Gary Buesnel struggled with years of persistent stomach pain and discomfort. However, the doctors he visited repeatedly assured him he was “fine,” attributing his symptoms to a hernia and gallstones. The complaints and symptoms experienced by 59-year-old Gary during this period were actually signs of pancreatic cancer; yet, the disease was identified too late. Gary finally learned the true diagnosis days after being referred to the hospital. Pancreatic cancer is known as one of the deadliest types of cancer in the UK, with only 7.3% of patients surviving for five years. Due to being in a very advanced stage, treatment could not be initiated immediately, and he passed away after ten weeks.

Gary’s daughter Leah Buesnel-Sharpe expressed her frustration that doctors did not review their diagnoses from the beginning of her father’s illness. She told Sun Health: “My dad’s stomach was hurting, he had lost a lot of weight, and he had no appetite. This was not like him. But the doctors kept telling him he was ‘fine’.” Approximately 10,800 cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK, claiming the lives of many people. Gary Buesnel was one of these tragic losses.

Leah described how her father’s illness was initially thought to be gallstones, but tests revealed a problem in his liver. Shortly after, it was confirmed that Gary had pancreatic cancer, which had spread to four stages. With no treatment options left, Gary’s family and doctors searched for a way out. However, treatment possibilities had run out.

Leah emphasized that she tried every possible way to keep her father alive, but his condition deteriorated rapidly. She said, “We consulted a specialist to relieve his pain, but the doctor said it was too late. He said, ‘You have 8 to 12 weeks of life’.” Gary spent his last weeks in a care home. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Leah could not visit him until his last three days. Gary passed away just one month before his 60th birthday.

Gary’s funeral was held with only 10 people due to the pandemic, but the streets were filled with over 400 people as a motorcycle convoy bid him farewell. Reflecting on how loved her father was, Leah said, “He was like a gentle giant. No one had a bad word to say about him. Everyone loved him.” Gary’s family continues to fight pancreatic cancer. Leah raises money for associations like Pancreatic Cancer UK every year and they never forget Gary. “My son doesn’t remember his father, as he passed away when my son was born. But on his birthdays, we always do something and I always talk about him,” Leah said.

Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK. Its symptoms are often vague and can be mistaken for other illnesses. Therefore, early diagnosis can be lifesaving. Leah shares her experience to send a message to others: “If you think something is wrong, push the doctors, insist. Symptoms can often be confused with other things, but this cancer is hidden inside the body and early diagnosis can change lives.” Lastly, Leah remembers the joy and loving memories in her father’s life, saying, “My dad was very playful. We used to have water fights as kids, play jokes on each other with my mom. He was a very fun person. Everyone loved him. His death is a great loss.”