Sharon Tutchings

Diagnosis

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

The team at Virginia Cancer Specialists does a wonderful job.

People make plans and God smiles.

I was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma on October 10, 2014 at the age of 70. My mother is thought to have had pancreatic cancer. There was never a biopsy to prove this, but her doctor is positive that’s what she had. My genetic test came up positive for BRCA2 and there’s no other history of cancer in the rest of my family.

I would urge anyone who is not feeling well to get to a doctor as soon as possible. If you feel the doctor is not listening to you or you don’t agree with them, get a second or third opinion. Some cancers are not easy to diagnose without a biopsy. Listen to your body and do what you need to do to take of yourself.
My husband is my caretaker and he’s the best. I am fortunate to have my daughter and son-in-law living close by as well as two wonderful granddaughters. My other daughter lives in Texas and will come visit with her children. I have best friends and neighbors who visit and who I can count on for help if needed, as well as several wonderful cousins nearby in Maryland and Virginia.

The team at Virginia Cancer Specialists does a wonderful job. They take such an interest in your wellbeing and do everything they can to make you feel special – they are angels! All the doctors and staff are caring, loving people and you will be well taken care of there. I feel so blessed that I ended up at VCS.

Throughout my journey with cancer, I quickly learned there are patients who have very serious health issues in addition to battling cancer. When I’m having a pity party, I think of these people and stop feeling sorry for myself. I also realized how difficult it can be to accept the diagnosis. I often ask myself if this is really happening to me, and I suspect I’m not the only patient who does that. I try to do all I can, as I don’t wish to waste my days, because each day is unique and there will never be another quite like it.