A woman initially diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) was shocked to discover that her stomach pains were actually caused by stage four pancreatic cancer. Laura Nixon, a 59-year-old resident of Windsor, Berkshire, had been experiencing severe stomach pain following her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in April 2024.
Despite ongoing pain and unsuccessful antibiotic treatments, Laura was repeatedly advised by medical professionals that she likely had a UTI. Given her medical history of gallbladder removal, she had assumed that cancer markers were being monitored.
After seeking help at the emergency department due to persistent pain, Laura was informed that she would need to wait for a CT scan. Instead, she proactively opted for health assessments with her general practitioner before embarking on a cruise with her mother.
Following a prompt referral, a colon scan revealed the heartbreaking news later that day – Laura was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and given a prognosis of five years to live.
Currently in Germany, Laura is preparing for private transarterial chemoembolization treatment as an alternative to chemotherapy provided by the NHS. Despite the grim diagnosis, Laura maintains a positive outlook, cherishing each day and focusing on staying connected with loved ones.
Challenging the initial prognosis, Laura believed she had a shorter timeframe left and embarked on extensive research to explore private treatment options. Through fundraising efforts and with financial support from her mother, she secured private treatment in Germany to target the cancerous tumors and alleviate her pain.
The specialized treatment in Germany involves various procedures aimed at controlling the tumor growth and enhancing her quality of life. Despite the financial strain and emotional burden, Laura remains hopeful that the treatment will extend her life expectancy by 40% to 60%, emphasizing her concern for her loved ones rather than her own mortality.
While the NHS typically recommends chemotherapy and surgery for pancreatic cancer, the private transarterial chemoembolization treatment that Laura is pursuing in Germany offers an alternative approach. The treatment is not commonly available through the NHS due to uncertainties regarding its effectiveness.
Support for Laura’s journey can be extended through GoFundMe, as she continues to navigate her battle with cancer with resilience and determination.