Michael Parry, a retired father from Northumberland, was left putting his affairs in order after a persistent side-stitch turned out to be pancreatic cancer—a disease so deadly only 25% of people survive beyond a year. The 56-year-old former Atomic Weapons Establishment worker had been looking forward to a peaceful retirement with his wife, Sharon, when he noticed the pain in February 2023.
After blood tests suggested a problem with his pancreas, a CT scan in April confirmed the diagnosis. Mr Parry described the news as 'like a bombshell going off' and said googling the condition was 'terrifying'. His GP broke the news at the surgery; he managed to drive six miles home to tell his wife, who then informed their three children.
Determined not to leave his family struggling, Mr Parry prepared for the worst. 'I made a conscious decision that if I was going to die, I would do everything I could to look after my family,' he said, recounting how he cut up a year's supply of wood. On May 4, his surgeon promised not to operate unless he could save his life; surgery was deemed suitable and took place on June 1.
The operation removed his spleen, some lymph nodes, and 40% of his pancreas. Mr Parry said saying goodbye to his wife beforehand was 'one of the hardest things'. The cancer was stage 2b, meaning it had not spread far. He then underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy, which he called 'horrible' but 'a necessary evil', and became diabetic during treatment.
His son Dan quit his job and moved home to become his personal fitness coach, helping him walk again after surgery. Mr Parry finished chemo in February 2024, and his oncologist said they thought the cancer was gone, telling him to 'make plans for the future'. His last scan was clear. 'Life is for living—I've been given a second chance,' he said.
Mr Parry emphasised the importance of early detection: 'It was a 'sliding doors' moment. I'm so thankful that my GP was aware of the potential signs and decided to investigate—those blood tests saved my life.' He now has a bucket list and urges others to be vigilant about persistent symptoms.
