When Mary Dobson unexpectedly lost 15kg, she knew something wasn't right.
She was already a twotime cancer survivor, but at repeated appointments her GP believed ageing was the cause of her latest symptoms.
Unconvinced, the New Plymouth 67-year-old refused to give up until finally a different doctor advised her to get a private ultrasound.
"I knew there was something definitely wrong," recalls Mary, who first sought medical attention in December 2020.
In June 2021, her instinct was proven right when a scan revealed a three-centimetre tumour on her pancreas.
This was Mary's third cancer diagnosis - having previously recovered from thyroid cancer many years ago and more recently malignant melanoma.
Devastatingly, the news of pancreatic cancer also came just three weeks after her husband of 46 years Graeme passed away.
Mary was gutted but still determined to fight.
Next came a six-and-a-half-hour surgery, followed by six months of chemotherapy, which also meant retiring from her job as a registered nurse working in acute mental health to focus on treatment.
“I was going through something really horrible,” shares Mary. “I had a cancer where there’s no guarantee chemo will be the cure. There are no guarantees of what tomorrow is going to bring.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK