Nancy's Story:
This story is a compilation of entries Nancy made on Caring Bridge, a website dedicated to sharing communication between family and friends. Caring Bridge was Nancy's haven, to share her story and to feel the love and support from those around her.

Thursday July 14, 2005 Nancy's first entry

"In March 2005, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis. More tests revealed a cancerous tumor in my Pancreas. The tumor was    removed in June but it still spread to my Liver. Only 5% of people with metastatic pancreatic cancer survive past the first year. I will beat the odds with treatment and your love and support".

Tuesday July 26, 2004

"We have been in the cabin since last Friday. The calm beauty of this place fills us with peace, and allows us a chance to forget for a while. No matter what life brings to us, finding days that remind us how wonderful life can be are gifts. I hope you all get a break from the hustle and bustle now and then to catch your breath, kick back and enjoy a nice big sigh of contentment.

Thursday September 1, 2005

"I have felt so strong, and so sure that the treatment would have positive effects how could it possibly go wrong when I have so much support? But that's the nature of the cancer beast. So after a terrible day of dashed hopes, tears and more tears, and the crush of reality, it's a new day today. I am still alive friends and family have shared their tears as well as their encouragement. I love going to Vegas and playing craps, I'm willing to roll the dice again. Though yesterday I felt truly helpless, today I am back up to fighting mode. Besides just sitting around waiting to die is not my style".;

Tuesday Ocober 18, 2005

"...It's truly amazing how the disease of cancer touches so many people in such  profound ways. It makes you a member of a club that has its own perspectives, values and attriburtes, and certainly its own special dues. That the size of the club seems to be growing exponetially is why people like Eric's (our nephew) ride in t the tour of hope. It's not a club that we want to continue to have around. But if it has to exist, its nice to draw strength and support from one another along the way".

Wednesday Noverber 3, 2005

"The last treatment went well but left me quite fatigued. The doctor ordered shots for my white blood cells and red blood cells which give me deep muscle pain and bone pain. Don't they know the MN cold kills germs? It may seem odd to say that I am particularly thankful this year given all the changes and difficulties we have been through, but it's true. Not a day goes by that at least 10 things happen that a year ago would have really irritated me. Now I just shrug it off, and feel amazed at how life can change a persons perspective, of course having my blood markers drop certainly helps my mood. I may just turn out to be one of the happy 5%. Wouldn't that be something? What I'm particularly thankful for this Thanksgiving is all the support of my family and friends".

Wednesday February 8, 2006

"Jean and I have been talking about all of the transitions that we have been through since May 2004. Leaving our careers of 25 and 20 years, respectively, moving to Florida to start new careers of nursing and teaching, my being diagnosed with a deadly cancer, quitting my jobs selling everything in Florida moving back to MN for treatment and now traveling to Tulsa everyother week for treatment. We thought before all these changes, that we had a wonderful and strong relationship. Amazingly, it has become even better and stronger. With the love and support of family and friends, we have weathered the tempests and believe that we have a  bright future together. We may not know how long we will have, as no one does, but we will make the best of everyday. That may mean getting projects done, going out exploring or lying on the couch like slugs watching TV. But we have stood on the precipice looking over the edge into the abyss and now leapt over it to the other side. We are better for having done so, though it sure hurt like hell and scared us to wits end. Given the nature of this cancer, we know we will be on that precipice again someday, and may not be able to make that leap successfully. Until then however, your're looking at a couple of truly happy people.

Wednesday July 5, 2006 - Nancy's last entry

"All of your heartfelt sentiments love and support for Jean and I fills my heart and just rises in my chest. My pain continues to be under control and I am able to get out and float on the water. I am being carried by love. It fills me up, brightens my spirt brings both tears and smiles. Thank you".