I can’t swim.
I never learned how.
As far back as I can remember, large, medium and small bodies of water – even swimming pools – made me uncomfortable. It isn’t the water. It’s the fear of drowning. I have twice almost drowned.
It is a frightening and threatening feeling because it renders being without any control whatsoever. The tipping point – no pun intended – is that precarious moment, isolated and doing my best to stay afloat, with water coming threateningly close to my mouth and nose. Then comes the feeling of isolation accompanied by gasping and arms flailing about as I try my best not to go under or give into the force of the tide.
News of my cancer diagnosis was like going under – drowning sans the water.
The gastroenterologist came into my hospital room, sat on the edge of my bed and in what was a cross between a whisper and a song said, “We found a small cancer in your pancreas.” He was empathetic, sensitive and kind. He saw my blank stare and the tears that unavoidably ran down my face. He held me in an embrace that temporarily calmed my convulsions.
And laying in that bed the words formed in my mouth as I said to no one under my breath, “I can’t swim.” I asked that he call my husband with me so that he could hear the news first hand.
Like many, I have long believed that a pancreatic cancer diagnosis is the pronouncement of a death sentence, as difficult as those words are to say. On average, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The majority of these people succumb by the end of the first year of diagnosis. This month marks the one-year anniversary of my diagnosis. I have lived a year with pancreatic cancer.
Why This Blog Was Created
It is my hope that the Eric With A C blog serve as a beacon of hope, a source of information, and a platform for connection and support. By sharing my experiences, I want to help others navigate the complex and emotional journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Because when I got my diagnosis, these things were not readily available to me.
Cancer treatment involves various lifestyle changes, managing side effects, and dealing with emotional and physical challenges. This blog will provide practical tips and strategies for managing these aspects of the cancer journey.
01. SHARING EXPERIENCES
This blog allows me to share my personal journey, including the ups and downs, the challenges faced, and the strategies used to cope. This firsthand account is intended to offer valuable insights and practical advice to individuals currently undergoing treatment or their caregivers.
02. HOPE AND INSPIRATION
A cancer diagnosis is both daunting and overwhelming. Reading about someone else’s journey will hopefully provide hope and inspiration to others currently battling the disease. Knowing that others have faced similar challenges, endured and emerged stronger can be a powerful source of motivation.
03. CAREGIVER GUIDANCE & APPRECIATION
Cancer not only affects the diagnosed individual, but also their loved ones and caregivers. This blog will offer insights and guidance to those supporting someone with cancer, helping them understand what their loved ones are going through and how they can provide meaningful support.
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, it is my sincere hope that reading about someone who is fighting to overcome challenges can empower others to take an active role in their own cancer journey. I want to encourage patients and their caregivers to ask questions, seek second opinions, and be proactive in making decisions about their treatment and care.
