My Why: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

In this episode, Coach Paula shares her research and experience with pancreatic cancer after her mother was diagnosed in 2017. The book that is referenced and started it all, The Gut and Psychology Syndrome, by Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride is what helped Paula on her journey discovering her own food sensitivities and allergies which were tied to her learning issues of dyslexia. All of these gut-related health issues that she and her family were experiencing were jumping off the pages as warning signs for Paula to take note and make drastic change.Paula vulnerably shares her experience by reading a chapter from her book, Becoming a Phenomenal Mom, 5 Steps to a Healthier Life and the cancer diagnosis her mom received. She shares “I don’t even remember getting all of the news, just that it was stage four”. “There was nothing I could do except research”. She read books and articles, listened to podcasts and webinars. The learner in her needed to know more, it wasn’t an option for her. She had to know for her mom, for herself and for her family.This research led Paula to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and their website and information graphics that help describe all of the symptoms, provided surprising information. Pancreatic cancer is directly correlated with diabetes. Meaning those who live with diabetes are much more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and those who already have the cancer will become diabetic.Listen as Paula shares an infographic that had a profound effect on her as she realized that her mom ended up having all the symptoms. Low mood, or depression, constant cavities and gum disease, upper abdominal pain, and pain upon eating. Back pain and indigestion, not responding to medication, fatigue, pale and smelly stool, new onset diabetes, jaundice of the skin and sudden weight loss.Lastly Paula shares the scary statistics and survival rate of those who have Pancreatic Cancer. With a 5-year survival rate of 32% this cancer is often caught much later when it has spread to more organs, but catching it early only happens to about 10% of the patients. After it has spread to more organs making it stage two, three or four, the survival rate is 12%. Out of the 52% the people who get diagnosed, it is the latter stages when the cancer has spread, and they are given a 3% chance to live over 5 years. It all comes down to not enough screenings early enough, and people not taking these symptoms seriously enough. Please listen to this entire episode if you or someone you love has diabetes, cancer, or a history of gut related issues. For more information go to www.pancan.org As always, have a Phenomenal Week! paulatobey.com