What Ellen originally believed to be a virus was diagnosed as pancreatic cancer in February 2004. Ellen’s doctor found that cancer was obstructing her bile duct and recommended the Whipple procedure, an extensive surgery that involves the removal of all or part of several structures surrounding the pancreas, as well as the re-routing of the digestive tube around the affected area.  In Ellen’s case, this meant the removal of her gallbladder, bile duct, half of her pancreas, and part of her stomach.

While Ellen’s surgery was complex and would leave her body permanently altered, it was a success. Following the procedure, she underwent an initial two months of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation combined with oral chemo, and an additional four months of chemotherapy. Though treatment was extensive, Ellen’s quarterly scans and tests have consistently returned negative, and she has successfully surpassed the pivotal two-year survival mark.

Though Ellen is now free of cancer, she continues to live with the repercussions of her reengineered digestive system.  As is the case with many Whipple patients, Ellen experienced post-surgical anorexia as she struggled to cope with dietary restrictions and digestive complications. While this was a significant obstacle, it was not insurmountable.  With the guidance of a knowledgeable and attentive nutritionist, Ellen began to re-learn how to eat, focusing on foods with high nutritional value that her new digestive system would be able to tolerate.  She combined her new diet with vitamin, herbal, and digestive supplements, and eventually found herself regaining health and strength.

In addition to exceptional nutrition counseling, Ellen also accredits her successful recovery to the support provided by her husband, close friends, and the UCSF nurses who made themselves constantly available.  Her treatment and recovery experiences were also eased with pre-treatment acupuncture, as well as massage and mindfulness meditation. 

Though Ellen’s external support and care systems were instrumental in her recovery, her internal strength was also essential.  From the time that she began her first round of chemotherapy, Ellen was determined to remain connected to the “real world,” rather than becoming fully immersed in the “cancer world.”  As a consultant, she brought her laptop computer with her to treatment, where she was able to yield billable hours.  Now, free from regular clinic visits, Ellen devotes time to the cancer community as a member of a support group, peer counselor, and fundraiser for UCSF. Though aware of the low survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients, Ellen remains focused on living her life and enhancing the lives of others.