June is National Cancer Survivor Month and it also marks my 16th year as a cancer survivor! This post is part of a 6-post partnership with REALM IDx, and its companies Ambry Genetics and Invicro, to proudly celebrate all of you survivors in the cancer world. You can read the original article here.

Throughout my pancreatic cancer treatment journey, communicating and staying connected to my medical team was crucial because pancreatic cancer was a subject I knew nothing about. I relied on my ability to do the things I could control. I feel that focusing on education/research, knowing my body, paying attention to how I felt emotionally, physically, and spiritually, respecting how information was conveyed to and from me, being my own advocate, using my voice, and comprehensive record keeping allowed me to eliminate the toxicity of negative interactions and create an environment for healing.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PANCREATIC CANCER TREATMENT?

Getting used to the new normal. I desperately missed the old me. It is so important to accept that the fight will last “as long as it takes” but try to live life as normally as possible in the meantime.

WHAT WAS THE KEY THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF DURING THE TREATMENT PROCESS?

Vulnerability—asking for help. I never want to be a burden or inconvenience to others, but I quickly learned that asking for help became a two-way gift. The people who offered help felt blessed to be useful, and when I paid it forward, I felt the same rewarding satisfaction being there for others in need. Support groups, coaches, and cancer organizations can provide valuable resources. For me, my involvement with PRECEDE, The Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Consortium, was an enormous gift.

WHAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SUCCESS FACTORS?

pancreatic cancer treatment | Laurie MacCaskill

During pancreatic cancer treatment, boundaries are important for everyone on your cancer team, especially family and friends. By this I mean that you need to be specific. It could be telling family/friends you don’t want visitors or defining what you can handle. Examples may sound like: “I know you want to do everything to help me, but I need rest right now” or “I would love for you to visit. Perhaps we could watch a movie or take a walk, but I would prefer not to talk about my treatment.”

Communicating with my medical team about a subject I knew nothing about was at times intimidating. But I did know my body, how I felt emotionally, and I expected/demanded respect in how information was conveyed. I wanted my voice to be heard. Make sure you communicate your needs and desires to family, friends, and healthcare providers so an environment for healing is present.

HOW DO YOU BRING YOURSELF RELIEF?

I think about what I need to feel better
I choose thoughts that make me smile and bring me peace
I allow myself a minute of venting, self-pity, or despair
I breathe and let go
I ask for guidance and wisdom

For some this process might include meditation, journaling, prayer, drawing, or guided imagery. I like to refocus on a better feeling, things that will shift my focus and mood.

For me exercise is extremely helpful, a walk or something outdoors. Music, art, laughter, nature, quality time, and hugs are some other things that help shift my mood.

CANCER IS NOT IN CONTROL. WHAT CAN I CONTROL?

My attitude
My mindset
Choosing a sunny brain over a rainy brain
My actions
Accepting the new normal and pushing forward

This is a chapter in my life, NOT the whole story.

EMBRACING OPTIMISM

You don’t need to wish for a miraculous cure to find reasons to hope. There are always reasons to get up every day and engage in life.

My oncologist aligned with my philosophy of not giving up, living an active life as normally as possible.
Bring attention to the good things—celebrate small achievements that might normally be overlooked.
It may feel impossible to escape certain thoughts, but you can focus on the good things…and there are many!
Set goals—look forward to something regardless of how small or insignificant it may seem.
Involve yourself in activities—films, exercise, family, pets, nature—whatever makes you smile and feel better.
Keep a gratitude journal.

HOPE can come from something as small as being well enough to experience a family event, looking forward to something special, accomplishing a task or even having a pain-free moment.

TAKE DETAILED NOTES

Be pathological about record keeping during your pancreatic cancer treatment! This actually saved my life. A mistake was made on one of my chemo treatments. A zero was added to the dosage, which would have been devastating, even deadly. I learned to check the treatment orders with the drugs administered.

Writing everything down—keeping notes on your symptoms, side effects, medication protocols, pain levels and more—helps you become a more educated and empowered patient. Many patients complain of “chemo brain,” not being able to remember.

If you document your reactions, you can have a more open conversation with your doctor, and your medical team will better understand how you are really doing.

MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Be persistent. This is your life. Don’t be afraid to be annoying and don’t take no for an answer.
Keep organized and only do what is manageable for you.
You are only responsible for yourself. Set clear boundaries for those around you and manage their expectations.
On a practical note: Probiotics and fiber help modulate intestinal issues (constipation), and Colace can be very helpful for discomfort. Your body will change with pancreatic cancer treatment, and I found nail conditioners and body oil with lotion were helpful for addressing skin concerns.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE

Making time daily to balance the stress of disease will allow the mind to be worry free for a while. It provides distraction and relief from the negative thoughts. Any kind of self-care effort can change how you think, and how you feel.

When I lost all of my hair, I was mortified. I could not stand to look at myself in the mirror when I was bald. The simple act of cleansing my face, applying moisturizer and a little blush and lipstick with scented body lotion made me feel feminine and special. Just going through the motions of something I used to do regularly changed my mindset. A lit candle in my room, with beautiful music playing, lifted my spirits, elevated my mood and put my body in a much better position to heal.

ACCEPTING THE SITUATION

When faced with adversity, instead of sinking into a dark place, you can choose to accept the trial and begin a journey of discovery and love. You may find yourself surprised every day from the outpouring of love and affection from your partner, friends, and family. You can come through THIS stronger and healthier spiritually, both in your self and relationships with others. When you have love, your journey is full. Don’t be a victim, be victorious!

INNER STRENGTH

Trust you already have what you need to overcome. Identify your strengths by examining how you overcame past challenges. Then, ask for help where you need it. You don’t have to be a victim to cancer, and you are not helpless.

Take risks.
Live passionately.
Be mindful of the moment.
Live in the now.

All of this drastically helped optimize my overall quality of life. Mental discipline is a choice, but there is no question that my attitude helped me manage the day-to-day stress and created an environment for healing and survival. I know that you can do it too! I have coached many people through this process, and I am always finding new reasons for hope.

Thank you for letting me share my story and coming on this journey through Cancer Survivor Month. I hope you found inspiration and reasons to keep fighting along the way.

National Cancer Month Survivor Spotlight: Laurie MacCaskill with Lessons Learned