A man received a devastating prognosis when informed he had only 18 months left to live due to abdominal tightness. Dan Godley, aged 30, was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer at 28. Shortly after the diagnosis, he commenced Folfirinox chemotherapy but discovered that the tumor was entwined around a major artery. Despite the grim news, Dan proposed to his partner Anna, 30, while still in the hospital.
The civil servant confessed that the reality of having cancer did not immediately register with him. Dan described the moment he received the diagnosis as surreal, recounting how it took some time for the gravity of the situation to sink in. Following his diagnosis, Dan underwent a rare treatment known as Irreversible Electroporation, designed to eliminate cancer cells using an electric current. However, during the procedure, doctors opted for a total pancreatectomy, which involved the removal of his pancreas, gallbladder, and common bile duct.
The surgery, considered uncommon and with limited proven efficacy, was a last resort as doctors initially expressed doubts about its success. Dan, reflecting on the situation, shared his initial feelings of hopelessness upon learning about his condition but expressed gratitude for the opportunity for surgery, viewing it as a small victory in a dire situation.
In a remarkable turn of events, Dan, diagnosed in November 2021, is now cancer-free thanks to the innovative surgery, a possibility he was unaware of. Pancreatic cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK, claiming approximately 9,000 lives annually. While the disease is more prevalent in individuals over 40, Dan’s successful battle against it serves as an inspiring story of triumph over adversity.
Since being declared cancer-free following the surgery in July 2022, Dan has tied the knot with Anna, resumed physical activities like cycling and gym workouts, and continued to embrace life post-recovery. Reflecting on his journey, Dan emphasized the importance of awareness surrounding pancreatic cancer, drawing attention to the impact of public figures like D’Angelo, a Grammy-winning artist who recently succumbed to the disease.
Dan’s experience underscores the significance of early detection and the power of sharing personal stories to raise awareness and prompt action against pancreatic cancer. By shedding light on his own survival against the odds, Dan hopes to inspire others to take proactive steps in battling this deadly disease.
