The hidden danger of pancreatic cancer.
When Dr Roland Meyer was diagnosed with cancer, it was a blessing and a curse. The curse was he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The blessing was his medical training gave him some insight into what was on the horizon and what treatment, if any, he could expect.
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer does not have great outcomes. About 550 people in New Zealand are newly diagnosed each year and almost as many die from the disease but there is hope.
Roland said, “By the time I was diagnosed the cancer had already spread to my liver and lymph nodes. Some would call this terminal or incurable but there was some chance of survival.”
Pancreatic cancer is not a good one to have because often it is tucked away deep inside the abdomen. A silent sneaky cancer and therefore usually diagnosed late.
If there are 100 patients with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, 50 will die within six months and a further 30 will have died after one year. The chance to survive two years is one-in-ten.
"Ten percent is not good, but it is not zero. I said to myself, why should I not be one of those patients? The key is to stay positive."
Two months after diagnosis, Roland was still feeling well so he and his wife, V, embarked on a trip to France, a trip planned long before the cancer diagnosis.
"We had a great trip. We dined on the river Seine, saw the Eiffel Tower, cycled up Mt Ventoux in Provence, and bathed in the Atlantic Ocean in Biarritz. It was a lovely trip and while the cancer was always there, life continued."
Throughout his cancer journey, Roland remained upbeat and sang the praises of the Cancer Society.
"The support I got from Southern Cancer Society was tremendous. It has made a huge difference."
And Roland has some advice for anyone diagnosed with the disease.
"Have a team to support you. Involve your loved ones and accept help if it is offered. Make use of the offerings provided by Southern Cancer Society. They will be able to point out the supports for you. They are there for you."
"And do something pleasant every day, experience a little bit of joy and let yourself be comforted."
Sadly, Roland recently passed away after a sixteen-month battle but he was realistic about his life expectancy and, despite the odds, he remained positive throughout.
Research into pancreatic cancer and more news about cancer treatment developments can be found in our latest newsletter.