Jo Bromilow, from Maghull, Merseyside, was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer on January 10 this year after she began experiencing “back pain” and a decrease in appetite
Video Unavailable
What is pancreatic cancer?
A mum who initially dismissed her back pain and loss of appetite as minor issues was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Jo Bromilow, 45, was eventually given the devastating news after undergoing a CT scan following her back twinge. Her 21-year-old daughter, Mia, said Jo didn’t suspect anything serious at first.
“She started getting back ache and she couldn’t eat anything but we didn’t think [it would be] anything like this. Our world’s been turned upside down,” Mia, from Maghull, Merseyside, said.
Jo’s consultant gave the woman a prognosis of just 12 months to live. Mia described her mum as her “rock”, “guide”, and “greatest source of love”, praising her selfless nature and dedication to helping others as a community midwife.
According to Pancreatic Cancer UK, pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer, with 80% of cases not being diagnosed until the disease has spread. Common symptoms include abdominal and back pain, unexplained weight loss, indigestion, loss of appetite, changes to bowel habits, and jaundice.
Stage four pancreatic cancer indicates that the tumour has spread to other organs, a process known as metastasis. In Jo’s case, the cancer has spread to her liver and lymph nodes, reports the Liverpool Echo.
While doctors can’t cure stage four pancreatic cancer, they can treat it with the aim of prolonging life, improving quality of life and managing symptoms. Despite being given a one-year prognosis, Mia says her mum, who also has three other children – Jess, 25, Callum, 22 and Rosie, 10 – remains “as positive as she can be”.
She is determined to fight the illness while continuing to live as normally as possible. To support her in this, Mia has set up a JustGiving page for her mum, hoping the funds raised will contribute to various therapies and experiences to support her well-being alongside her treatment, and ease the financial burden on the family.
As part of the fundraiser, Mia will undertake a 10-hour spin on Sunday (February 16), climb Snowdon on March 29 and run a 10km race on May 11. Every donation, Mia says, will “make the world of difference” and help the family “navigate this difficult path with as much dignity and support as possible.”
Jo’s eldest daughter, Jess, added: “My mum means the world to me, and it’s hard to put into words just how much she has shaped my life. From having myself at a young age she’s been the best role model I could ask for.”
“Her strength, love and unwavering support have guided me through every challenge, big or small. Now, as she faces this battle I’m reminded of how deeply I treasure her. Every moment we share becomes a gift, and I will continue to hold on to every second, cherishing her more than ever before. She’s not just my mum, but my heart.”
To discover more about the JustGiving page for Jo and her family, click here. For additional information and support, ring Pancreatic Cancer UK’s support line, manned by specialist nurses, on 0808 801 0707 or visit its website here: pancreaticcancer.org.uk..
