Naomi Stutzman

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Hey everyone--Naomi here. 

Thank you for visiting this site, and for surrounding our little family with so much love and generosity during this unexpected and difficult time. 

We are grateful to the team at Northwestern Memorial for finding this tumor early--giving me my best chance at becoming a Pancreatic Cancer survivor. 

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in part because it is so difficult to catch early. The symptoms are incredibly subtle (or there may be none at all!). If you want to learn more, and instead head to pancan.org (link in the Resources section). 



Many of you know the season this has been for our family already. I was hospitalized in September with a case of acute pancreatitis. A series of diagnostic procedures in October revealed sludge in my gall bladder, which led to a laparoscopic surgery in early November to have the gall bladder removed. By Thanksgiving I was up and eating well again, and a December 13 post-op appointment put me in the 'all clear'. 

This 'all clear' was so welcome--the worst was behind us! Brent and I went to Mexico for 4 nights for some much need R&R.

Upon returning home, I started to feel that familiar pancreatic pain. 

Over the next two weeks I would go for bloodwork, have an emergency stent placed in my bile duct, a biopsy of the area, and a CT scan to confirm what the biopsy indicated--pancreatic cancer. 

We are not sure what the journey ahead will hold for us. 

What we are sure of is that your love, support, and practical acts of care and hope will strengthen us throughout. 

This site will be the primary communication hub for any of updates regarding my health journey and any practical needs we may have. 

My personal invitation is this: any time you are thinking of me, please let me know (whether it's an emoji, a picture of you, your cute kiddo, your cute pet, or a few words saying that you are thinking of me). Those small acts are reminders that I am loved and thought of and truly do brighten my spirit.

Thank you