Pam’s story: “They offered me palliative care. I said ‘No thanks – not today.’”

At 54, Pam was fit, active and about to set off on a dream lap around Australia with her husband Pete. 

But a routine health check revealed stage three pancreatic cancer, changing her life in an instant.  

Determined not to accept a terminal prognosis, she underwent major surgeries and eventually got the all clear.  

Today, Pam is living with cancer after it returned to her liver and bones, and she is passionate about raising awareness of early detection.

Diagnosis and a difficult decision 

In 2017, just as Pam and Pete were preparing for the adventure of a lifetime in their new caravan, Pam decided she would get a health check first. 

Pam had been feeling tired and lost weight, which she put down to her gym routine and a new diet. “I went to the gym most days. I was tired, but what woman in her 50s isn’t?” she says. 

The check revealed that Pam had dangerously high calcium levels in her blood. She then stayed in hospital for a week to lower her calcium levels, but when that didn’t work, she was sent for a CT scan.  

This scan found tumours on her pancreas and liver and she was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer.  

“It was a huge surprise – the family was shocked,” Pam recalls. “The seriousness of what they told me just didn’t register at the time.” 

Pam’s initial conversation with her oncologist stunned her. “They offered me palliative care. I said, ‘no thanks, not today.’” 

Determined to find alternatives, Pam began researching and sought a second opinion.  

Surgery, support and survival 

Pam’s new surgeon believed the tumours could be removed, but warned it would be a long, hard year.  

Over the next seven months she underwent three major surgeries, including the removal of an endocrine tumour and two liver resections.  

She later discovered the tumours may have caused her unexplained Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2014. 

“I focused inwards, asking friends not to come to the hospital as I guess I’m a little stubborn and selfish and needed to focus on my recovery,” recalls Pam. 

After the final surgery, Pam was given the all-clear and was grateful to avoid chemotherapy and radiation.  

Finally, Pam and Pete could take that trip around Australia. But in the end, they decided to sell the caravan for a healing trip to Europe instead.  

“I absolutely loved it. It gave me some much-needed positive headspace away from treatment and hospitals,” says Pam. 
 

Living with cancer and making each day count 

Although tumours have returned to Pam’s liver and bones, she continues to live well. “I’ll never be cancer-free, but I’m still here,” she says. 

Pam’s passionate about raising awareness of early detection, particularly for pancreatic cancer, which is often diagnosed late.  

She says, “all the symptoms can be attributed to something else. If I’d left it another six months, I wouldn’t be here now.” 

Pam also wants more people to know about the possible link between pancreatic cancer and unexplained Type 2 diabetes. “When I hear of someone diagnosed with diabetes without reason, I nag them to get a scan,” she adds. 

Now, Pam’s focus is on wellbeing, talking daily walks with her dog Mack, pilates and a blend of conventional and complementary care.  

Looking back, she credits her survival to persistence, timing and medical care. “My boys stayed on my mind and kept me focused – I didn’t want to miss out on any part of their lives.” 

If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained health changes, speak to your doctor and trust your gut.

Find out about the signs of pancreatic cancer, or to access free support, call us on 13 11 20.