Joining the Project Purple Podcast from Rhode Island, pancreatic cancer survivor and author Marla Schreffler shares a story shaped by intuition, timing, and persistence with host Dino Verrelli. A school psychologist by profession, Marla reflects on how her life before diagnosis was defined by overall health and a heightened awareness of changes in her body: an awareness that ultimately played a key role in how her cancer was discovered.
In April 2024, Marla shares how she began noticing subtle but escalating changes in her body, including blurry vision, dry mouth, and unexpected weight loss. What initially appeared to be just a diabetes diagnosis quickly evolved into something far more complex, as testing revealed a tumor on her pancreas, which was later discovered to be cancerous.
In those early moments, Marla recalls confusion and shock, but also a growing sense that something had not been right for some time. Trusting her instincts and pushing for further evaluation proved critical, ultimately leading to an early diagnosis that allowed for swift action. She went on to complete chemotherapy, radiation, and the Whipple procedure, where the tumor was later found to be completely dead, and she is now in remission.
Throughout her experience, Marla emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and communication within the healthcare system. A researcher at heart, she took it upon herself to deeply understand her diagnosis and treatment options, asking questions, seeking clarity, and working collaboratively with her care team to create moments of comfort, even in the most vulnerable settings.
From small acts of agency she insisted on to larger conversations about how patients are treated and heard, Marla reflects on the many ways control can be reclaimed even in the face of cancer. Following her Whipple procedure, she channeled her experience into writing Status: Warrior Woman, a book inspired by her journey and designed to help others better understand what to expect and how to cope. At its core, her message is clear: advocating for yourself can make all the difference.
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