My Journey with Pancreatic Cancer and Surviving it.

Let me give you the quick and cheeky version of my journey with the discovery of Pancreatic Cancer – buckle up, it's quite a ride!

In May 2018, while I was busy brainstorming a far

ming revolution in Uganda with friends at a restaurant, a pesky ache in my left backside suddenly brought the party to a halt. My vision blurred, and I started

sweating like a waterfall. Talk about a dramatic exit! But don't worry, it wasn't a scene from a reality show – it was just the universe's way of telling me to pay attention or something is up!

Back at home, I found relief by turning myself into a DIY spa treatment with a cold, wet towel. However, that cosy moment didn't last long. A few days later, I woke up with yellow eyes, and my quest for answers led me to a local doctor who

diagnosed me with yellow fever. Well, that was a curveball. Even after medication, I still felt like a lemon gone sour.

Desperate for some clarity, I tagged along with my dad, who was heading to see his urologist in South Africa. I casually asked the urologist for a General Practitioner recommendation, but he was quick to spot something fishy about my appearance. He basically said, "Yellow? You look like a walking highlighter!" He wasted no time in referring me to a GP for a full-scale investigation, which left me baffled and bewildered.

The GP didn't beat around the bush – I had a blockage causing the jaundice, and I was in really bad shape, scan and full blood work (CBC). It wasn't just any blockage, though; it was the notorious pancreatic cancer. Talk about a plot twist!

A few days later, I had a biopsy that finally set the bilirubin free, returning my eyes to their original colour. Still in shock, I couldn't be more grateful for the awesome doctors and nurses in South Africa. They were my chatty saviours, working hard to keep my mind off the gloomy reality. At one point, I even forgot I was Canadian! It took my sister's gentle reminder during a mini meltdown to snap me out of it. Then came the bill, a whopping $150,000, a harsh reminder of my identity.

In literally few days after, I landed in Mississauga, Ontario, and it felt like I had walked into a hurricane. The pain was relentless, and I was fast-tracked to the emergency room, where I got a healthy dose of morphine and a battery of tests. A gastroenterologist delivered the somber news – I was seriously sick, and action needed to be taken right away.

I eventually met a remarkable hepatobiliary doctor who outlined a plan: a marathon 6–7-hour surgery called Whipple surgery, followed by 12 rounds of chemotherapy. Long story short, I became a pancreatic cancer survivor, but the occasional abdominal pain still lurks in the shadows. When it strikes, I'm off to the emergency room, only to wait 8-12 hours to see a doctor, thanks to the COVID pandemic and a severe nurse shortage.

In the midst of my battle with cancer, I had an epiphany: this wasn't a death sentence but a profound shift in perspective—a golden opportunity to reassess and transform my lifestyle. Instead of being the grim reaper knocking on my door, cancer became my unexpected life coach, urging me to reevaluate my choices and embrace a healthier, more mindful way of living. In a bizarre twist of fate, cancer didn’t just knock me down; it picked me up and put me on a better path. As weird as it sounds, cancer did save my life. But that's a wild tale for another day...

Far from being a mere affliction, cancer became a guiding force, prompting me to adopt a lifestyle focused on well-being and balance. It wasn't just about surviving; it was about thriving and crafting a life that prioritized health, happiness, and fulfilment.

So, in an unexpected twist of fate, cancer not only spared my life but redirected it. It steered me towards a path of conscious choices, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. It became a powerful motivator to savour life's precious moments and forge a lifestyle that resonated with vitality.

Cancer, for me, is not a sentence of doom; it's a story of resilience, transformation, and the profound realization that our choices shape our destinies. It saved my life not by mere survival but by inspiring a life well-lived, rooted in mindful choices and a celebration of every moment.

I am immensely grateful for the dedicated care provided by my oncologist, the compassionate nurses, and the robust Canadian healthcare system. In the midst of my cancer journey, there was a moment when I momentarily forgot I was Canadian while facing health challenges in another country. This realization emphasized the invaluable support and strength offered by the Canadian healthcare system. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in my care—your dedication and commitment have made a lasting impact on my journey to health and well-being.

In closing, my journey with pancreatic cancer has been a rollercoaster of unexpected turns, but five years later, I'm here, thriving and embracing life. Regular quarterly checkups, a conscious lifestyle, and a newfound appreciation for each moment keep me on the path to well-being. Cancer, once a formidable foe, has transformed into a catalyst for positive change. As I continue this journey, I am not just surviving; I am living with intention, resilience, and gratitude. Each day is a celebration, a testament to the strength found in the face of adversity. Here's to life, health, and the unwavering spirit that propels us forward.