Eight Years of Strength: My Journey Through the Un-Celebration of Surviving Pancreatic Cancer

A Survivor’s Story: Navigating the Challenges of Pancreatic Cancer

Surviving pancreatic cancer is no small feat, and for those like William Ramshaw, the journey is often riddled with uncertainty and challenges. As he reflects on his eight-year milestone since diagnosis, he emphasizes that luck played a significant role in his survival. With a blend of rigorous treatments and a bit of good fortune, William’s experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for others facing this daunting diagnosis.

Understanding the Diagnosis

William’s journey began with a startling symptom: jaundice. After an emergency CT scan, doctors discovered a blocked bile duct, leading to an urgent hospital stay. Initially unaware of the gravity of his condition, he received the shocking news of his cancer diagnosis shortly after undergoing a stenting procedure. The revelation of malignancy, delivered coldly by the physician, marked the beginning of his battle.

• Key Moment: A pathology report post-surgery revealed he was at stage IIB with one positive lymph node.
• Critical Insight: Had he not experienced jaundice, his story might have ended differently. Timing and awareness played pivotal roles in his survival.

The Treatment Experience

William underwent the Whipple procedure, a complex surgery aimed at removing his one-inch tumor. Following the surgery, he faced a grueling regimen of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, specifically 5-FU and Gemzar. While his treatment plan was standard, he attributes his survival not just to medical intervention but also to sheer luck and the expertise of his medical team.

• Treatment Path:
  • Whipple procedure
  • 30 sessions of radiation over six weeks
  • 6 doses of Gemzar every other week

Essential Advice for Patients

For those newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, William offers invaluable advice based on his experience.

Trust Your Medical Team

It’s important to place your trust in healthcare professionals. William acknowledges that, despite his analytical nature and extensive research habits, he had to rely on the expertise of his doctors during his treatment.

• Key Insight: Researching specialists may not be feasible when battling severe illness. Trust is paramount.

Follow Medical Guidance

While treatment instructions may seem perplexing, it is crucial to adhere to your doctors’ recommendations. William encourages patients to ask questions until they fully understand their treatment plans.

• Important Reminder: If a physician is unwilling to provide clarity, seeking a second opinion is essential for your health.

Stay Active, Even If a Little

Maintaining physical activity can significantly impact recovery and overall well-being. William continued to exercise throughout his treatment, finding that even modest activity helped him feel more alive and combat side effects of his condition.

• Exercise Tips:
  • Engage in light workouts, such as cycling or using weight machines.
  • Find ways to stay active that suit your physical limitations.

Never Lose Hope

William’s final piece of advice is perhaps the most crucial: maintain hope. The battle against cancer extends beyond treatment, with many survivors facing ongoing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and not succumbing to fear of recurrence.

• Encouragement: Each day is a new opportunity to embrace life, regardless of the uncertainty that may lie ahead.

Conclusion

With his experience as a backdrop, William Ramshaw stands as a testament to resilience in the face of pancreatic cancer. His story not only highlights the importance of trusting medical professionals and staying active but also serves as a reminder to hold onto hope. For those starting their own journeys, William’s insights may just provide the encouragement needed to persevere.

About the Author: William Ramshaw, an eight-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He has documented his journey in his memoir, Gut Punched! Facing Pancreatic Cancer, and has shared his story in various platforms, including “Chicken Enchiladas and Pancreatic Cancer.”