Embracing Life: Discovering the Abundance of Reasons to Live Fully
My journey began on a day that should have been filled with joy: my 38th birthday. Instead, it marked the start of a battle against pancreatic cancer. As a devoted mother to three young children and a loving wife to my husband, Rob, I never imagined I would face such a daunting diagnosis. Throughout my life, I maintained an active lifestyle, including completing the Marine Corps Marathon in 2016, which placed me in the top 20%. But things changed in the spring of 2017 when my health began to decline dramatically.
The Symptoms That Changed Everything
In early 2017, I noticed strange symptoms that left me feeling exhausted and unwell. I began losing weight at an alarming rate and became particularly alarmed when my urine turned the color of coffee. Despite my OB/GYN assuring me that I likely had a virus, my condition continued to worsen. The fatigue made my daily five-mile runs impossible, and I felt drained of energy.
Fortunately, I was able to consult with my local internist, Dr. Kimberly Cerveny, who immediately recognized the seriousness of my symptoms. After examining my yellowing skin and eyes, she insisted that I go to the emergency room for an MRI.
A Tumultuous Path to Diagnosis
That night, I received the shocking news: a mass was present on my pancreas. The overwhelming thought of leaving my children motherless and my husband without a partner raced through my mind. Determined not to accept this as a death sentence, my family and I decided to seek a second opinion. We traveled four hours to the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill—an institution renowned not just for its sports but also for its groundbreaking cancer treatments.
Upon arriving, I underwent another MRI and an endoscopic biopsy. The results were promising, suggesting the mass could be noncancerous. However, I ultimately underwent the Whipple procedure to remove the mass.
On my birthday, April 25, 2017, my surgeon, Dr. H. J. Kim, delivered the heartbreaking confirmation: it was indeed cancer. Eight out of fifteen lymph nodes tested positive. The emotional roller coaster was intense; one moment I felt hopeful, and the next, devastated. I decided not to dwell on the cancer’s stage; my focus was to fight with every ounce of strength I had.
Treatment and Resilience
Just six weeks post-surgery, I met my oncologist, Dr. Autumn McRee, who understood my fears as a fellow mother. Our relationship quickly evolved into a valuable friendship, and together we tackled the challenges that lay ahead. I began chemotherapy under the care of Dr. Valiant Tan at Virginia Oncology, which was followed by radiation treatment—a particularly difficult phase that required me to temporarily relocate to Chapel Hill.
Despite the severe nausea and fatigue, I drew strength from my mother’s unwavering support and the dedicated UNC team, including my radiologist, Dr. Andrew Wang. Weekend reunions with my kids provided the motivation I needed to endure the treatments. Eventually, I completed two additional rounds of chemotherapy and was relieved to leave treatment behind.
Hope and Advocacy
Today, I am proud to share that I have experienced three consecutive clear scans and celebrated my one-year anniversary post-Whipple surgery. I am also participating in a clinical trial for an innovative vaccine aimed at enhancing my immune system’s ability to recognize and combat cancer cells.
In the spring of 2018, I had the honor of joining a group advocating for cancer research in Washington, D.C. During this experience, I felt empowered to share my story and push for increased funding for cancer research. It was an emotional journey, but I felt it was crucial to speak out for those facing similar battles.
A Grateful Heart
Although I’ve had to make some dietary changes post-treatment, I embrace my life with gratitude. Every day is a gift—another day to see my children smile, run, and cherish precious moments with my loved ones. I’m committed to spreading awareness about pancreatic cancer and advocating for research, hoping to make a difference for future patients.
As I reflect on my journey, I feel blessed for each additional cancer-free day. My story is a testament to resilience, love, and the relentless hope that fuels us through the darkest times.
Note: Mary Gillam passed away five years after her diagnosis, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and hope for others battling cancer. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
