'I was young, healthy — and no one thought it could be cancer'
At 32 years old, pancreatic cancer was the last thing anyone — including me — suspected. I was young, active, and otherwise healthy.
My early warning signs didn’t feel dramatic: persistent reflux, unexplained back pain, and an unusual change that seemed cosmetic — a few eyelashes turned white. Individually, these symptoms were easy to dismiss. Together, they were my body asking for attention.
For three months, I went from doctor to doctor, specialist to specialist. Each time, I was reassured. I was told I looked healthy, it was my diet, there is nothing wrong with my blood results. The idea that a young 32 year old female could have pancreatic cancer simply wasn’t on the radar. By the time I was finally diagnosed, it was Stage 3.
I know how lucky I am to be alive. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest common cancers there is. Many people don’t get a second chance. I did, and I owe that to persistent advocacy for my own health, the skill and dedication of my medical team, and access to world-class care.
My treatment involved major surgery, followed by six months of aggressive chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation. It pushed me to my physical and emotional limits — but it saved my life.
My experience highlights a critical issue: cancer does not always follow age rules, and early warning signs in young people are too often overlooked. Earlier detection saves lives, and that requires awareness, research, and better diagnostic tools.
That’s why I am raising funds for pancreatic cancer research with Pankind. Supporting research means giving doctors better ways to detect this disease earlier, funding clinic trials — and giving more people a fighting chance.
If sharing my story helps even one person push for answers, it’s worth telling.
Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Pankind so other people don't have to go through what I have.
