In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined by Janet, who is living with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She shares her experience of undergoing ERCP procedures to manage jaundice caused by her cancer.

We hear from Janet about what it’s really like to undergo an ERCP, from the first emergency procedure to planned stent replacements.

Janet also talks openly about how she manages the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Janet’s story offers invaluable insights for anyone going through similar experiences, about what to expect and how to navigate these treatments.

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In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Dr Sreelakshmi Kotha, a consultant gastroenterologist, to discuss the management of pancreatic cancer complications, specifically jaundice and blockages in the bile ducts and small bowel.

We cover:

• why jaundice occurs and how gastroenterologists can help manage it
• managing blockages in the bile ducts and small bowel, the procedure involved (ERCP) and the use of stents
• potential risks and benefits of these procedures and how they can help improve quality of life.

Sree emphasises that while these procedures can sound complex and daunting, they are performed by highly specialist teams to offer people with pancreatic cancer the best outcomes and continue their treatment.

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In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined by Jason, who is living with stage 4 cancer, and his son Joe.

Jason and Joe talk openly and powerfully, about their experiences and how they are approaching this important conversation. Jason’s story highlights what it's like to live with an incurable cancer, and how he is planning for the end of his life.

If you have any questions about these topics after listening to this episode we encourage you to talk to your healthcare team.

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In this episode, Kiruthikah is joined by Gehan, an oncology consultant with a special interest in advance care planning and Leann, a palliative care nurse.

We discuss

• what palliative care means and how to access services
• what advanced care planning is and why it's important to do
• how hospices can support people who are dying.

This episode discusses why it's important to have open and honest conversations about death and how to plan for the end of life with your loved ones and healthcare teams.

We recognise that these topics can be difficult, and we encourage you to listen in your own time. If you have any questions about these topics after listening to this episode, please talk to your healthcare team.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Vicky, a chemotherapy nurse, to discuss the the practical side of having chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer

We’ll cover:

• the role of a chemotherapy nurse
• what to expect on the chemotherapy day unit
• some of the side effects of chemotherapy.

With chemotherapy being such an important part of pancreatic cancer treatment, this episodes covers all you need to know to prepare yourself for the day and the support available to you after.

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In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Emily, who shares her personal experience of chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

We’ll hear from Emily about:

• her unexpected path to diagnosis and the shock of learning about her cancer
• her candid reflections on the physical and emotional challenges of chemotherapy including side effects
• how she coped with the impacts of treatment on her daily life, work, and relationships, while finding ways to stay resilient.

Emily’s story highlights the importance of support, self-care, and finding moments of normalcy during treatment. Her openness offers invaluable insight for anyone going through pancreatic cancer treatment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Dr. Yuk-Fun Liu, a diabetes consultant, to explore the important connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer.

We’ll cover:

• the link between pancreatic cancer and diabetes, particularly type 2 and type 3C diabetes
• how diabetes can affect cancer treatment, including the impact of steroids and PET scans
• managing blood sugar levels during cancer care and the importance of ongoing monitoring.

Dr. Liu offers valuable insights into how blood sugar management can improve quality of life and support treatment for those living with pancreatic cancer.

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In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Mo, a consultant hepatobiliary surgeon at King’s College Hospitals, to explore the complexities of pancreatic cancer surgery.

We’ll cover:

• how surgeons decide if a patient is suitable for surgery
• the different types of pancreatic cancer surgeries and what they involve
• the recovery process after surgery and what patients can expect.

Mo also shares insights into the importance of fitness before surgery and what the future of pancreatic cancer treatment may hold. This episode offers valuable information for anyone considering or preparing for pancreatic surgery.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.