Surviving Pancreatic Cancer Journey
A Story of Hope, Love, and Faith
By Kathe Blakeslee
CONTINUED...
Pancreatic Cancer Journey Begins
I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on May 2, 2022, two days into retirement. I went to my primary doctor for a discomfort I was having in my left side, which radiated to my back. The discomfort was not painful and at times would go away, but always returned. I was lucky my primary doctor scheduled some immediate CAT scans.
You will always remember the exact moment when someone tells you, “You have cancer.” It literally takes your breath away and my world stopped. The words hit like a wave, washing away the life I once knew and leaving me standing in an ocean of fear and uncertainty.
My retirement happiness of spending my time with kids, playing tennis 3 times a week, traveling the world, kayaking at our family cottage, and sitting on a beach for the next 20 years got fast-forwarded to being crammed into a few months.
The Blakeslee Family
I knew exactly what the news meant as I had lost a dear friend to pancreatic cancer who only survived a few months after diagnosis. The only thing I knew was it would be hard, and I would need every ounce of strength, love, and faith to get through it.
Immediate thoughts of not seeing my granddaughter’s first birthday, or my daughter get married, or causing my family grief were very mind consuming. Once you receive a cancer diagnosis, cancer is always in your thoughts each day. You must control your thoughts so they do not control you.
I am comfortable talking about my journey, knowing it is a sensitive topic for many. After crying for the first day, I no longer had time for sadness. I had a lot to accomplish! So much purpose left and more love to share with family. You quickly learn how precious time is and not wasting moments on trivial things.
I immediately got busy with doing a lot of research. I had many procedures to prepare for and lots of unfinished work to accomplish. There was no time for “woe is me” feelings. So many activities are missed due to appointments and how you feel during treatment.
Each day is a blessing and I chose hope and positivity over negative thoughts. Not saying that it is easy but it is a choice each morning. Each morning and evening I thank God for the day and my many blessings.
Cancer Treatment Journey
The treatment journey is long and difficult. It does not always go as planned and there are not always answers for your many questions. I had two surgical procedures scheduled right away – a biopsy of my abdomen and the insertion of a port. Then waited for the biopsy results which was needed prior to providing diagnosis, stage, tumor specifics and treatment.
Team Kathe at Roll & Stroll for Pancreas Cancer 2024
I was lucky that the cancer was found early, which is rare, and it was determined to be stage 1. Treatment consisted of 10 exhausting chemotherapy treatments every other week, many CAT scans, lab draws, and five advanced radiation treatments. All for the hope of being able to have surgery.
Surgery could not be promised if the cancer spread to the abdominal cavity. That would remove all hope. I was blessed that the next biopsy showed it did not spread and therefore I had surgery January 2023. That surgery removed two thirds of my pancreas and my spleen. Surgery was a success, leaving me with no evidence of cancer!
The chemotherapy included 3 cocktails and is one of the worst chemotherapies you can get with terrible side effects. I labeled the one chemotherapy as “chemo to go” as it goes home with you for 3 days and then is removed. It is too strong to be given in a one-day setting.
Chemotherapy days were full days and the only day I felt in control – I was killing cancer cells! Before chemotherapy, lab work is needed to check your blood chemistry levels. On one of my last chemotherapy days, they cancelled treatment and delayed it for a week or two. My lab work results were seriously low and chemotherapy would be too dangerous.
Volunteering at Roll & Stroll
I recalled crying as killing the cancer cells was so important to me and now without treatment, they had a chance to grow and spread. After every chemotherapy session I had to give myself shots in the stomach for 7 days to help restore the white blood cells.
Some of the side effects of chemotherapy, included nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, neuropathy, edema, low immune system, loss of appetite, severe sensitivity to cold (in weather, touch, and drinks).
To stay healthy for treatment, due to my lowered immune system, I and my husband chose to isolate from family, friends, and the public as much as possible. If my children and family would want to come visit me, they always tested for Covid first to insure they were not exposed, plus made sure they had no cold symptoms. Of course, if we did need to go out in public, we wore masks.
After surgery, my journey continued with CAT scans and lab draws every 3 months. Shocking news of reoccurrence came August 2023. In just one CAT scan I quickly went from stage 1 cancer to stage 4 cancer. The cancer had spread to my stomach, which is not a common location for reoccurrence. Surgery was scheduled for September 2023 for a wedge resection to remove cancer. Again, success with no evidence of disease!
After that my journey continued with CAT scans and lab draws every 3 months. Again, shocking news of reoccurrence came July 2024. The cancer spread in my stomach again. Surgery was scheduled for July 2024, with two thirds of my stomach removed. This was a most challenging recovery as it took me months to find my new normal for diet; what I could eat and what I could no longer digest.
