Haley, a young woman from Los Angeles, was living her best life when persistent digestive issues signaled that something was wrong. With a family history of cancer, especially on her mother’s side, she refused to ignore the symptoms. “I felt like I saved my own life,” Haley told The Patient Story. “If I hadn’t spoken up and demanded to be thoroughly checked, who knows where I’d be?”

In 2022, after years of discomfort, Haley pushed doctors for more tests. An ultrasound revealed a tumor, later confirmed as pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer—a rare form that begins in hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and indigestion.

Catching it early was crucial. Haley underwent the Whipple procedure, a complex surgery that removes parts of the pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct. She is now cancer-free but remains vigilant about her health.

Her story is a powerful reminder to trust your instincts and advocate for your own health, especially when symptoms persist and answers seem out of reach.