If you're living with pancreatic cancer, find out what to expect from the condition and your treatment. Hear guidance, expert knowledge, and real-life perspectives about what to expect from pancreatic cancer and its treatments.
Hosted by Dr Kiruthikah Thillai (Consultant Medical Oncologist) and Camilla Carr-Smith (Clinical Nurse Specialist) at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
For our final episode of this series, Kiruthikah and Camilla speak with Jason, who was living with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He reflected on his reasons for taking part in a clinical trial and what the experience was like.
We hear from Jason about why he chose to join a clinical trial, what the experience was like, and what he’s gained from it.
Jason’s story offers honest and encouraging insight into what taking part in a cancer trial can involve, and why it might be worth considering.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 May 2025
Research into new drugs (with Dr Debs Sarker)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Debs, a medical oncologist and clinical academic, to discuss clinical trials for pancreatic cancer treatments.
We’ll cover:
what a clinical trial is and the different types (Phase 1, 2, and 3) involved in developing new treatments
the potential benefits and risks of joining a clinical trial
the exciting advancements in gene sequencing and how they may lead to more personalised treatments in the future.
Debs provides valuable insights into how trials offer hope and opportunities for people with pancreatic cancer to access new and innovative treatments.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 May 2025
Radiotherapy: my experience (with Emily)
In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined again by Emily, who had surgery for pancreatic cancer followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She shares her experience of going through radiotherapy and what helped her manage during treatment.
We hear from Emily about:
what it’s like to have radiotherapy
the physical side effects she experienced, such as tiredness and skin changes
how she stayed positive and coped emotionally through the daily treatments.
Emily’s story offers valuable advice and encouragement for anyone preparing for or going through radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
1 May 2025
Radiotherapy (with Dr Kasia Owczarcyzk)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Dr Kasia Owczarczyk, consultant clinical oncologist, to explore the role of radiotherapy in treating pancreatic cancer.
We’ll cover:
when and why radiotherapy is used, including before or after surgery, or for managing pain and other symptoms
what happens during radiotherapy, including the planning process, how treatment is delivered, and what side effects to expect
new developments in radiotherapy, such as stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR), which offers a more focused and shorter treatment course for some patients.
This episode provides a clear and practical guide to what radiotherapy involves, helping people understand what to expect and how it can support them during treatment.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
9 Apr 2025
Genes and pancreatic cancer (with Maddie Gale)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by genetics counsellor Maddie Gale to explore the role of inherited genetic changes in pancreatic cancer and what they can mean for patients and their families.
We’ll cover:
what genes are and how changes in them can sometimes increase the risk of cancer
what happens at a genetics appointment, including how testing works and what the results can tell us
how results might affect family members and what support is available for them.
This episode explains how genetic testing works in a clear and reassuring way, and how it can help people with pancreatic cancer and their families.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Mar 2025
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy [PERT]: my experience (with Emily)
In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined by Emily, who had surgery for pancreatic cancer followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Now on long-term surveillance, she shares her experience of taking pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and how it affects daily life.
We hear from Emily about:
the practicalities of managing enzyme tablets, especially when eating out
how missing doses impacts digestion and overall wellbeing
adjusting to dietary changes and finding what works for her.
Emily’s insights offer invaluable advice for anyone navigating life after pancreatic cancer treatment, helping listeners understand what to expect and how to manage enzyme therapy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Mar 2025
Eating well with pancreatic cancer (with Saira Chowdhury and Lizzie Quirke)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by cancer dietitians Saira and Lizzie, to discuss the crucial role diet plays in managing pancreatic cancer.
We’ll cover:
how dietitians support patients with pancreatic cancer, especially those struggling with weight loss and digestion
the importance of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), how it works, and how to take it correctly
managing symptoms like malabsorption, bloating and diarrhoea, and the benefits of PERT after surgery.
This episode provides practical advice for improving nutrition and quality of life for people living with pancreatic cancer.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
27 Feb 2025
ERCP and stents: my experience (with Janet)
In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined by Janet, who is living with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She shares her experience of undergoing ERCP procedures to manage jaundice caused by her cancer.
We hear from Janet about what it’s really like to undergo an ERCP, from the first emergency procedure to planned stent replacements.
Janet also talks openly about how she manages the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Janet’s story offers invaluable insights for anyone going through similar experiences, about what to expect and how to navigate these treatments.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
27 Feb 2025
Changes in the liver, bile duct and bowels (with Dr Sreelakshmi Kotha)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Dr Sreelakshmi Kotha, a consultant gastroenterologist, to discuss the management of pancreatic cancer complications, specifically jaundice and blockages in the bile ducts and small bowel.
