one not to Google pancreatic cancer, as we knew it would not bring much positivity, and we all needed to stay hopeful and mentally well to prepare for the next stage,” she says.
The treatment plan was chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. If the tumour responded well to these treatments, she would undergo Whipple surgery, which involves removing the affected part of the pancreas, bile duct, duodenum and part of the stomach.
“The next two months were probably the most difficult of all because there was concern that the cancer was more advanced and had spread to my liver, which would potentially rule out surgery,” she says. “I will never forget the elation when my oncologist called with the wonderful news that the PET scan had indicated no spread to my liver. It gave us great hope and encouragement.”
She had the first round of chemotherapy in March 2020.
“My abiding emotions were not fear or anxiety but relief, delight, and gratitude to be starting the journey that would hopefully tackle the tumour. Chemotherapy was every two weeks, and I tolerated and coped with the side effects, including extreme fatigue, pretty well — there were days when I was able to go walking, meet up with pals and even play a few holes of golf. I finished chemotherapy in June and began ten sessions of radiotherapy before the planned Whipple surgery.
“My odds for a successful outcome were judged 50:50 as the tumour was very near an artery and my surgeon explained that it would be three hours into surgery before he could tell if it was feasible to remove the entire tumour and complete the extensive operation.”
Fortunately for the now 63-year-old, the surgery was a success, and after eight days in hospital, she was discharged and, when she was well enough, underwent another course of chemotherapy. Today, after making some lifestyle changes, she’s doing well.
“Life after Whipple surgery does require adjustments, as while it is life-giving, it is also life-changing, and it has taken time and trial and error with medications to adapt and find a balance which works for me,” she says.
“I needed support and advice with diet and medications, which was difficult to access and sustain. However, I was fortunate to meet gastroenterologist Prof Barbara Ryan, who has had a hugely positive impact on my quality of life. I hope more support becomes standard and available for all patients post-Whipple surgery.”
She says she is “eternally grateful for the wonderful care” at Tallaght and St Vincent’s hospitals, for the support and expertise of oncologist Prof Ray McDermot, surgeon Prof Kevin Conlon, and her GP, Dr Alison McDonald.
The retired secondary school teacher says while 2022 was an “annus horribilis” for her health, it was also a “precious year” full of love, support and comfort from relations, friends and colleagues, which helped her and her family navigate the ordeal. She is fully aware of how fortunate she is to have survived pancreatic cancer and would advise anyone who has any unusual symptoms to seek advice as soon as possible.
“If I hadn’t gone to my GP that day, I would certainly have gone the following week as the itch had spread andbecame increasingly more severe, but looking back, I had lost some weight in the few weeks prior to this,” she says.
“Every single day, I realise how fortunate I am, and it encourages me to seize every opportunity life offers. I have a real appreciation of how lucky I am to be alive and living well as I approach three years post-diagnosis.
“Choosing to be open about my diagnosis meant I received a huge amount of support from my community of friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and that was so comforting and uplifting for me and my family during a very difficult time.”
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide — five in every six patients diagnosed will die — and because so many cases are at an advanced stage, 50% of those diagnosed will die within the first year.
- Tummy or back pain
- Poor appetite, indigestion, nausea
- Noticeable change in bowel habits (light-coloured or floating stools)
- New diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes which is harder to control
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or itchiness — if this occurs, seek urgent medical attention
While some of these symptoms are common and similar to other health conditions, Prof Grainne O’Kane, consultant oncologist specialising in pancreatic cancer malignancies, says the disease is so lethal that clinical trials should be considered part of the first line of treatment.
“Early intervention is critical and aligned to clinical trials will lead to better outcomes, she says.
“People should be aware of the link between the six leading symptoms and pancreatic cancer, particularly if there is a family history of the disease. Depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the treatment for pancreatic cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy but over 80% of people are diagnosed too late for potentially curative [Whipple] surgery because symptoms do not develop until the advanced stage of the disease.”
