A mother who thought she had celebrated her final Christmas due to a devastating pancreatic cancer diagnosis has issued a warning about cancer symptoms. Bryony Thomas, aged 46, was given a grim prognosis in December 2019 when she was informed that she may have just weeks to live. Initially told that her borderline inoperable tumour could give her only 12 weeks, Bryony faced the holidays in 2019 with the belief that it might be her last with her daughter, Eleni, who was then only eight years old.
Bryony’s case was evaluated by the regional Hepatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. The team of consultants reviewed the possibility of surgery despite the challenges posed by the location of the tumour on her portal vein. The operation would require the removal of a part of the vein, a risky procedure that ultimately became her best chance at prolonged survival. With the support of her medical team, Bryony underwent surgery two weeks after her diagnosis, which involved the removal of the tumour, affected lymph nodes, and a portion of the portal vein.
Following the complex surgery performed by consultant Meg Finch-Jones from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bryony attributes her survival to the dedicated medical professionals involved in her care. Grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with her family, Bryony, a marketing consultant, acknowledges the rarity of her five-year cancer-free journey as only seven percent of patients with her diagnosis reach this milestone.
Looking ahead, Bryony plans to run the London Marathon to raise awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Her goal is also to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer symptoms to facilitate early detection in others. Reflecting on her own experience, Bryony emphasizes the importance of openly discussing symptoms, including lesser-known indicators like changes in urine colour, to aid in timely diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, Bryony stresses the need for healthcare professionals to delve deeper into patients’ reported symptoms, urging for more comprehensive assessments to identify potential signs of serious conditions. Despite facing ongoing health challenges and the need for lifelong medication, Bryony remains determined to advocate for open conversations about health concerns and destigmatizing discussions around bodily functions.
Bryony’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the resilience and hope that can emerge from challenging circumstances. Her determination to raise awareness, support others facing similar battles, and celebrate significant milestones underscores the power of perseverance and the impact of early detection in cancer outcomes. Through her advocacy and fundraising efforts, Bryony continues to inspire hope and unify communities in the fight against pancreatic cancer.