Pancreatic Cancer Stage 3 Diagnosis Has Dad Fighting to Stay in Daughter's Life
December 11, 2019
After receiving a pancreatic cancer stage 3 diagnosis, Shaun Walsh of the UK was determined to see his little girl grow up. And after beating the illness, the devoted dad wants others to know that pancreatic cancer is not a death sentence. And his inspiring story is bringing hope to so many facing this terrible disease.
44-year-old construction worker Shaun Walsh thought he had gallstones. He found himself feeling sick as he worked in the heat of the summer. Then, Shaun grew more and more fatigued, as well as noticed changes in his urine.
So, Shaun headed to the doctor.
"I was in Whiston Hospital for eight days and they thought it was gallstones," he explained.
But further tests revealed something far more serious -- pancreatic cancer stage 3.
Deadly Diagnosis Calls For Swift Action
The only hope for Shaun Walsh was what's called Whipple surgery. But the procedure needed to be performed immediately before Shaun's cancer had a chance to spread. And it's a tricky surgery because of where the pancreas is.
"Unfortunately 12 days after diagnosis I was having a 9-hour operation called a Whipple, were they remove your bowel ducts, the head of your pancreas, small intestine and plumb you back together," Shaun said.
The surgery succeeded in removing all of the cancerous tissue. But it also left Shaun with a 12-inch scar across his stomach, two puncture wounds, and a drain on his side. And next came rounds of intense chemotherapy.
Shaun's pancreatic cancer battle was anything but easy. But the dad realizes just how blessed he is because the treatment was successful.
"This year I rang the bell and so far I have been cancer-free," Shaun Walsh said, referring to the tradition of ringing a bell to signal the end of cancer treatment.
Inspirational Overcomer Battles Pancreatic Cancer Stage 3
Shaun's brush with death has certainly put things into perspective.
"You don't realise your health until your life is on the line," the dad said. "Every morning I can take my little girl to school and pick her up from school. It's the simpler things in life for me now, that mean more to me."
Shaun took up swimming as part of his rehabilitation. But now, it plays an important role in his life.
RELATED: Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek Talks Crippling Pain He’s Endured While Fighting Pancreatic Cancer
In addition to keeping him healthy, Shaun Walsh pairs his passion for swimming and his pancreatic cancer stage 3 survival story as a way to raise awareness and donations for pancreatic cancer research.
Just a few months after his surgery and while still undergoing chemotherapy, Shaun completed a 2-kilometer swim (over 1 mile) to raise money for research. He completed the final length with his 6-year-old daughter, Darcey, on his back. (Watch the heartwarming moment at about the 1:38 mark in the video below)
WATCH: Shaun Walsh Swim After Pancreatic Cancer Stage 3
Shaun Walsh knows what a blessing it is to have a second chance at life.
"I've survived it to see my little daughter grow up," he says. "I wake up every morning with a smile on my face."
Shaun's pancreatic cancer stage 3 journey was a tough one. But God is giving that pain a beautiful purpose!
Survivor Of Pancreatic Cancer Inspires Hope
Not only is Shaun Walsh appreciating life's blessings in a whole new way, he's also working hard to use his story to help others.
First and foremost, he wants to give people facing this disease hope.
"Pancreatic cancer is not a death sentence," he says.
Also, Shaun wants to raise awareness, especially in regards to the early detection and prevention of pancreatic cancer, so he can help save lives.
"I'll never stop raising awareness. It's just getting those five main symptoms out there which are jaundice, stool color change, abdominal pains, back pains, and nausea," he says. "You know your own body looking back, you can listen to your own body. If you're in doubt get it checked out."
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Update On Alex Trebek Pancreatic Cancer As He Starts Chemo Again: ‘I’m Not Afraid Of Dying’
Hearing Shaun's story and seeing the vigor he has for life, you can't help but be inspired. But Shaun is quick to insist it's not about him.
"People are amazed and they say you're an inspiration, but I don't want to be an inspiration," he says. "But if people want to use my story to make other people more aware and it saves people's lived then I'm all for it."
h/t & Featured Image: Liverpool Echo
Mel is the senior writer for GodUpdates, finding, writing and sharing Christian, uplifting, and health-related stories from around the world. Mel has a passion for writing and graduated with a degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. When she’s not researching and writing stories, Mel is very active in her church. You can usually find Mel playing board games with her husband and two young girls, giving someone a hug, or hunting down a good cup of coffee!
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for Transforming Worry into Trust - Your Daily Prayer - October 24
Worrying does nothing to benefit our lives in any way; it only takes away. It takes away the present moments and present joy you could experience, not to mention it takes away from a peaceful life.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for Transforming Worry into Trust - Your Daily Prayer - October 24
Worrying does nothing to benefit our lives in any way; it only takes away. It takes away the present moments and present joy you could experience, not to mention it takes away from a peaceful life.
