Brave Newport Woman Conquers Alps After Pancreatic Cancer Battle – A Journey of Resilience and Awareness!

Dawn Clayton, a remarkable 60-year-old woman from Caerleon, Newport, has turned her harrowing experience with pancreatic cancer into an inspiring tale of strength and awareness. After suffering from 'unbearable pain' during a family holiday in Majorca back in 2014, Dawn's life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with cancerous cysts on her pancreas.

While relaxing in the sunny Spanish resort, Dawn first attributed her worsening abdominal pain to indigestion. However, as the pain persisted, she found herself hospitalized, where doctors diagnosed her with acute pancreatitis. Upon returning to the UK, she underwent gallbladder removal surgery, but the saga was far from over.

In 2015, after experiencing a similar bout of excruciating pain, tests revealed that she had developed cancerous cysts on her pancreas. Understandably, Dawn was filled with terror and disbelief. As a former nurse, she had an understanding of the severity of her situation, but that knowledge did little to ease her fear. Fortunately, the cancer was caught in its early stages, allowing her to undergo a Whipple procedure in Newcastle, a complex surgery to remove part of her pancreas along with other affected organs.

Though her journey through recovery was fraught with challenges, including rigorous chemotherapy treatments that followed, Dawn exemplified resilience. In 2019, she was determined to return to nursing, the profession she adored, to advocate for and support patients on their own health journeys.

Just as Dawn thought she had conquered her health challenges, tragedy struck again. During her final week of university coursework, she collapsed from a familiar pain. Scans revealed pre-cancerous cysts had returned. In January 2021, she faced another grueling battle, undergoing two surgeries to remove her pancreas and spleen.

Now, four years post-diagnosis, Dawn has adapted to her new normal, which includes managing diabetes as a result of her surgeries. Despite the hurdles, she has emerged as a beacon of hope and advocates passionately for pancreatic cancer awareness.

In an incredible act of determination, Dawn recently completed a challenging 62-mile (100 km) trek across the Alps. Her mission? To raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research while inspiring others who face similar battles.

Pancreatic cancer, often labeled a silent killer, can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, as symptoms can be vague and intermittent. Dawn's story sheds light on the importance of awareness, urging others to seek medical advice if they experience unexplained symptoms. With Dawn leading the charge, there is hope that more lives can be saved through early detection and research.

Join Dawn on her inspiring journey as she proves that even in the face of adversity, strength, resilience, and a desire to help others can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her experience serves as a powerful reminder that hope and perseverance are potent weapons in the fight against cancer!