My Story is about My husband, Alex Lopez

 

This event took place from 07/01/2018 to 09/20/2019

 

The Discovery

It was a very long and painful process for my husband before we got the final diagnosis that it was Pancreatic Cancer in January 2019.

Being a very fit man (training for the Hawaiian Triathlon), it was very odd and out of character that Alex started to suffer from severe stomach pains and indigestion. Medical investigations were carried out including, Endoscopies, Colonoscopies, Scans and MRI’s which were inconclusive, only showing some inflammation in the pancreas though nothing showing the cause.

Alex continued to get worse and on the 26th of November was admitted into hospital with pain that had become unbearable.

It was then discovered the liver was infected, and his bloods were showing markers for cancer and tumors.

Deterioration was swift and still no definitive result where the cancer was, though the Pancreas was where most likely.

Alex underwent major Whipple surgery in January 2019 where our worst fears were realized. The Metastasized Pancreatic Cancer was found in the lymph nodes so was automatically diagnosed as stage 4.

This is My Story

The next 8 months were a roller coaster where Alex endured months in hospital with multiple stays in Intensive Care and chemotherapy treatments. There was a short reprieve during this time, and Alex was able to live a relatively normal life during this time.

Sadly, it was only brief, and he lost his fight on the 20th of September 2019, after summoning enormous strength to be with me on my birthday on the 17th.

The Impact of Time

TIME IS IMPORTANT!

An experience such as what Alex went through makes you realise that time is very precious and every moment is a gift and should be treasured.

Time is equally important early in the process to diagnose and begin treating (if appropriate) the cancer as soon as possible.

We need more research into early detection so we can fight this insidious disease before it has a chance to take hold.