Tuning in from across the Atlantic, from Cork, Ireland, pancreatic cancer survivor Pamela Deasy joins host Dino Verrelli to offer a unique, international perspective on the realities of the disease, the power of perseverance, and insights for patients, families, and listeners worldwide in this episode of the Project Purple Podcast.
Pamela shares that her journey began in the summer of 2018, when persistent fatigue and subtle symptoms signaled something was wrong. Told she was perimenopausal, or even just depressed, she trusted her instincts and continued advocating for herself. After a series of medical issues, including kidney stones and worsening jaundice, imaging confirmed a tumor in her pancreas. She recalls the moment vividly, initially fearing the worst.
She walks listeners through the challenges of her treatment, including months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a life-saving, but very life-altering Whipple procedure. Pamela opens up about the grueling recovery that followed, from severe muscle loss and ascites, to the struggle to regain basic strength and mobility. She describes daily tasks like climbing stairs as ‘Kilimanjaro every day,’ showing the relentless determination required to rebuild her body and her life.
By being open about the intimate sides of her journey, Pamela highlights the fears and vulnerabilities that people living with pancreatic cancer may feel and experience, but hesitate to voice. She discusses the isolation many pancreatic cancer patients feel, but the true importance of having someone to talk to who has “walked in your shoes.”
To ensure everyone has this support, Pamela co-founded Pancreatic Cancer Ireland and advocates passionately for raising awareness, resources, and community for those affected by the disease. With this organization and her own advocacy, Pamela emphasizes that early awareness and support are invaluable, reminding listeners that even in the face of a life-altering diagnosis, resilience and hope can carry you forward.
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