Delicious Chicken Enchiladas: A Tasty Twist in the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

A Journey Through Pancreatic Cancer: William Ramshaw’s Story of Resilience

When life throws unexpected challenges, resilience often shines through, as demonstrated by William Ramshaw, a pancreatic cancer survivor. His journey began in 2013, after a routine lunch spiraled into a life-altering diagnosis. With his story, William not only highlights the importance of awareness but also the tenacity required to face such a formidable adversary.

Recognizing the Signs: A Sudden Diagnosis

William’s tale started with a seemingly benign lunch at a Mexican restaurant, which left him feeling unwell over the weekend. After consulting his doctor, he underwent “routine” tests that led to alarming results. Just a week later, he experienced jaundice, prompting an emergency CT scan that revealed a blocked bile duct. A stent was placed to relieve the blockage, but a biopsy soon confirmed the worst: the presence of a malignancy.

• Key events:
  • Blocked bile duct diagnosed
  • Emergency CT scan
  • Hospitalization and diagnosis of stage IIb pancreatic cancer

Had it not been for the blockage, William speculates he might have never discovered the tumor, illustrating the critical role of vigilance in health matters.

Navigating Treatment: The Whipple Procedure

After his diagnosis, William was referred to a highly regarded surgical oncologist. He learned he would need a Whipple procedure, a complex surgery to remove part of his pancreas along with his gallbladder. Eight weeks post-diagnosis, William underwent the surgery, which was followed by a grueling recovery period filled with infections and multiple antibiotic treatments.

• Surgical highlights:
  • Whipple procedure to remove part of pancreas
  • Extended hospital stay due to complications

The recovery was arduous, but it marked a crucial step in his fight against cancer.

Chemotherapy and Radiation: The Next Phase of Treatment

Following his surgery, William’s treatment plan included chemotherapy—a combination of Gemzar (gemcitabine) and 5-FU (fluorouracil). Initially perplexed by the choice of medications, he learned about the science behind his treatment through his oncologist, who provided him with literature detailing the rationale behind the prescribed therapies.

• Chemotherapy details:
  • Treated with Gemzar and 5-FU
  • Six weeks of radiation therapy

William’s treatment regimen also included 30 radiation sessions, during which he faced the daunting machinery of the linear accelerator. Despite the challenges, he embraced the process, knowing it was essential for his recovery.

Reflecting on the Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

William’s battle with pancreatic cancer was not without hurdles. He experienced complications from the Whipple procedure, leading to ongoing health issues like osteoporosis and worsening diabetes. However, his proactive approach made a significant difference. He became an engaged patient, asking numerous questions and seeking clarity on his treatment journey.

• Reflections on survivorship:
  • Continuous follow-ups with oncologists
  • Ongoing health challenges

Today, William celebrates being cancer-free six years after completing his treatment, a testament to his resilience and the quality of care he received. His memoir, Gut Punched! Facing Pancreatic Cancer, encapsulates his experiences and insights into navigating this formidable challenge.

Final Thoughts: Living Beyond Cancer

William’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and the unyielding spirit of those facing cancer. While he acknowledges the fear that accompanies his six-month oncology visits, he remains grateful for his journey and the lessons learned along the way.

To explore more about William’s experiences and insights on life post-treatment, check out his articles, Sometimes Life Hits You in the Head and his video, I Can Really Do This.