I was at a stage in my life where I had to be fearlessly and relentlessly true to myself. I barely knew what the pancreas did when I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006. I was overcome with shock, fear and so many unanswered questions...what do I do next? These emotions consumed every part of my being. Overwhelmed and terrified does not begin to describe what I was feeling.
Read MoreI was completely blindsided when I heard those devastating words, “Laurie, I am so sorry. You have pancreatic cancer.” How could this be? I went from being perfectly healthy, an exercise enthusiast, diligent about my health check-ups to now, believing I had only months to live. I enjoy challenges but this was one I had not bargained for!
Read MoreMy Whipple recovery was slow (in my mind) but progressing well. Yes, there were hiccups along the way and it was not easy. My friends know that I am passionate about food with a truck driver’s appetite. I adore the entire experience of dining and cooking is a favorite hobby. A lack of appetite was such a strange experience in addition to the limited foods I could tolerate. Applesauce, baked potatoes, pasta – anything comforting.
Read MoreAugust 21, 2017...a day of awe! The sky was clear, the view expansive. There was much humanity and people felt grounded; a connection to something mysterious, magical and so simple in its effect to spread joy, wonderment and awe to absolutely everyone, everywhere.
Read MoreMany of us have read about the benefits of drinking warm lemon water. If you drink it first thing in the morning and wait 15-30 minutes to have breakfast (you are eating breakfast, aren’t you?!), you will enjoy benefits such as; a boosted immune system, improved digestion, a balanced pH and more. I like to add fresh ginger, and in another blog I will share my favorite after-dinner drink recipe – an Italian digestive with lemon, ginger, mint and more, plus a gift idea!
Read MoreIt is Friday, July 21st, day one of my recovery from two abdominal surgeries on July 11th and the Whipple surgery on July 14th. I thought I would be confined to a bed, as movement of any kind was a monumental effort. I experienced a lack of appetite for the first time in my life, sleep eluded me and boredom was this ominous cloud that hung over me. I was restless, feeling drab, insufferably exhausted and in unbearable pain. How could just walking to the next room take everything out of me?
Read MoreI felt very out of control. Having had two surgeries for bile duct obstruction on a Tuesday and the Whipple 3 days later on a Friday, I was emotionally vulnerable and torn. Lying in the most uncomfortable position in a hospital bed in unbearable pain had left me weak and struggling to find meaning in all of this.
Read MoreThroughout my numerous visits to clinics, hospitals, and medical institutions, I have taken steps to prevent health care infections (infections patients can get while receiving medical treatment in a healthcare facility).
Read MoreBy the time pancreatic cancer symptoms do arise, the cancer is often too far advanced for effective treatment. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer — such as pain in the upper abdomen, yellow skin and eyes, backache, and weight loss — don't typically occur until the disease is advanced. Unfortunately, there are no effective screening tests.
Read MoreIt was June 2006 and I had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My life up to this point had been highly active, fun, fulfilling, meaningful, and unpredictable with the expected highs and lows. I am blessed with the trait of decisiveness and have had the ability to make decisions in a timely manner. Of course, not all of them have proven to be successful, but that is another story!
Read MoreIt's the 11-year anniversary of receiving that devastating diagnosis, “Laurie I am so sorry, you have pancreatic cancer.” Never once did I think, “Why me? What did I do to deserve this?” Nor have I considered myself a victim. I really just refused to believe I was sick. A healthy amount of denial allowed me to process my difficult journey, along with a belief that this was a blip on the screen, regardless of how dreadful I felt or how much I missed the old me. And believe me, I really missed the old me.
Read MoreTen years ago this month I participated in the first Advocacy Day with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. I am in awe of the overwhelming support for our organization, year after year, and the vast number of advocates who push forward on our shared goal to double the pancreatic cancer survival rate by 2020, and increase medical and research funding from the NIH and NCI.
Read MoreTrying to absorb this shocking news that I had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Paul and I were very quiet, saying very little during our drive to Aspen. I had not felt well while flying to Denver and ate little at lunch with friends. This was unusual; it was almost as if I knew this horrific news was about to be delivered. I started shaking and was suddenly craving a milkshake, something I had not had in about 35 years!
Read MoreIn April 2006, I was in New York getting ready for a party. As I bent over to put on my heels, a sharp, intense pain, starting at the top of my head traveled though my entire body feeling much like an electric shock. This lasted for only five to seven seconds, but it took my breath away and I almost passed out. What remained was a dull ache on one side of my lower back, about the size of a tennis ball. I went to the party, enjoyed myself and didn’t give it another thought. until the next morning.
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