Olimpia Santilli

Our mother was a strong, independent 86 year old, with a zest for life.

This disease stripped her of her spirit. Her decline was rapid. Just over 2 months from diagnosis to her passing away.

In early 2020, she had started feeling tired and began going off her food. Some other symptoms appeared including jaundice for which she was admitted to hospital and stayed for 20 days. What followed were weeks of distress, confusion and anguish. Misinformation, lack of care and compassion, no conversation or follow up with a specialist, no confirmation of cancer staging or what to expect. And all of this in the midst of Covid-19. We had to do our own research and call numerous people to get the help we needed. It was only through reading the detailed information on Pancreatic Cancer UK's website that we discovered what the disease entailed and some of the help she could get. Unfortunately, things changed rapidly. Another stint in hospital during which time she was distressed and desperate to come home, was followed by a week at home before we lost her. To see our mother, who was always so strong, spirited and independent to be reduced to a shell of her former self was heart-breaking.

We are grateful for the information on PCUK's website, for the support of the Macmillan nurses and to Devere Care, who sent the most amazing carers to help.

Our mum was special. She was born on December 14, 1933 in a small village in Foggia, Italy. In 1958, she travelled across Europe by train and boat to reach the UK, where she met our father, worked hard and raised her family. She loved cooking, sewing, gardening and taking care of her home and her family. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 27, 2020 in her home surrounded by those who loved her most. She will be sorely missed. Mamma e moglia per sempre.