As a general rule of thumb, I’ve always tried to keep Facebook and other social media posts and pictures positive and lighthearted. Unfortunately, today I will need to break my own rule. Last week I was diagnosed with a rare type of pancreatic cancer. I’ve chosen to share this message with my social media circle of friends, because I know I’ll need your support. Getting through this battle is going to take a village and my family and I are going to need all the love we can get.
I am sure that many of my friends are going to have questions, so I have started a blog called The Big C in LC (thebigcinlc.wordpress.com) to keep everyone as up to date as possible.
Do me a favor and DO NOT Google pancreatic cancer, because I have the rare least aggressive kind. At this point I have a lot of hope and a positive outlook. If you know me at all, then you know how strong I am. My husband and son are just as strong. I’ve got a team of medical professionals, many of whom I am lucky enough to call good friends. I feel very comfortable and confident with the care I have and will receive, and I refuse to approach this with a ‘poor me’ attitude. There will be humor, laughter, camaraderie and team work throughout this process.
From the few people I’ve already told I’ve felt such incredible love and support. It will take a village to get through this, and I fortunately for me, I live in the very best one a girl could ask for.
The Big C in LC 
Prayers, hugs, and ANYTHING you need. One tough bitch is right. This will NOT beat you. xo
Love you Lori Jo!!!!
Lori: my family and I will keep you in our prayers during this trying time.
When I was in junior high my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember how trying it was on our family.
I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your determination in spite of the circumstances.
Wade
Lori you are so strong and sound prepared to take this on. I can’t imagine how afraid I would be, but just remember, God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. I’ll be thinking of you.
Words don’t really work, and the distance is too far for a real hug. So here’s a big cyber one. Or two. Or three.
Please do remember that I’m a pathologist– if you need anything please do reach out. ANYTHING. If I don’t know, I have friends to rely on– in lots of places. Please. Anything. besos y fuerza, Lori. Monica
I am so sorry to hear this. You and your family will be in the thoughts and prayers of my family. You are a young and strong person so I know you WILL beat this. I will be following your blog. I am so sorry!
Your Friend,
Aaron
I told you before and I’ll say it again I’M HERE FOR YOU!
Your are one tough chick!!
Good job, my girl. Wonder where you got that tough b-word thing from. Mom
The Big C will have a fight on its hands, as you are a fighter !
Lori, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. We miss your smilling face here at work. With your attitude and upbeat beatum bitch style you will overcome this. GO GIRL!! If you need anything at all, let me know. Bib, Big Hugs,
“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”
~Dr. Seuss
Lori, I’m so sorry to hear your news. But I know you are strong and you will beat this! Keeping you and your family in our thoughts… now go get a good bat! 🙂
Brianna
We miss you down here at the “stinky place”
Go for it kid, you’ve got half the battle won already!!
Leslie
I just wanted to thank you for speaking with our APhA-ASP chapter on Wednesday evening. We all appreciated hearing about your journey, and send you our best wishes. Luke told us that when he asked you if there was anything we could do, you told him we could buy a bottle of St Clair wine… Not that I need any particular reason to drink a glass of membres red, but tonight I will raise my glass to you.
Hi Lori, what an inspiring story! I work for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, I learned about your blog from the article in the Las Cruces Sun. If you’re interested in learning more about us, we’d love to connect with you. We need more voices like yours! Visit pancan.org or get in touch with us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PanCANalbuquerque