At 38, Jessica Giddens pushed through the discomfort she felt every day, never suspecting that her mysterious symptoms were caused by stage 4 cancer. In August 2020, the mother of two worked long days on a dairy farm in regional Western Australia, convincing herself that her heartburn, indigestion, and back pain were merely the physical toll of a busy life.
Like many in rural communities, she prioritised perseverance. 'I just thought it was from working all the time,' she told the Daily Mail. But the symptoms intensified over time, becoming harder to ignore. She struggled to eat, experienced constant bloating, and made frequent trips to the bathroom. Eventually, she noticed a hard lump in her stomach that hurt, especially after meals.
Initial medical assessments suggested a gallbladder issue. Doctors believed she had passed a gallstone and placed her on a waiting list for gallbladder removal. However, her condition deteriorated rapidly. The pain worsened, her appetite declined, and she began losing weight alarmingly. Living near Nannup meant accessing specialist care required a three-hour journey to Fiona Stanley Hospital, often relying on her partner to drive her.
'It took three to four months to figure out what was wrong. I was in and out of hospital the whole time,' she said. By December 2020, her weight had dropped from 90kg to 75kg. Jaundice set in, yellowing her skin and eyes, and indigestion became severe. Extensive testing and scans finally revealed a tumour in the head of her pancreas.
On December 31, 2020, Jessica underwent a Whipple procedure, a complex 10-hour surgery to remove the tumour. Days later, doctors confirmed pancreatic cancer. 'I didn't think at 38 you could get pancreatic cancer. But I had to keep fighting. I wanted to live,' she said.
After recovery, she began intensive chemotherapy every fortnight, experiencing nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. Her digestive system changed post-surgery, requiring enzyme supplements. Her mother moved in for nine months to support her, preparing soups and milkshakes.
After eight months of chemotherapy, scans showed no detectable cancer. She rang the bell in celebration. But months later, following a COVID-19 infection, routine blood tests revealed rising tumour markers. Scans showed small nodules on her lungs. The cancer had returned, now classified as terminal.
Now 44, Jessica undergoes ongoing chemotherapy in Bunbury to slow progression. She has stepped away from work, focusing on health and family. Photography and her dog Charlie provide comfort. The Nannup community has rallied behind her.
'I feel really lucky to still be here, surrounded by so much love and support,' she said. 'But the reality means my family and I haven't been able to make any plans for the future. We just take it one day at a time.'
Jessica now speaks openly about listening to your body and seeking early medical advice. She participates in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea to raise funds for cancer research. 'We want to raise as much as we can to help other families and try to find some cures,' she said.
