Update.....3/23 I am happy to report that I am a three -year survivor/thriver of pancreatic cancer. I anxiously await each successive CT scans and hope and pray my cancer stays stable. So very grateful for my doctors and healthcare proffesionals. I believe in the power of prayer and cherish each day-because they are indeed gifts. I am able to advocate for this disese.  We need early detection screening tools, and we need money for researchers to study this disease. We must #wagehope

August 2019 marked a life-changing event for me. After not feeling well, I went to my primary care physician who ordered diagnostic tests, a CT, MRI, and a EUS biopsy. The results showed the dreaded diagnosis of stage III adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer. I have worked in health care for 38 years, but nothing could have prepared me for a cancer diagnosis. Emotions all over the place, I knew I had to get a game plan if I wanted to beat this horrible disease. 

So my journey began. I met first with a Medical Oncologist who recommended 12 rounds of chemotherapy. Halfway through my chemo treatments, I met with a Surgical Oncologist. At the time, he felt my tumor was unresectable which meant I wasn’t a candidate for the Whipple procedure. Instead, I was offered an alternative surgery that included an ablation of the mass and a procedure that was similar to the Whipple. I opted to have the major surgery. It was grueling, but I felt it was something that would increase my chance of survival. Following surgery, I started back with 6 more rounds of chemo and 28 radiation treatments. We’re now waiting on more scans to see the progress. 

I am so grateful for the amazing support system I have had throughout this experience. All the prayers, love, and support from family and friends has been overwhelming. If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that you have to remember the important things in life - God, family, and friends. I’ve learned to take one day at a time and to stay positive because with a good attitude, anything is possible! 

I’ve stepped up to wage hope at PurpleStride because a 10% survival rate is not good enough. Many people don’t realize the lack of funds and support for pancreatic cancer compared to the others. PurpleStride is essential to the fundraising for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s work to improve our outcomes. 

If you would like to join me in the wage for hope you can sign up on my team to walk, or if that’s not possible and you would like to make a donation that would be great too! Thanks for all the continued support.