How Drama Empowered a Playwright to Confront the Loss of a Loved One to Pancreatic Cancer
John Barrett’s battle with cancer highlights the silent yet aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer, a disease that often lurks unnoticed until it’s too late. His wife, Isobel Barrett, recounts the shocking journey that transformed their lives in a matter of weeks. Despite John’s active lifestyle as a 76-year-old civil engineer and his seemingly good health, the insidious disease took hold, leading to a devastating diagnosis that came far too late.
The Hidden Struggles of Pancreatic Cancer
Initially, John experienced discomfort and back pain, which he attributed to polymyalgia, an inflammatory condition that affects muscles. Over two years, he sought medical help multiple times, believing his symptoms were manageable. However, when he finally saw a specialist, the news was grim: he had advanced pancreatic cancer, and the prognosis was bleak.
Isobel poignantly reflects, “It took eight or nine visits to the doctor to finally be taken seriously. What if the diagnosis had come sooner?” The reality hit hard when the doctors declared his cancer inoperable, leaving the family to grapple with the impending loss.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Journey
In the weeks following John’s diagnosis, the family faced a whirlwind of emotions. Isobel’s grief was overwhelming, but she found an outlet in her passion for theater. As the playwright and director of TRAM Direct, a theater company in Glasgow, she channeled her sorrow into a powerful narrative aimed at raising awareness about pancreatic cancer, a disease she previously knew little about.
Islets of Silence: A Dramatic Awakening
The play, initially titled "Islets of Silence (The C Word)," offers a poignant look into the Gourley family’s life. It contrasts their daily routines, filled with humor and lightheartedness, against the backdrop of a cancer diagnosis that shatters their normalcy. Through various characters, the play captures the diverse reactions of family members as they navigate their new reality.
- Direct communication: The father character openly discusses his diagnosis, saying, “When you’re diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you feel like a dead person walking.”
- Moments of levity: Despite the heavy theme, the play includes moments of humor, such as the father’s self-deprecating remarks about his career in sewage management.
Isobel’s portrayal of John’s spirit throughout the production serves as a tribute to his courage and resilience. The play reflects not just the tragedy of his illness but also the love that defined their relationship.
Winds of Change: An Ongoing Mission
Following initial successful performances, the production faced an unexpected hurdle when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, halting plans for a wider tour of Scotland. Undeterred, Isobel adapted by creating an online version of the play, allowing audiences to connect with its message during lockdown.
Now rebranded as "Winds of Change," the play is set to tour various venues in September 2024, with hopes of expanding further across the UK, Europe, and North America. Isobel is determined to use this platform to educate others about pancreatic cancer, advocating for earlier diagnoses and improved treatment options.
A Call to Action
“Demanding earlier diagnoses and faster treatments is crucial,” Isobel emphasizes. With one in four diagnosed patients succumbing within a month, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal forms of cancer.
Through her artistry, Isobel aims to inspire others to face their challenges with love and hope. “Change is inevitable, but it’s our love and belief in brighter days that will guide us through even the darkest of times,” she concludes.
This journey from personal tragedy to public awareness not only honors John’s legacy but also serves as a beacon of hope for families facing similar battles.
