A mum-of-one was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after initially mistaking her back pain and loss of appetite for something less sinister. Jo Bromilow, 45, was given the shattering diagnosis after a CT scan was performed due to her persistent back pain.
Her daughter Mia, 21, said she didn’t expect it to be anything other than back pain recalling: “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.
The family was shocked when Jo’s consultant estimated she had only 12 months left to live.
Mia paid tribute to her mother by calling her her “rock”, “guide”, and “greatest source of love”. In her role as a community midwife, Jo from Maghull in Merseyside, has shown immense dedication to assisting others.
Pancreatic Cancer UK highlights that this type of cancer is particularly lethal, often going undiagnosed until it is too late to treat effectively.
The deadliest symptoms includes:
- abdominal pain
- back pain pain
- sudden weight loss
- indigestion
- reduced appetite
- change in bowel habits
- jaundice
Jo is facing stage four pancreatic cancer which means it has reached other organs, including her liver and lymph nodes. Doctors may not be able to cure stage four pancreatic cancer, but they can still treat it with the goal of extending life, enhancing quality of life, and managing symptoms.
Despite a one-year prognosis, Mia’s mum, who also has three other children – Jess, 25, Callum, 22, and Rosie, 10 – is staying “as positive as she can be”, reports the Mirror.
She’s committed to battling the disease while trying to maintain as normal a life as possible. To help her do this, Mia has launched a JustGiving page for her mum, with hopes that the funds raised will go towards various therapies and experiences to aid her well-being during treatment, and to alleviate the financial strain on the family.
In support of the cause, Mia is gearing up for a 10-hour spin session on Sunday (February 16), a climb up Snowdon on March 29, and a 10km race on May 11. Mia says every donation will “make the world of difference” and assist the family in “navigating this difficult path with as much dignity and support as possible.”
Jo’s eldest daughter, Jess, shares: “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 find out more about the JustGiving page for Jo and her family, click here. For more information and support, call Pancreatic Cancer UK’s support line, which is staffed by specialist nurses, on 0808 801 0707 or visit its website here.