I had to battle and overcome malnourishment. During this time my pancreas no longer kept producing the enzymes to digest food. I was given a prescription of digestive enzymes, Creon which I will need to take for the rest of my life with each meal and snack. The journey also included multiple visits and stays in the ER for complications. Each step felt like a mountain, and some days, the physical and emotional pain was deep. But I did not break.
Kathe & her daughter in Iceland
Unfortunately, in the next lab work and PET scan they found that the cancer was still in the stomach. The current treatment plan is chemotherapy every other week for the rest of my life – as long as the chemotherapy is controlling the cancer. This is the second chemotherapy option and will be used until it is no longer effective.
Pancreatic cancer patients also have a 40% higher risk of blood clotting, leading to stroke, heart attack or embolism. My last CAT scan showed I had a blood clot, so blood thinner is now another prescription required for the rest of my life.
Kathe & Mark in South Africa
The tumor does not appear in CAT scans but only in a PET scan. The good news is that the cancer is still only located in my stomach and not large enough to show on a CAT scan. This is great news for me, but unfortunately this does not make me eligible for any clinical trials. Clinical trials require measurable evidence noted in a CAT scan.
Pancreatic cancer continues to be the second leading cause of death in cancer with little advancement in treatment. The chemotherapy regiment for pancreatic cancer patients was developed at UW Madison 75 years ago and is still used today. This is why I am passionate about helping the Pancreas Cancer Task Force at UW-Madison Carbone Cancer Center support cancer patients and raise funds for research to find a new and better treatment, and ultimately a cure!
Journey with Family, Friends, and Medical Team
The truth is, I have not walked this journey alone. My husband has been my rock-steady, strong, and never once wavering in his love and support. Trying to support him is the top of my thoughts as his road has not been easy either.
Knowing my adult children have a happy and successful life gives me great comfort. Our children, our family, and our friends have wrapped us in love that is more powerful than any treatment.
Kathe with son Matt, daughter-in-law Cassandra, &
their two daughters
It is very important to provide help to family and friends and supporting loved ones fighting cancer. This is exactly why I continue to mentor new patients at UW so that my story and experience may help others in their journey. Everyone’s journey is different and unique. Many people do not know how to help.
I continue to be blessed by my supportive family and many friends who constantly reach out with a positive message by telephone, texts, cards, and visits. It truly is a wonderful gift to receive positive messages when the journey is difficult.
Friends dropped off food during recovery from surgery and would sit with me during my chemotherapy treatments. Comfort gifts would be delivered to help with recovery, like soft pajamas and socks, positive sayings, books, and puzzles.
It is so important for cancer survivors to have the support of family and friends to keep their hope and strength up.
I obtained second opinions for my treatment to insure I had the best care. The opinions I received agreed and supported the wonderful care and treatment provided by my UW Carbone Cancer Center oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, and the amazing nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians. It takes the entire UW Carbone Cancer Center Team to walk the journey.
The Pancreas Cancer Task Force
I found a team of healers beyond my medical doctors. My integrative oncologist, naturopath, dietician, and acupuncturist have all played vital roles in my journey. They helped me rebuild strength, obtained additional lab results for optimal health, provided aerobic and strength training exercises, books, and podcasts for mind control for positivity and channeling positive outcomes.
They provided supplements which are needed to replenish health in the body which chemotherapy erodes, guidance on healthy eating, preventing diabetes and cachexia which often occurs with pancreatic cancer, care for diarrhea, nausea, neuropathy, edema, and support for organs. I feel strongly that the support of all these health professionals is essential to help patients remain healthy and strong to fight this terrible disease. It is important to discuss all care with your primary oncologist.
Most important part of the journey for me is to maintain a positive frame of mind and a strong faith in God. My faith in God has supported me throughout this journey. It has given me the strength to fight the disease, courage to keep going, and peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
I celebrated my three-year anniversary May 2nd and I continue to be positive and strong. Setbacks and the unknown are part of the journey. I cling to the small victories. I am indebted to the life-giving care my doctors have provided me.
As a healing project that helps me, I create an annual memory book for each of my granddaughters, reflecting pictures of the many adventures we have had together. I want my granddaughters to have memories of their Grammy. I realize that is a luxury many pancreatic cancer patients might not have.
Kathe with granddaughters
Naomi & Mackenzie
Surviving is a gift. I am grateful for the blessings of each day and the love of family and friends. Stage 4 cancer may be my diagnosis, but it is not my identity. I am a fighter, a mother, a wife, a Grammy, and a believer. I am held up by love, fueled by faith, and strengthened by the knowledge that I am not alone. Research and clinical trials continue to be part of my future.
I am blessed.