As one of the only Kiwis to live more than five years past being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Nyree Smith is not wasting a second of this precious life.
Last year, she organised the inaugural PanCan Gala, which raised more than 150,000, and the fiercely determined grandmother is dedicating her life to making memories with loved ones and helping other patients.
“When I looked up the statistics and realised how lucky I am, I kept thinking, There must be a reason why I survived’,” says Nyree, 61. For however long I’ve got left, I want to get out there and kick up enough noise for people to ask questions about their health.”
Nyree’s own shock diagnosis came in September 2017 when routine bloodwork with a new GP revealed she was pre-diabetic with reduced liver function. I never felt like anything was wrong though,” says Nyree, explaining that pancreatic cancer symptoms such as backache, weight loss and stomach ache are so vague and varied, they often go undiagnosed until it’s too late.
“At the time, I was walking 5km at least three times a week, not drinking much, had just become a grandmother and was enjoying life.”
Despite being convinced she was fine, a follow-up MRI showed the former Tennis Auckland Interclub administrator had pancreatic cancer. An initial surgery to remove the tumour on her pancreas in October 2017 wasn't successful when mid-operation they discovered it was too close to a major artery.
Chemotherapy came next to shrink the tumour to an operable size, followed by a second successful surgery and another round of chemo.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 23, 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 23, 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills