Choosing Chemotherapy: My Empowering Journey to Embrace Life

A Journey Through Pancreatic Cancer: Catalina Lulley’s Story

In July 2018, Catalina Lulley faced an unimaginable challenge: a diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic cancer. Originally from the charming island of Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Catalina had relocated to the United States in 2014 to care for her ailing mother. What began as abdominal pain soon escalated into a life-altering journey filled with numerous tests, treatments, and a determination to fight back against the odds.

The Road to Diagnosis

Catalina’s ordeal began when she experienced severe abdominal and back pain in March 2018. Initially attributing her discomfort to the stress of caregiving, she sought medical help, undergoing various tests, including:

• Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Biopsies
• Blood transfusions

Despite persistent symptoms, her doctors attributed her condition to anemia, leaving Catalina feeling uncertain. It wasn’t until a PET scan in July revealed tumors on her pancreas and liver that she understood the gravity of her situation. The loss of her mother that same month compounded her despair, but the support of her family and friends fueled her resolve to fight.

Transitioning to Effective Care

Initially, Catalina received treatment from a local oncologist, but after two unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy, she sought help from Dr. David Woolsey at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Dr. Woolsey introduced her to Dr. Peter Hosein at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, who took a proactive approach to her treatment.

• After an embolization procedure to control bleeding, Dr. Hosein prescribed a year of chemotherapy aimed at shrinking the tumors.
• By July 2019, Catalina’s PET scan showed a remarkable improvement, indicating that her cancer had shrunk significantly.

However, her relief was short-lived. In December, a follow-up scan revealed a recurrence, prompting Dr. Hosein to start her on FOLFIRINOX, a powerful chemotherapy regimen. By June 2020, Catalina received encouraging news: her PET scan was clean once again.

Navigating Treatment and Its Challenges

Throughout her treatment, Catalina remained committed to maintaining her normal lifestyle. She cherished quality time with her grandsons and found joy in small trips, even when her energy waned. Despite losing around 40 pounds and managing side effects like neuropathy, she maintained a humorous outlook, affectionately referring to her chemotherapy pump as “my husband” and her port as “my baby.”

To adapt to her diagnosis, Catalina revamped her diet and lifestyle, focusing on healthier choices. She discovered that CBD oil and soaking her feet in hot water provided relief from the painful neuropathy caused by her treatment.

Living with Stability

Now, while her cancer remains stable, Catalina understands the importance of ongoing treatment to maintain her health. Although back on oxaliplatin due to a slight increase in her CA 19-9 levels, she chooses to focus more on her scans rather than the numbers, which she believes can be overwhelming.

Support from Dr. Hosein’s team, particularly Terri Pollock, and daily encouragement from family and friends have been invaluable. However, Catalina acknowledges moments of loneliness, especially with many loved ones still in the Caribbean.

A Resilient Spirit

Catalina prefers to say she was diagnosed with cancer rather than declaring she has it—signifying her belief in resilience. She has emerged as a stronger individual, learning to prioritize what truly matters in life. With unwavering trust in her medical team and faith in God, she embraces her journey, declaring, “My story is TO BE CONTINUED.”

A Legacy of Strength

Sadly, a year after sharing her remarkable journey, Catalina passed away, having defied expectations by living three years beyond her initial prognosis. Her commitment to her family and the love they shared during her battle will forever be remembered. We extend our deepest condolences to Catalina’s family and honor her inspiring legacy in the fight against pancreatic cancer.