Paula Schneider: A living will against pancreas

Paula Schneider: A living will against pancreas

The importance of early detection and awareness in the case of pancreatic cancer is becoming increasingly clear, especially after the shattering experience of Paula Schneider. Just a few months ago, at a time when she was still the epitome of vitality, the 80-year-old received a diagnosis that not only changed her life, but also that of her family.

An unnotic evil: pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer, also called pancreatic carcinoma, is one of the most insidious types of cancer. With around 21,000 new infections annually in Germany, this disease represents only three percent of all cancer diagnoses. Despite this comparatively small number, it is responsible for six percent of cancer -related deaths, which indicates the aggressive nature of carcinoma. Peter Klare, chief doctor for internal medicine at the Ravensburger Elisabethenkrankenhaus, explains that only about ten percent of those affected survive the disease.

Take early symptoms

A problem with this type of cancer is that it often only shows serious symptoms at an advanced stage, such as back pain, weight loss or the characteristic yellow coloring of skin and eyes. At Paula Schneider, however, the diagnosis was made due to early symptoms that were initially not perceived as critical. After a knee operation in April, she fought with nausea and high blood pressure. Your family doctor prompted emergency transfer to the hospital, where the cancer diagnosis was confirmed a few days later.

The role of the medical community

In the medical world there are efforts to raise awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Karolin Thiel, chief physician of the Clinic for General Surgery, and her team emphasize the importance of the early discovery of this disease because she increases the chances of healing. Fast surgery appointments are therefore the norm; Paula Schneider received her appointment just two weeks after the diagnosis.

Personal Struggle and Hope

After a dramatic turn-blood poisoning just a week before the planned operation-the life of Paula Schneider was once again threatened. Nevertheless, after intensive treatment and a successful operation, which was carried out minimally invasively with the state-of-the-art “da Vinci” system, she returned to everyday life. However, their progress remains bumpy. The operation has significantly changed its eating habits and health, since it now suffers from diabetes.

Increasing new cases and social importance

The increasing number of new cases of pancreatic cancer, which has almost doubled since 2008, is terrifying. Experts warn that this cancer will be the second most common cancer -related cause of death in 2030 after lung cancer. The company faces the challenge of counteracting this trend by taking symptoms seriously and informing the population about possible precautionary measures.

Look in the future

Despite all the difficulties, Paula Schneider looks optimistically into the future. Her goal is to take a trip to South Tyrol with your family in September. This project not only symbolizes physical relaxation, but also the return to an active life. Your story should encourage others and remind us that life continues despite the great challenges.