Julie’s Story

Site created on January 11, 2022

Hi there. Here is a back story to my story.  My birthday (November 13, 2021) weekend was spent at a girlfriend’s house in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  We enjoyed the outdoors, the sunshine, the weather, friendship and all the things that bring me joy.  It was a great weekend and I felt normal and awesome.  I returned home on November 16, 2021.

I went back to work, doing my normal thing.  On November 19th, I had a regular routine doctor visit, a few meds were adjusted, no big deal.  Things were fine.  A week and a half later, I started developing severe stomach pains.  I thought it was the new medication.  This turned into lab work that indicated my liver enzymes were elevated to the point where I started developing jaundice and turning yellow.   I was directed to have more bloodwork, scans, and an MRI which brought me to December 15th with a tentative diagnosis that it was "highly likely" that I had pancreatic cancer.  It was unreal.

On December 21st, I had an endoscopy with a stent and a biopsy to confirm their suspicions, which sadly were confirmed with a formal diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer.

On December 23rd, the pain had not subsided and was also getting worse.  I canceled my day at work (before Christmas mind you) and ended up going to the ER.  I was then admitted to Methodist Hospital.  They diagnosed me with pancreatitis which is very painful and I started developing the collection of fluid in my abdomen.  Once settled into my room, I was allowed an ice chip an hour.  I could not tolerate any food or liquids as it caused even more pain and discomfort.  During the next 16 days in the hospital, it was a series of labs, scans, tests, and the DREADED ng feeding tube (made me gag and was horrible - so out that came).  I eventually ended up on TPN (liquid overnight feeding system) as I still cannot have anything orally, liquid or food.  

Of course, knowing me, you know I made the best of the Christmas and New Years Celebrations with the staff,  I appreciate everyone who has been reaching out to me during this time and if I couldn't respond to your text/well wishes, know that I did receive them.   Thank you for your continued prayers and support as I figure this journey out.  I loved the very limited visits I could have (one person per day) and the cards, flowers, texts, new pajamas, blankets, etc. that were brought/dropped off to me.  You guys are the BEST!  I know and I feel that I am very loved.

I stayed for 16 days being monitored/controlled for pain and was discharged home on January 8th.  Coming home I was apprehensive as I didn't know what/is to come.  Being someone who is so independent, now having to lean on my "Cancer Crew" is a new chapter in my life.  With your help, I know I can make it through this.

Right now, as of today (Janurary 11th, 2022) I am gathering information and filling my "whiteboard" with information.  This includes gathering treatment information, visits with oncology, surgeons, scans, labs, the liquid feedings, learning everything that I can right now.  It is overwhelming to say the least.  

So......moving forward I intend on doing my best to update this page with my thoughts, feelings, treatment plans and for those that have been saying "what can I do," know that I will reach out as I figure it out.

For now, keep the prayers rolling.  For those of you who have been asking "what can I do for you" I hope to get back to you with my new needs, that are unknown at this time, but know that I appreciate each and every offer that has been extended to be of help.  

Newest Update

Julie's Beautiful Celebration of Life on October 6th, 2023.

Journal entry by Angela Schatz —

On behalf of the Yantes Family and Friends, we would like to express our gratitude for making Julie's Celebration of Life such a healing day filled with many tears and laughter to remember her by.

The morning started out rainy and the day ended with sunshine, fitting the celebration perfectly.  

Thank you to all who attended the service in person or watched it remotely, I'm sure she felt the love from each and every one of you.

During the service, Pastor Annette shared a Psalm that Julie had written with her and I felt it was worthy of sharing here for all of us as a reminder of Julie's strength and courage.  

 

“A Psalm of Lament” by Julie Yantes

Lord, I seek You to hear my prayers to heal my body

Rescue and deliver me, for you are my Father who loves me

For you created me to be a thoughtful, kind and generous person

Deliver me from these difficult changes to my body

Forgive me for the bad decisions of my youth

Nevertheless, my faith is real and God shows Himself to me in little signs

God you are my faithful source of comfort and light

Save me from all my fears

Deliver me from my fear of dying that I have had ever since I was a child

For you know that I like it here where I live with my family and friends and that I appreciate all of everything around me

But I will have dignity in how I deal with this because of my faith

I will proclaim that God will create something beautiful out of this

I will sing praise for the amazing life I have already had. My life has been full of so many good things.

And so that is Julie’s Psalm. It may not be published but today it was proclaimed.

 

I've included the video and some pictures from the Celebration.  The link starts with Julie's slideshow and goes into the actual Celebration of Life ceremony.  Thank you for the 240+ people who attended, those who spoke and shared memories and those who remembered her in the comfort of their homes who couldn't make it to the service.  We KNOW she was smiling down upon us.

It's weird to think that this will be my last post since I commandeered her site to update her "fan base."  Julie, the control freak fought me long and hard on that one.....but one day I just took over and didn't stop, until today. Thank you to everyone for your kind words to me about the updates.  I appreciate your words and it was the least I could do to further honor a special lady.  

Julie will be laid to rest in a family plot on her birthday, November 13th, coming a full circle in this world.  We will miss her every day and cherish the times we had with her.  

God bless all of you and thank you again from the Yantes family and ALL her friends.  

Love,

Angela

Read More of the journal titled "Julie's Beautiful Celebration of Life on October 6th, 2023."
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