Jenny Cranston: Mt Annan mum of five diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

A Macarthur mother-of-five and widow had no idea her pain was a sign of terminal cancer. Now the community is rallying behind her and her kids.

A Macarthur mother thought she was developing an intolerance to dairy when she began having stomach problems last year, and had no idea it would lead to the diagnosis of terminal cancer.

The Macarthur community is rallying behind beloved mother-of-five Jenny Cranston after she was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer earlier this year, otherwise known as ‘the silent killer’.

Ms Cranston, who works at Mt Annan Christian College, has been raising her children Chris, 30, Sarah, 27, Jordan, 23, Louise, 20, and Noah, 19, alone for the past eight years after her husband Rob died of cancer.

Ms Cranston, who works at Mount Annan Christian College, has been raising her children Chris, 30, Sarah, 27, Jordan, 23, Louise, 20, and Noah, 19 alone for the past eight years after her husband Rob died of cancer. Picture: Facebook

The 50-year-old told the Macarthur Chronicle she had been experiencing some stomach problems around Christmas last year.

“I thought because I was hitting 50 I was becoming lactose intolerant so when I had my birthday in February I decided to do all the tests you’re supposed to,” Ms Cranston said.

After telling her doctor she had been having some stomach pains, Ms Cranston was sent for further testing.

“An ultrasound came back showing I had a growth on my pancreas,” the mother-of-five said.

“I was sent to a surgeon and had a biopsy, it was diagnosed as stage four.”

Ms Cranston was told the cancer is inoperable because of where the tumour is on the pancreas and tried extreme chemotherapy, but it didn’t agree with her.

Doctors changed treatments and she is now on chemotherapy to maintain and shrink the growth.

The local community is now rallying behind Ms Cranston to help both her and her family out.

Youth Pastor at C3 New Hope, Nick Diomis, said the diagnosis was “really sudden”, prompting two of her youngest children, aged 19 and 20, to rush back from the US and Melbourne to be with their mum.

Jenny Cranston was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer earlier this year, otherwise known as ‘the silent killer’. Picture: Facebook

Mr Diomis has launched a GoFundMe campaign as the family has been struggling financially, raising more than $16,000 so far.

“Some generous families have donated large amounts which is so nice and what we’ve raised will help reduce the family’s burden,” he said.

He said the money raised would help with treatment and to ensure Ms Cranston’s five children are provided for.

“Please give generously to help the Cranston family through yet another tough season in their lives,” the fundraiser reads.

“With our support, we can really impact and assist this beautiful family during this challenging time.”

Ms Cranston is overwhelmed with the amount of love and support she has received since her diagnosis, describing the outpouring of love as “crazy”.

The mother-of-five said she receives weekly flower deliveries from loving family and friends.

Jenny Cranston said she thought she just had stomach pains, pictured with her children Chris, Noah and Sarah. Picture: Facebook

“We haven’t had to do a full grocery shop in four months, there’s been help from community pantry with groceries,” Ms Cranston said.

“They’re assisting so much and we’re not worried about the fact I am not able to work full-time.”

“It’s overwhelming and I’m gobsmacked.”

Ms Cranston is using her time to try and raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, which can often go unnoticed.

She said many people don’t get symptoms which is why it is called the ‘silent killer’.

“Pancreatic cancer is a nasty cancer,” she said.

“I did have a few symptoms and I’m technically lucky because I got diagnosed.”

Ms Cranston said she thought she was just lactose intolerant and needed to change her diet, and is urging people in their 30s and 40s to keep having regular checks with doctors.

“Pancreatic cancer doesn’t show right away and it’s hard to diagnose,” she said.