How I coped with.. pancreatic cancer
I had pains in my stomach for a long time but ultrasound scans were not showing anything.
Doctors diagnosed endometriosis and a gynaecologist sent me for a lifesaving CT scan. It found tumours on my pancreas and appendix.
I had surgery to remove these in August 2016, along with my spleen, appendix and two-thirds of my pancreas – where the tumour was just turning into cancer.
Now I watch my sugar and alcohol intake because having only one-third of my pancreas leaves me
at risk of Type 1 diabetes. I need more sleep now, don’t push myself too much, eat organically where possible and take daily antibiotics due to my spleen removal.
Running has been the best medication, especially for my mental health, which suffered after my diagnosis. I was able to run the London Marathon for Pancreatic Cancer UK this year. Katie Beal, 35, Upminster, West London ■ For more info, or to fundraise, visit pancreaticcancer.org.uk