The kick inside

I have a little friend inside

He's kinda like my buddy

Sharing cells it seems to me

While giving cause for worry

I've seen a picture of my mate

A little lump inside

With all the organs round about

In luxury resides

I have a little friend within

I often feel him kicking

Pressing hard against my guts

I'm sure the pressure’s mounting

I wonder where this growth will lead

There seems to be no end

Until the metastasis does

Destroy me and my friend

The meaning of this little ditty should be obvious, as a poetic expression of some recent (Sep 2026) unwelcome news about my health. The substance of the poem is, of course, open to interpretation, and I don't intend to elaborate. I am currently (Oct 2026) awaiting detailed diagnosis and treatment for pancreatic cancer, which may have spread to other organs.

Odd subject to write a poem about? Maybe but, as a lifelong writer and, more recently, poet, I think that it is suitable and relevant subject and inspiration. I also hope that a better understanding of the nature of cancer will benefit those of us living with the condition, as well as our families and friends.

What is cancer ?

Cancer is a breakdown in the biological pattern that governs how living cells grow, divide, and die. In a healthy person, cells follow signals to replenish damaged tissues and stop growing when they are no longer needed. Cancer begins when a genetic change or mutation wrecks the underlying growth pattern, allowing a single rogue cell to escape normal growth patterns, to survive beyond its natural lifespan, and divide uncontrollably.

Rather than acting as part of the body's structure, these altered cells become self-serving, forming a chaotic mass, sometimes crowding out healthy tissue, while consuming critical resources and evading the immune system's defensive capability. Left unchecked, such rogue cells can eventually breach their organic boundaries, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and set up new colonies in other organs, transforming a localized growth anomaly into a systemic threat to the entire body.

Definition compiled from various online sources: RGT.

Useful links for information and support (UK)

Pancreatic Cancer UK (PCUK)

UK dedicated pancreatic cancer charity, offering extensive expert-led medical support, resources, and community connections.

Support Line: 0808 801 0707 (Freephone, answered by specialist nurses).

What they offer:

• Specialist nurse phone and email support for medical, nutritional, or symptom questions.

• Peer-to-peer online discussion forums for patients and caregivers.

• Virtual support groups and downloadable patient information guides.

pancreaticcancer.org.uk

Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA)

Focuses on early diagnosis, patient education, and providing accessible information for patients and family members.

Phone: 0303 040 1770

What they offer:

• Free patient information packs (including symptom awareness and diet/enzyme guides).

• Guidance on navigating treatment paths and post-treatment living.

pancreaticcanceraction.org

NIPANC (Northern Ireland)

A regional charity focusing on raising awareness, and supporting families affected by pancreatic cancer, across Northern Ireland.

nipanc.org

Macmillan Cancer Support

Helpline: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am–8pm)

What they offer:

• Financial guidance, including help applying for PIP, attendance allowance, and Macmillan grants.

• Practical support regarding work, caregiving, and local community groups.

• A very active online community with dedicated groups for caregivers and family members.

macmillan.org.uk

Maggie’s Centres

Phone: 0300 123 1801

What they offer:

• Drop-in support centres located next to major NHS cancer hospitals across the UK.

• Professional support from clinical psychologists, benefits advisors, and oncology nurses.

• Dedicated family and caregiver support groups, stress management workshops, and quiet spaces to talk.

maggies.org

Cancer Research UK

Nurse Helpline: 0808 800 4040 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)

What they offer:

• Clear, medically reviewed information on pancreatic cancer stages, treatments, and clinical trials.

• "Cancer Chat" online forum for patients, friends, and family to share experiences.

cancerresearchuk.org

Marie Curie

Support Line: 0800 090 2309

What they offer:

• Practical and emotional support for advanced illness and palliative care.

• In-home nursing care and hospice services.

• Support for family members dealing with grief, caregiving stress, and bereavement.

mariecurie.org.uk

With special mention to:

St Christopher’s Hospice

Widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern hospice movement. They provide specialist palliative, end-of-life, and respite care across Southeast London (covering the boroughs of Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark).

24/7 Advice Line: 020 8768 4500

In addition to its role as provider of hospice in-patient, home care, bereavement counselling and community support services, St Christopher's also provides specialist support in such areas as pain management and diet.

stchristophers.org.uk

Thanks for reading

Ray Taylor, October 2026