A marathon runner, Lee Rawlinson, 51, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer after initially dismissing minor symptoms. Now, he urges others to take even small health issues seriously to avoid similar outcomes.
Living in Essex, UK, with his wife and two children, Lee received the shocking diagnosis on Halloween. By the time he sought medical help for worsening abdominal pain, the cancer had spread to his liver, leaving him with only months to live. Despite the devastating news, Lee is focused on creating “magical memories” for his family, describing this Christmas as his last.
Lee’s symptoms began in January with a dull ache in his lower abdomen, which he attributed to stress. His initial tests revealed nothing concerning, leading to delays in further diagnosis. By September, the pain became unbearable, prompting an emergency CT scan that confirmed the grim reality. Reflecting on his journey, Lee emphasizes the importance of acting on unusual symptoms, as early detection could save lives.
With a family history of pancreatic cancer, Lee sees his experience as a warning to others. He advises seeking medical attention for persistent pain or unusual symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem.
Determined to raise awareness, Lee has shared his story to highlight the need for better research and support for pancreatic cancer, which has seen little improvement in survival rates since the 1970s. He has also focused on spending meaningful time with his loved ones, creating lasting memories amidst his terminal diagnosis.
“I want my children to remember me,” Lee says, balancing his grim prognosis with his advocacy for early detection and awareness of this deadly disease.
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