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Judi's Story

This is Me Judi

The second life is the one you choose to live when you realise that you only have one

In November 2021, I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, and life as I knew it was changed in an instant.

I was living in Brisbane at the time of my diagnosis, and it was also during Covid, so I felt isolated and was unable to have the full support of my family and friends in Tasmania. I felt I was far removed from the warm embrace of my friends and family.

I have lived most of my life in Tasmania and am an active participant in the Tasmanian community.

My friends here in Tasmania and further afield have been very important in my cancer experience for my mental and physical health.

As well as my medical team, I also rely on the advice and strength I gain from my support group and give back to others through this network. I get strength from the support networks I have, in turn, I’ve also provided advice and support to others in the cancer support group and people I meet in the community who have also been diagnosed and are living with Pancreatic Cancer.

I have always believed in the power of using our voice and our influence to make change – change for the better.

I am determined to not simply be a passenger in my cancer journey and have taken the driver’s seat to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. I am hopeful that in time there will be a diagnostic tool and better treatments, and that this will assist to reduce the death toll from a cancer that statistically has a low survival rate.

I have advocated for better outcomes through cancer research and since my diagnosis, have used my lived experience to assist others like me to navigate a pathway. Offering hope to people is paramount as hope is what keeps you sane in the craziness that a cancer diagnosis brings.

Living with a life limiting diagnosis makes you realise what is important. I worry less about the small things.

I am living my best second life now. The second life is the one you choose to live when you realise you only have one.

I am seizing opportunities with new gusto, possibly as a result of FOMO.

I am learning to be more selfish and putting energy into living well, and ensuring I get to do the things that matter for me, with the people that matter to me, and to ensure I have good people around me.