Forty-six-year-old mum-of-two, Michelle O’Prey from Belfast, is sharing her powerful story after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in August 2025, a diagnosis that came without warning and left her and her young family reeling.
Michelle, who lives with her husband Gavin and their children Cara, aged 6 and Rory, aged 3, underwent major surgery at the end of September 2025 and is now continuing her recovery while preparing to begin Chemotherapy.
Speaking courageously about her experience, Michelle said, “The diagnosis came as quite a shock to me. I had some symptoms, but I did not think it would be anything serious like Pancreatic Cancer.”
Her symptoms began subtly more than a year before her diagnosis, starting with intermittent pain in her upper abdomen, Michelle added, “The pain would disappear and then come back a few days later. I just thought, well, that is fine, don’t worry about it.”
Following a return of the pain months later, Michelle visited her GP, “The GP examined me but did not find anything unusual. I had no other symptoms then, so they discussed possible reflux or even stress. I was given medication and when the pain settled, I thought nothing more of it.”
Everything changed in August when the pain returned with new and worrying symptoms. Michelle explained, “This time it was more severe. It was radiating into my back, my urine had become darker and I felt nauseous. When I went back to the GP, she noticed tenderness in my abdomen and thought the whites of my eyes looked yellow. She advised me to go to the Emergency Department that day.”
At the Ulster Hospital, blood tests and a CT scan revealed the devastating news, a tumour in the head of her pancreas. “It was a total shock as I really did not have a lot of symptoms. But I was told it had been caught early, it had not spread and that it was potentially treatable with surgery followed by Chemotherapy.”
Michelle underwent surgery just weeks later. “It was a five-hour operation. I am now seven weeks post-surgery and very much still recovering. I know I still have Chemotherapy to go, but I am hopeful. I feel grateful and lucky that this was found early enough to treat.”
Michelle expressed heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Ulster Hospital, stating, “The staff have been fantastic. The Nurses were so lovely and caring. I cannot sing their praises highly enough. The Doctors came to see me every day and kept me informed about everything. I felt so well looked after.”
Recently, Michelle has been feeling well enough to enjoy precious moments with her family again. “In the last week or so, the nausea has eased and I have been able to get out and about. I even managed to attend an event at my son’s preschool, which meant so much to me.”
Macmillan Upper GI Nurse Specialist in the South Eastern Trust, Joanne Flynn, emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer, “Pancreatic Cancer is a cancer of the Upper GI Tract and unfortunately, survival rates can be low. Early detection and recognising signs and symptoms is absolutely vital.
“Symptoms to look out for include abdominal or back pain, weight loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, weakness and changes in stool colour. Early detection means we can act quickly and that significantly increases survival rates.”
Michelle is now urging others to trust their instincts, “Go and see your GP if something is bothering you, even if it is just a niggle. Take the time, even if it is only for peace of mind. It is so important to look after yourself.”