A woman initially diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) after experiencing severe stomach pains was later shocked to discover she had stage four pancreatic cancer and was given a prognosis of five years to live. Laura Nixon, aged 59, had been dealing with intense abdominal discomfort following a previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in April 2024. Despite multiple visits to healthcare professionals where she was prescribed antibiotics for the suspected UTI, her condition did not improve.
Laura, who had her gallbladder removed in the past, assumed doctors were monitoring her for cancer markers. Concerned about her persistent pain, she sought further evaluation at the hospital in April. Subsequently, a CT scan was recommended. However, she decided to undergo additional health assessments with her general practitioner before the scheduled scan.
Following her GP’s urgent advice for a colon scan, Laura received devastating news the same day that she had advanced pancreatic cancer. Opting for alternative treatment instead of chemotherapy through the NHS, she is currently in Germany preparing for private transarterial chemoembolization therapy.
Expressing her mixed emotions about the diagnosis, Laura from Windsor, Berkshire, emphasized her determination to stay positive and engage with loved ones. Despite initially questioning the five-year life expectancy, she researched her condition and tumor size, believing she might have only a few months to live.
To fund her private treatment in Germany costing £65,000, Laura launched a fundraising campaign, with significant financial support from her mother who depleted her life savings. The treatment plan involves specialized procedures to target and shrink the tumor, offering a potential 40% to 60% chance of extending her lifespan by two years.
Acknowledging the risks and uncertainties of the treatment, Laura remains hopeful and grateful for the support she has received. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist in covering the expenses, highlighting the substantial cost disparity between private treatment options abroad and those available through the NHS in the UK.