A Pewaukee woman’s battle with pancreatic cancer

MILWAUKEE – November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with the highest mortality rate of all cancers, so when Connie McCance was diagnosed, you can only imagine that she was shocked and scared at the same time.

But Connie is a fighter, and she said the reason she is here today is because of the treatment she received at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Connie’s life took an unexpected turn in April 2019 when she started experiencing constant unexplained burping – a symptom she had never had before.

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“At first the GP felt it was acid reflux, prescribed me an over-the-counter medication and sent me away,” Connie said.

But Connie trusted her instincts. When her symptoms did not improve, she returned to her doctor and demanded further testing. Finally the call came: she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“It was an incredible state because I felt like I was living a healthy life. I was eating well and exercising every day,” Connie said.

Connie’s journey led her to Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she and her doctors created a treatment plan – one that gave her hope.

“It’s a phenomenal facility with doctors who not only treat your cancer, but pay attention to their patient the entire time,” says Connie.

Connie has undergone chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Through it all, the support of her family and friends has helped her stay strong.

“I don’t think I could have fought it as well as I did without family and friends,” Connie said.

Dr. William Hall, a professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, says outside support, along with a team of medical experts, is critical when receiving care.

“It’s very important for the Milwaukee community and the Wisconsin community to know that we are an international leader in pancreatic cancer research,” said Dr. Hall.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 66,440 people – 34,530 men and 31,910 women – will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024. The cancer is difficult to treat and detect because there is no widespread early screening for it.

But Dr. Hall says there are some signs to look out for, including jaundice: a yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes, rapid unexplained weight loss and changes in stool color.

Note: Look for the signs of pancreatic cancer.

“The stool may appear clay-colored or lighter, which can be an important sign or symptom to evaluate,” said Dr. Hall.

Like Connie, Dr. Hall that it is important to listen to your body, take the signals seriously and seek treatment immediately.

“If patients come forward early, our ability to cure them as a team using some very advanced strategies is much better,” said Dr. Hall.

Although widespread early screening is not yet available, Dr. Hall that there are screening options for people with a family history of pancreatic cancer. Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin High Risk Clinic.

Today, Connie has been cancer-free for five years. She is grateful for the care she has received and the support of others.

“It’s a phenomenal facility with doctors who not only treat cancer, but also take the patient’s feelings into account,” says Connie.

She advises others going through a similar situation to never lose hope and always listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

“Don’t be afraid to list all your symptoms or anything that’s different about you because what you think is an insignificant symptom could lead to a doctor running tests that could save your life,” Connie said.

Connie also wanted the Seena Magowitz pancreasCancer Foundation for its support. She said the foundation allowed her to connect with others in the same situation.

The foundation also funds clinical research that has provided funding to the Medical College of Wisconsin.

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