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. 

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

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.

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

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.

In this first episode, Dr Kiruthikah Thillai (Consultant Medical Oncologist) and Camilla Carr-Smith (Clinical Nurse Specialist) at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, introduce you to the series and give you a glimpse into the basics of pancreatic cancer care. 

We’ll cover:

• what the pancreas does
• how pancreatic cancer can develop and be diagnosed
• and what some of the treatment options are. 

You’ll also hear about the importance of looking at the whole person in treatment, not just the disease. This episode offers a taste of what's to come, setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes with insights from medical experts and real patients.

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

In this episode, Camilla is joined by Chris Pennie, who shares his personal journey from diagnosis to recovery after pancreatic cancer surgery. Chris' surgeon was Mr Mo Elmasry, the guest from our previous episode on surgery, and he joins the conversation.

We cover:

• Chris’s experience with unexpected symptoms, diagnosis, and his decision to have surgery
• the emotional and physical challenges of surgery and recovery
• how a major health scare transformed Chris’s outlook on life.

Chris’s story highlights the importance of early detection and making the most of the opportunities that come with treatment. His candid reflections offer hope and insight for anyone facing pancreatic cancer surgery.

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