In November 2023, Tricia Cyr-Carrier was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the news came as a massive shock. But thanks to a strong support system, including her devoted husband, Nelson, Tricia has stayed positive and determined in her fight against the disease.
Tricia’s Road to Treatment
It all started in late 2023 when Tricia began experiencing severe stomach pain and back pain. She went to her GI specialist, who ordered an ultrasound that revealed the truth: Tricia had a tumor on her pancreas. A CAT scan was performed soon after to confirm that it was pancreatic cancer. Tricia was referred to an oncologist immediately.
After hearing the news, Tricia was “just in shock.” The oncologist wanted to order a second CAT scan, as the cancer had possibly spread to the liver. Tests confirmed that it had, as four spots had been found. The oncologist’s diagnosis was Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to the liver. The tumor on her pancreas was located in the body and neck, and was abutting arteries.
“I was devastated. My life changed in the blink of an eye,” Tricia says. “My husband and I were numb for months. Every morning, I woke up early and thought this was a nightmare, but then realized it was real. I felt like there was nothing I could do but keep moving forward, one day at a time.”
Tricia underwent 14 rounds of chemotherapy for six hours at a time every two weeks, in addition to a chemo pump she wore at home for a total of 46 hours. “My body reacted very well to the chemo,” she said. “I am very grateful and blessed.”
Searching for survivors in similar situations, Tricia was referred to Project Purple. After learning from other survivors, she decided to seek second opinions for peace of mind. She went on a “chemo holiday” in the fall of 2024, and, after 14 treatments, her tumor had shrunk to 1.1 cm from its original size, which was 3 x 4.5 x 2 cm at diagnosis. And, in March of this year, she completed five rounds of SBRT Radiation.
Tricia’s Support System
“My husband took care of me and did so much for me. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know if I could’ve gotten through it,” Tricia remarked.
Chemo left her drained and unable to do basic tasks. “I had neuropathy in my hands. I could not open the refrigerator. I used plastic utensils and wore gloves,” she recalls.
But, after every chemo treatment, when she came home, Nelson was always there to walk her up the stairs, with the fireplace going and dinner ready, with several options to suit her changing tastes.
Tricia found a very effective way of keeping positive: “Each treatment, I would plan a place to go.” Those trips gave the couple something to look forward to. “It was so important for both of us. I think that’s how we got through it.”
Nelson took Tricia on all the trips she had planned. Some were just short rides to the beach, but they began to travel further, like to Cape Cod and Newport. These places became quiet escapes that gave Tricia space to reflect and recharge in the midst of her hectic life. “The beach was my happy place,” says Tricia.
“I wake up every morning to a sign above our dresser that says Believe,” Tricia explains. “I look at it every morning and night before going to bed. I am grateful for my gift. In my new life, I have learned to be more present. I listen to my body. I enjoy nature, like going for walks on the beach, watching the sunsets, going on road trips and enjoying life, and just spending time with friends and family.”
Tricia’s support system extended beyond just her husband. Tricia’s sister, Lisa, also played a vital role, taking her to every chemo treatment, appointment, and urgent care visit, staying by her side throughout the process.
Both sides of the family stepped up. Nelson’s family in Canada called every weekend to check in and visited regularly. Tricia’s nieces helped during her chemo treatment and supported her first 5K walk by raising money for pancreatic cancer.
“I am thankful to all my friends who are there for me,” says Tricia. “Whether it was an inspiring text or a beautiful card, it meant a lot to me. I would never have been able to do it without them. You need support—you really do.”
The Power of Positivity
When Tricia and Nelson first heard her diagnosis, they were stunned. “It was terrible to hear the news for both of us. We were numb for two months,” Tricia expressed. She mentions how the hard part of her has always been the fear of the unknown.
However, her diagnosis prompted many changes and adjustments to her daily life and priorities, and many of these have been positive. Tricia says, “The only direction I could go was forward. I believe I had a miracle, and God gave me that gift.” For her, that gift was the strength to keep going. “I just didn’t want to give up. I felt positive. I live my life every day.”
She found encouragement in small symbols. A bracelet from a friend that read You Can and another from Nelson that said Good Vibes became staples during her treatment.
“Every scan, I would tell myself, ‘I am cancer-free, I can do this!’ I continued with my gratitudes and stayed faithful each time I had a scan. I also have a great husband who’s been very good,” Tricia exclaimed, and she knew she had to be positive and keep moving forward.
Small Gesture, Big Impact
Hair loss is one of the hardest parts of chemotherapy for many patients. While Tricia didn’t lose all her hair, it became thinner, and that was tough emotionally. But Nelson stepped in.
“Every day I would vacuum the whole bathroom, her brush, the sink—I would make sure there was no hair,” Nelson explained.
He would always clean up all the hair Tricia lost, so she did not have to deal with the negative emotions they might have evoked.
That simple gesture made all the difference, making Tricia feel more confident and positive. “It was great, it was just amazing,” she recalled. “I’m grateful I didn’t lose my hair, but it’s very thin, and I was very self-conscious of it. He helped me with that, so I didn’t see the hair on the floor, and that made me feel good.”
Nelson’s Perspective on Caregiving
Nelson embraced his caregiving role wholeheartedly. “I made sure the house was clean, there was food in the fridge, and no dishes in the sink. I wanted her to feel like it’s normal.”
But for Nelson, caregiving went far beyond chores. “You gotta keep laughing. Laughter is a healer. That’s the bottom line. I make sure Tricia laughs all the time.”
His advice for other caregivers? “Be attentive. Understand what’s going on. And it’s going to be good.” Though the journey hasn’t been easy, Nelson knows his care makes a difference. And, he’s committed to making Tricia’s journey easier and being there for her, no matter what.
Tricia and Nelson’s story is one of resilience, love, and hope. To learn more about pancreatic cancer and how you can help, visit projectpurple.org.
