The Pancreatic Cancer Journey: Mapping the Journey: Pancreatic Cancer 101

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Mapping the Journey: Pancreatic Cancer 101

When the Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis comes, it can feel like your whole world is crashing down around you. A nightmare you just can't escape.

We know. The ensuing years have not even begun to erase the memories of those first few days and weeks living under the dark cloud of cancer.

I remember the irrational panic, it was just a deep, smothering desperation, an immobilizing fear... a fear that we would lose this life-and-death battle. A battle we were so ill-prepared to fight...

Those early days of facing the formidable foe of pancreatic cancer have become an integral part of our family's story. But they are just a part of the story. The days that followed the diagnosis and the grace that carried us through the journey are what really count.

Which brings me to the 31 Day Challenge. Every year, in the month of October The Nester sounds a challenge to the blogging world... A challenge to write for 31 Days on a topic of our own choosing ...

For me, there was no question. Pancreatic Cancer is a beast that is tearing families lives apart with a relentless cruelty... I know there are some out there even today just getting the news. Their journey has only begun. And despite the paralyzing fear, decisions are being asked of them, decisions they may not know how to make...

We were there. We understand the beyond-difficult task stretching out before them. And so, for the next 30 days, I would be humbled to share our journey, the story that I wished with all my heart we could have read when mom was first diagnosed.

It is a map of our journey. An encouragement to all who follow along on this cancer road.