We cover:
why jaundice occurs and how gastroenterologists can help manage it
managing blockages in the bile ducts and small bowel, the procedure involved (ERCP) and the use of stents
potential risks and benefits of these procedures and how they can help improve quality of life.
Sree emphasises that while these procedures can sound complex and daunting, they are performed by highly specialist teams to offer people with pancreatic cancer the best outcomes and continue their treatment.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
6 Feb 2025
Planning for the end of life: our experience (with Jason and Joe)
In this episode, Kiruthikah and Camilla are joined by Jason, who is living with stage 4 cancer, and his son Joe.
Jason and Joe talk openly and powerfully, about their experiences and how they are approaching this important conversation. Jason’s story highlights what it's like to live with an incurable cancer, and how he is planning for the end of his life.
If you have any questions about these topics after listening to this episode we encourage you to talk to your healthcare team.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
6 Feb 2025
Planning for the end of life (with Dr Gehan Soosaipillai and Leann MacHale)
In this episode, Kiruthikah is joined by Gehan, an oncology consultant with a special interest in advance care planning and Leann, a palliative care nurse.
We discuss
what palliative care means and how to access services
what advanced care planning is and why it's important to do
how hospices can support people who are dying.
This episode discusses why it's important to have open and honest conversations about death and how to plan for the end of life with your loved ones and healthcare teams.
We recognise that these topics can be difficult, and we encourage you to listen in your own time. If you have any questions about these topics after listening to this episode, please talk to your healthcare team.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
9 Jan 2025
Chemotherapy (with Vicky Slingo)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Vicky, a chemotherapy nurse, to discuss the the practical side of having chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer
We’ll cover:
the role of a chemotherapy nurse
what to expect on the chemotherapy day unit
some of the side effects of chemotherapy.
With chemotherapy being such an important part of pancreatic cancer treatment, this episodes covers all you need to know to prepare yourself for the day and the support available to you after.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
9 Jan 2025
Chemotherapy: my experience (with Emily)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Emily, who shares her personal experience of chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
We’ll hear from Emily about:
her unexpected path to diagnosis and the shock of learning about her cancer
her candid reflections on the physical and emotional challenges of chemotherapy including side effects
how she coped with the impacts of treatment on her daily life, work, and relationships, while finding ways to stay resilient.
Emily’s story highlights the importance of support, self-care, and finding moments of normalcy during treatment. Her openness offers invaluable insight for anyone going through pancreatic cancer treatment.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 Dec 2024
Diabetes (with Dr Yuk-Fun Liu)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Dr. Yuk-Fun Liu, a diabetes consultant, to explore the important connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
We’ll cover:
the link between pancreatic cancer and diabetes, particularly type 2 and type 3C diabetes
how diabetes can affect cancer treatment, including the impact of steroids and PET scans
managing blood sugar levels during cancer care and the importance of ongoing monitoring.
Dr. Liu offers valuable insights into how blood sugar management can improve quality of life and support treatment for those living with pancreatic cancer.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Nov 2024
Surgery: my experience (Chris Pennie with Mr Mohamed Elmasry)
In this episode, Camilla is joined by Chris Pennie, who shares his personal journey from diagnosis to recovery after pancreatic cancer surgery. Chris' surgeon was Mr Mo Elmasry, the guest from our previous episode on surgery, and he joins the conversation.
We cover:
Chris’s experience with unexpected symptoms, diagnosis, and his decision to have surgery
the emotional and physical challenges of surgery and recovery
how a major health scare transformed Chris’s outlook on life.
Chris’s story highlights the importance of early detection and making the most of the opportunities that come with treatment. His candid reflections offer hope and insight for anyone facing pancreatic cancer surgery.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Nov 2024
Introduction to pancreatic cancer
In this first episode, Dr Kiruthikah Thillai (Consultant Medical Oncologist) and Camilla Carr-Smith (Clinical Nurse Specialist) at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, introduce you to the series and give you a glimpse into the basics of pancreatic cancer care.
We’ll cover:
what the pancreas does
how pancreatic cancer can develop and be diagnosed
and what some of the treatment options are.
You’ll also hear about the importance of looking at the whole person in treatment, not just the disease. This episode offers a taste of what's to come, setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes with insights from medical experts and real patients.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Nov 2024
Surgery (with Mr Mohamed Elmasry)
In this episode, Camilla and Kiruthikah are joined by Mo, a consultant hepatobiliary surgeon at King’s College Hospitals, to explore the complexities of pancreatic cancer surgery.
We’ll cover:
how surgeons decide if a patient is suitable for surgery
the different types of pancreatic cancer surgeries and what they involve
the recovery process after surgery and what patients can expect.
Mo also shares insights into the importance of fitness before surgery and what the future of pancreatic cancer treatment may hold. This episode offers valuable information for anyone considering or preparing for pancreatic surgery.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
73
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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