Helping You To Be Your Own Advocate………….

You asked, we answered! I am ecstatic to announce that my first digital cancer workshop is launching this September! I have joined forces with my dear friend, Tina Staley, a licensed clinical social worker, and cancer coach. Together we have created the Thrive with Cancer Workshop, a four-week life-changing, experiential workshop that will equip cancer patients with greater awareness, determination, and the best tools to help them thrive through their illness.

Read More
Laurie MacCaskillComment
National Cancer Month Survivor Spotlight: Laurie MacCaskill with Lessons Learned

Throughout my pancreatic cancer treatment journey, communicating and staying connected to my medical team was crucial because pancreatic cancer was a subject I knew nothing about. I relied on my ability to do the things I could control. I feel that focusing on education/research, knowing my body, paying attention to how I felt emotionally, physically, and spiritually, respecting how information was conveyed to and from me, being my own advocate, using my voice, and comprehensive record keeping allowed me to eliminate the toxicity of negative interactions and create an environment for healing.

Read More
National Cancer Survivor Month Spotlight: Facing Uncertainty

Everyday things I took for granted before my diagnosis, that were formerly performed with energy, enthusiasm and often with little effort, were now overwhelming. My road to recovery after discovering I had a pancreatic tumor was not a straightforward path; in fact, there was nothing encouraging about it at all. My mood was gloomy, and it was difficult to fathom that every day was going to be like the last, an unending, painful mere existence.

Read More
National Cancer Survivor Month Spotlight: Laurie MacCaskill on Emotional Health and Coping with Cancer

Most people desire to be independent, to manage life with a sense of control. Having a plan makes it seem we are approaching our goals and aspirations.

However, when I heard those devastating words, “I’m sorry, you have pancreatic cancer,” my world was suddenly full of vulnerability and uncertainty. I replied, in a cavalier way, “I do not. That’s a death sentence. You have the wrong file. Please get the right one.” I honestly thought my two-month-long backache was the result of an infection and could not fathom it was something so much more threatening.

Read More
National Cancer Survivor Month Stories: Laurie MacCaskill on Getting Informed

A backache would forever change my life. I have shared my journey with pancreatic cancer on my website, and many of you know what an agonizing experience cancer can be. I was often asked, “How do you live when everyone says you are dying?” Pancreatic cancer is the world’s toughest cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 10%. In the United States, it is the third most deadly cancer and about 70% of patients die within one year of diagnosis. To be given three months to live, as I was, is the last thing anyone wants to hear.

Read More
Tomma Hargraves C2 Awards Winner

In conversations about my cancer journey, I often reference silver linings. I was honored to interact with Tomma Hargraves and learn about the important work she is doing on behalf of cancer patients. Tomma is an inspiring trail blazer who survived stage 3 lung cancer 15 years ago. Meeting her was a silver lining and a gift for so many reasons! I can’t wait to share her story with you in just a few minutes!

Read More
Laurie MacCaskillComment
How does uncertainty play out in your life?

Living with so much uncertainty is hard. Human beings crave information about the future. Not getting answers around pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging parts of the disease. I tell my patients it is unlike anything we have ever experienced. In our professional and personal lives, we are used to getting solutions to our problems. In managing any challenge, it is essential that we trust our team, believe in ourselves, and stay grounded in the present moment. Staying disciplined, identifying and focusing on our strengths is vital to managing self-control and creating a positive mindset and a healing environment.

Read More
The Gift of Time

What would you do with an extra hour each day?

What would you change if you knew you had months to live?

If you were to rewrite your story, what would be different?

I have been given the gift of time. On June 27, 2021, I will celebrate 15 years as a pancreatic cancer survivor. At the time of my diagnosis, 94% of those diagnosed died in the first 12 months. Today, the 5-year survival rate is an unacceptable 10%.

Read More
Genetic Testing Advantages | Knowledge is Power

I honestly believe I am alive today because of a unique genetic make-up I possess and a doctor that thinks outside the box. This is not true for everyone. Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd deadliest cancer with no early detection markers. By the time symptoms appear, it is usually advanced. The 5-year survival rate is a mere 10%.

Genetic testing was never discussed with me by any doctor over the four years I was in treatment. Nor was this suggested in nine years following.

Read More
Laurie MacCaskillComment
A Year of Disruption

The unthinkable happened.

On January 6, 2021, a violent attack occurred at the very core of our democracy. It was just one failure in a dizzying list that day — and during the weeks leading up to it — that resulted in the first occupation of the United States Capitol since British troops set the building ablaze during the War of 1812. But the death and destruction this time was caused by Americans. We were experiencing a new shade of human darkness.

Read More
The Art of Receiving

Incredible acts of kindness were bestowed on my behalf recently by many of you and I can only now address this without tears in my eyes. You have touched every cell in my body, every core of my being. I am sharing this with you from my depth not my shadow.

Read More
My Glass Remains Half Full

My intention has been to write the next blog about my move to Dallas. This was a very traumatic experience filled with so many unknown variables, but I was able to turn lemons into lemonade. And, I will share this story with you as there are many lessons learned but as John Lennon said, “Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.”

I was just diagnosed with endometrial cancer which is a type of cancer that begins in the uterus.

Read More