Darla L., Pancreatic Cancer, Stage 2B
Symptoms:Ache under left shoulder blade, low-grade ache in stomach areaTreatments:Chemotherapy, steroids, surgery (radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy or RAMPS)
Darla was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer (2B) in 2024, a revelation that turned her world upside down. It all began with persistent back pains in 2023, attributed to aging and work-related stress. When stomach discomfort showed up in early 2024, it was chalked up to indigestion. Despite these nagging issues, Darla had no idea her body was hinting at something far more serious.
Interviewed by: Nikki MurphyEdited by: Chris Sanchez
Surprisingly, a life insurance email offering a free cancer screening became Darla’s unexpected lifeline. Initially skeptical, she eventually took the painless step of a simple blood test. Months later, while enjoying a vacation in Missouri, she received the shocking results: indicators of potential pancreatic or gallbladder cancer. Darla’s instinct led her to push for more tests. They found elevated levels of the fat-digesting enzymelipase, which can indicate a pancreatic disorder. An MRI confirmed a small tumor in the neck of her pancreas.
Darla’s stage 2Bpancreatic cancerdiagnosis was a jarring reality check. Initially, all she could think of was death. However, fear transformed into determination. She immersed herself in research, joined support groups, and sought solace in herfaith.
Darla underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, which came with intenseside effects, from neuropathy to extreme fatigue. When chemo didn’t shrink the tumor, Darla opted forradical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS)surgery. The procedure removed the tumor, part of her pancreas, her spleen, gallbladder, and 31 lymph nodes, with only one lymph node showing cancer cells.
Darla’s recovery from stage 2pancreatic cancer(2B) was tough. Post-surgery, she faced an infection and a bowel obstruction that landed her back in the hospital. But she’s resilient, motivated, and committed to moving forward, despite the mental toll of living in perpetual uncertainty. Her biggest challenge? Planning for the future. She likens it to being stuck in an airport, unable to board the next flight.
What keeps Darla grounded is her faith, which has given her strength when nothing else could. Her experience has fueled her advocacy for proactive health measures. She emphasizes the importance ofself-advocacy,mental health, and the need forroutine cancer screenings, even without a family history. She urges others not to be complacent. Early detection saved her life, and she believes it can save others, too.
Watch Darla’s video and learn more about:
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
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Originally published on The Patient Story: https://thepatientstory.com/patient-stories/pancreatic-cancer/darla-l/
