774. Speaking Out: Empowering Patients in their Cancer Journey w/ Pam Marquardt

Hey Heal Squad, in this insightful episode, we explore a powerful conversation with Pam from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), shedding light on the critical role of case managers and their invaluable support for individuals battling pancreatic cancer. Pam shares her journey and experiences, offering vital guidance and discussing the incredible services available for patients and families. Hopeless in 1996: If a long list of celebs can't beat pancreatic cancer back in 1996, then how can anyone and no pancreatic cancer organization exists. Hollywood victims become the saviors: Michael Landon, Patrick Swayze, Joan Crawford, Jack Benny, Donna Reed, Paul Mitchell, Juliet Prowse, and Pavarotti and how their surviving families affected the cause. Millions of dollars later: what has been learned? Pancreatic cancer cells are smart and strong: they build a watermelon rind-like structure that doesn't even need blood flow to survive. Molecular profiling: helps us look at tissue tumors to see if there are any mutations that allow for better treatment. Chemotherapy and precision medicine: The day of just throwing chemo at cancer in hopes to see what sticks needs to pass. Pancreatic tumors: the different kind of pancreatic tumors. Survival rates: higher now compared to 25 years ago. It’s important to have hope: there are 10-year and 20-year survivors! Disregard stats: every person who is diagnosed is a statistic of one: your cancer journey and outcome are your own. PanCAN Patient Services helps all patients: if diagnosed, PanCAN case managers will help every step of the way. Be pushy and assertive: especially when it comes to doctors. Symptoms: are vague but could include back pain, nausea, indigestion, and in more advanced cases, jaundice. If symptoms are chronic or you have a family history or you smoke or from select prone cultures, then maybe it's time to look deeper. First rule out worst case scenarios: Push doctors to rule out worst-case scenarios first when engaging in diagnosis. Keep talking: the more we talk about this disease, the more we can make people (even those you don't know) aware. PanCAN Patient Services contact info (877) 272-6226 or go to pancan.org HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com Curated Macy’s Page: https://www.macys.com/healsquad Rosetta Stone: https://www.rosettastone.com/healsquad 40% off Just Thrive: https://justthrivehealth.com and use promo code: HEALSQUAD 20% off your first 90-day bottle of Just Calm and Just Thrive Probiotic ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos’ passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content [published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or Mariamenounos.com] is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company’s Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.