Corio man James Mapapalangi’s pancreatic cancer battle

A Geelong man has opened up about how his young grandson flagged the first signs of pancreatic cancer.

James Mapapalangi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May after his grandson asked him about his yellowing eyes.

In weeks prior the 44-year-old Corio man had been struggling with what he thought was food poisoning, and not getting better.

Then his grandson noticed his eyes.

“He kept asking me ‘poppy, what’s the matter’,” Mr Mapapalangi said.

cancer case study

He went to hospital and had blood tests and a scan before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He had surgery andis undergoing chemotherapy which is due to end in about six weeks before further scans.

“I’m not going to let myself get too dark about it,” Mr Mapapalangi said.

However, he said the diagnosis was “pretty much” impacting his whole life.

He had to step away from his painting business, while his daughter works with an apprentice.

“We’re just making ends meet … I just get spent so quick of late,” he said.

The Mapapalangis are now looking to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer, which is one of the deadliest cancers in Australia.

Mr Mapapalangi said he had “not really” heard much about pancreatic cancer before being diagnosed.

His wife, 43-year-old Shelley, is giving up all liquids except water in September to raise funds.

“I like a wine … it’s not going to be an easy challenge,” she said.

A morning tea fundraiser will also be held at Lara Sporting Club on Sunday, September 18.

Information on the morning tea is available at: https://fb.me/e/2biJQgpjn

Donations can be made at: rememberseptember.org.au/

Funds raised will help support PanKind, The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

Originally published as Corio man James Mapapalangi’s pancreatic cancer battle