Maddie was on a ‘wild goose chase’ when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
In October 2023, she experienced pain in the middle of her abdomen, whilst working in Melbourne. As this was a one off, she thought it was probably indigestion which is what most people would have thought. Maddie, having worked in the clinical trials field for over 40 years, knew these signs may have pointed towards her pancreas especially given that she was on a mission to lose some weight.
It was because of Maddie’s knowledge that she felt inclined to find answers fast and something pushed her hard to get this investigated. It was a rainy Friday night when Maddie went out to try and find a medical center open at 10pm. When they did, the doctor ordered a blood test and ultrasound to check the pancreas. The doctor laughed it off but thought best to double check just in case.
On Monday, she managed to get an urgent appointment with the ultrasound company. Maddie's knowledge meant she knew from the look on the sonographer’s face and the ‘inconclusive result,’ that this was something more than possible pancreatitis.
“It felt like a nightmare,” she said. “I saw the request form and knew pretty quickly it was bad news. I was in a state of shock, having never been sick or in hospital.”
How could I have the worst cancer in the world and have not picked it up, I never imagined it to be something so serious when really I wasn’t that sick.”
An unforgiving disease without awareness
With Maddie’s experience, she knew all too well how serious this diagnosis was. She’s undergone tests, a whipple surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and the right isn’t over yet. Maddie was well informed on her treatment options, however, in hindsight, “I should have asked more questions,” she said, “but the state of shock tends to kick in before you realise what is happening.”
“Knowledge is power,” Maddie said, “ask questions . Get on a group chat and join groups like Pankind that provide invaluable information and you are amongst people going through the same issues.”
It is this power of knowledge that drives Maddie to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms as much as she can. Her daughter, Liz is using her skills as a singer and aerial artist to go above and beyond and tell a different story.
Making pancreatic cancer center stage
‘Blondes Have More Fun’, a live tribute show to the world’s favourite blonde bombshells is a night of fun and excitement, but for Liz and Maddie it is an opportunity to raise funds and awareness of this disease. Touring across New South Wales and Victoria, Maddie will stand up and tell her story in the intermission of her daughter's shows, where possible live and if not possible, via video.
Liz has always been her mothers biggest supporter and vice versa. She is providing a platform for her mother and for pancreatic cancer to reach an audience it may never have reached before. They are both using their passions for performance and science to push forward progress.
Maddie wants to change the narrative, one person at a time.
Early signs, don’t ignore them. They may seem like indigestion or nothing to worry about, get it checked and don’t take no for an answer. This disease is unforgiving.” she said. Don’t ignore pain between the shoulder blades or floating light coloured stools which is not really well documented. These are early signs that you probably don’t know about but can mean the difference between living 3 months and 30 months. Don’t take no for an answer, go see someone else and demand the tests to ensure you get a diagnosis."
Maddie doesn’t sweat the small stuff anymore, she tries to spend more time with her loved ones and support network. As a notorious ‘people pleaser,’ she has found it difficult to put herself first.
“I try to prioritise me first. If I can’t do it or be there, I just can’t. There are days when I just need to cry and I give myself permission to do that now.”
Maddie’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is one that is too familiar for families and individuals across Australia. But, Maddie’s hope is clear, she wants better outcomes for future generations and to raise awareness that this is a horrible cancer and unforgiving – research is moving in the right direction but we need more funding and more awareness to get it off the ground.
By sharing her story, she is helping to highlight the urgent need for early detection and research that identify pancreatic cancer sooner.
Maddie and her daughter are using their resources to provide greater awareness, ensuring that people recognise the potential signs and seek help earlier.
But until then, “just be there,” she said.
“Sometimes a hug is all that’s needed.”
