In a very fast amount of time, PanCAN has proven to be a great resource to our friends and family as we navigate "it." In early 2022, the Lepper/Mixer Family challenged YOU to offer financial support and your time to this powerful organization in the world of Pancreatic Cancer. You didn't just answer, you shouted from the mountain tops. Together we raised nearly $17,000 in just over a month! To say we are grateful is a severe understatement. We love you and are appreciative of your time and donations.

Dear Prayer Warriors! “Fear thou not; for Iam with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 

I’m taking steps to end pancreatic cancer PanCAN PurpleStride on Saturday, April 29, 2023.  Here's my story:

I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early 2022.

My symptoms roughly 2 weeks prior to my diagnosis:

• Skin itched uncontrollably
• Turning Jaundice
• Consistent GI Issues
  

I went to the Indiana University ER when I learned I had a 4cm mass on my pancreas, blocking my bile duct. After surgery to place a stent in the duct and biopsy of the mass, I received confirmation of the diagnosis. We met my medical oncologist when I was told chemotherapy only a week later.

• 3 chemo drug regimen (every other Monday) - including 5FU which I would wear home for 46 hours. This would be for 12 cycles lasting 6 months
  
• Following chemo, I had 28 cycles of radiation
  
• Goal of these treatments were to shrink the mass enough to allow for surgical removal - currently this in inoperable because it's encasing my aorta
  

I was very fortunate that for the most part, I felt good throughout the chemo treatments. I was always grateful to get the 5FU bag off so I could take a shower! I was also able to do a lot during my treatments.

2022 Trips:

• Gatlinburg with our son and his family
  
• Kansas City with our daughter and her family
  
• Constant hiking with my husband at Indiana State Parks
• Celebrated Thanksgiving in Florida
  

My next CT scan was at the end of the fall, but unfortunately it was cloudy due to inflammation from the radiation. Since I was feeling so good, my doctor suggested giving me a break from treatments and having a CT scan for a few months.

Fast forward to Spring 2023 - my doctor had to tell us the cancer has spread to my liver and is inoperable/incurable. I have begun a new chemo regimen. Its job is to hinder growth and spreading - I have much to live for so I will do what I need to for as long as I can!

Plans for 2023:

• Already went to the Dominican Republic in January
  
• Keep kicking "its" ass
  
• Host dear friends of ours in April
  
• Support and love my growing family - we're adding 2 more grandbabies this year
• Did I mentioned, keep kicking "its" ass?
• Much more!
  

In conclusion, we are NOT giving up hope! Our God is mighty and powerful and can do anything!!! Only 20% of pancreas cancers are operable - that is why we need to support PanCAN so research can  be done to find a way to fight this invader. Please join me and my family in this fight!  Thank you!!!!!

Last year, our daughter was the catalyst for PanCAN PurpleStride for team "Vicki's Prayer Warriors" and helped raise over $17,000. Please join us and raise even more for 2023!