Past Stories
- 6-Year-Old Starts 'Poop Scooping' Business to Help Animals and Adopt One of His Own
- Bride's dad Drops During Father-Daughter Dance, but Things Lined up Perfectly to Save His Life
- Young North Carolina Father Risked His Life To Save a Couple and Dog From a Sinking Truck
- UPS Driver Jumps into Action As He Spots Elderly Woman on the Ground & Says It Was All God
- Rescuer Braces for the Worst After Spotting Kitten on the Side of the Road, Then Sees a Paw Move
- AJ Griffin Gives Up High-Paying Career with NBA to Follow God
- These Former Conjoined Twins Finally Go Home After Their First Birthday
- Teenager From Iowa Uses His Flying Skills to Help Hurricane Helene Victims
- Son Saves For 9 Months and Surprises Mom By Paying Off Her Mortgage
- Woman's Home is Surrounded By 100 Raccoons, and They Aren't Leaving Anytime Soon
- Dog Saves Her Owner's Life By Sitting in the Middle of the Road
- Widower Shares the Last Thing His Wife Told Their Son Before She Passed Away From Cancer
- A Nurse Saved Her Life 35 Years Ago, Now, She is Surprising Her With a Visit
- These Twin Sisters Have An Important Message To Share On Their 102nd Birthday
- This Brave 5-Year-Old Saved Her Mother's Life By Calling 911
- 79-Year-Old Broke Her Ankle After Scattering Her Mom's Ashes, Then Strangers Save the Day
- Dad Travels Through Mud and Debris to Walk His Daughter Down the Aisle
- Owner's Trip to the Vet with Unwell Dog Results in the Craziest X-Ray
- After Getting Lost in Yellowstone, This Precious Cat Made His Way Back Home To California
- Mom's Funny Response To Daughter's Dirty Sock On The Floor Goes Viral & Ends Up Doing Good
- A Kidnapped Boy Is Found After 70 Years and Reunited With His Family
- This Puppy Was Found With a Note That Read 'Help Me,' Now He's Looking For a New Home
- Excited Mom Couldn't Wait to See Son's Back to School Pictures, but Funny Results Make Her LOL
- When This Police Officer Pulled Her Over, He Changed Her Life Forever
- She Just Met Her Vietnam Veteran Father After 50 Years, Now He is Walking Her Down the Aisle
- Fearless Father Waits on Porch to Catch the Stranger Peeking in His Daughter's Window
- This 5th Grade Teacher Eats Lunch In the Cafeteria Every Day
- Amy Grant Has a New Perspective After Losing Her 'Superpower' in Bike Accident
- 'God Did It' Says 18-Year-Old After Waking Up From a Coma Following a Crash
- These Four Sisters Share a Birthday, Which is Quite the Miracle
- Dad Harmony Sings a Beautiful A Cappella Rendition of ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love'
- Couple's Outstanding Boogie Woogie Dance Performance
- Siblings’ Cover of Dolly Parton’s Classic ‘I Will Always Love You’ Is Incredible
- Pastor and Wife Were Killed in a Car Accident, But Their Kids Have a Message of Hope
- Outstanding 'Amazing Grace' Cover Music Video by Celtic Woman
- Carrie Underwood Helps With Leading Worship at Tennessee Church
- 8-Year-Old Kid's To-Do List Goes Viral As a Wholesome Reminder for Us All
- 'Holy Forever' Lyric Video by Chris Tomlin and CAIN
- Elementary Teacher Talks About the Power of Words and Kindness By Using Toothpaste
- Prayers Pour in for Loretta Lynn's Family After the Death of the Late Singer's First Grandchild
- Dennis Quaid Singing 'On My Way To Heaven" is an Inspiring Performance
- Charming Elderly Couple Share Sweet Dance to 'Have You Ever Seen The Rain?"
- Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick Adorably Sing a Sassy Duet to Celebrate 36 Years of Marriage
- Rory Feek Performs Beautiful Tune 'I Do' After Finding Love Again
- Driver Shows Up to Deliver Pizza to Elderly Man's House, Then Comes Back with His Lawnmower
- What Parents & Grandparents Don't Know About 'Easy' Recipe Trend Could Be Dangerous
- Nearly 1,500 Students Gather to Worship Jesus at Texas A&M Revival
- 96-Year-Old Shares the Secret to a Happy Life and His Words of Wisdom Are Truly Inspiring
- In God's Divine Timing, Wedding Ring Is Returned to Man's Widow After It's Lost for 60+ Years
- Rock Singer's Powerful Rendition of 'I Will Always Love You'
Top Music Videos
CCM Magazine Steven Curtis Chapman Shares the Heartfelt Message that Helped While Grieving His Daughter
Crowder Crowder Moving Official 'Somebody Prayed' Music Video
The Statler Brothers 'Til the Storm Passes By' The Statler Brothers Live Performance
Mandisa Mandisa - Shackles (Praise You)
Anne Wilson Anne Wilson 'The Cross' Powerful Lyric Video
Blogs
At GodTube, you’ll find daily inspirational videos to lift your spirits and encourage you in your walk with God. Popular videos include worship music from your favorite Christian artists, cute videos with adorable kids and animals, hilarious videos from Christian comedians, user-uploaded videos, and clean viral videos to brighten your day.