Gina Heslop
Lee Rawlinson, a 51-year-old marathon runner and father of two, was living an active and healthy life when he received a devastating diagnosis.
In October, doctors informed him that he had terminal pancreatic cancer that had already spread to his liver. Now, with only months left to live, Lee is using his story to warn others about the dangers of ignoring small health symptoms.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Lee, a medical sales representative from Essex, UK, shares his home with his wife, Faye, and their two children, Darcey (10) and Marley (7). When he first felt a dull ache in his lower abdomen in January, he assumed it was stress-related.
Even though he visited his GP and was referred to a gastroenterologist, there was a long wait for further tests. His initial blood and urine tests showed no problems, so no urgent action was taken.
By September, however, the pain became unbearable. “It felt like someone was pushing a metal pole through me,” Lee explained.
One night, during his son’s football practice, the pain became so severe that he rushed to the emergency room. A CT scan revealed the shocking truth—terminal pancreatic cancer.
The Importance of Early Detection
Lee now regrets not taking his early symptoms more seriously. “I didn’t think much of it at first,” he admitted. “But I wish I had pushed for more tests sooner.
Early diagnosis could make all the difference.” He later discovered that his grandfather had also suffered from pancreatic cancer, suggesting a possible genetic link.
Lee urges others to listen to their bodies and take any persistent pain or unusual symptoms seriously. “Even if it seems small, get checked out,” he said. “It might save your life.”
Making the Most of His Time
Despite his grim prognosis, Lee has focused on creating memories with his family. He surprised his children with a trip to Lapland and plans to make their remaining time together as special as possible. “I want to be there for my kids, even if only in their memories,” he said.
Lee is also advocating for more research and awareness of pancreatic cancer. “Survival rates haven’t improved much since the 1970s,” he pointed out. “This must change.”
