NEGU…Never, Ever, Give Up! Today is my one year “Whippleversary” after being diagnosed with pancreatic and duodenal cancer in May of 2021. As an Oncology Nurse for over 20 years, I knew what the prognosis was going into the surgery. After 8 1/2 hours of surgery,  my life as I knew it would forever be changed. There is no sugar coating this surgery…the recovery is brutal! So many abdominal parts are gone, and after one year, the plumbing has no idea what their role is each day. I have learned to “live in the moment,” buy the 4.99 blueberries, and be grateful for every single minute of my life. Without the support of Luke, Mook, and Zach, my Michigan family, my sweet N.C. friends, my hospice work family, and neighbors, the recovery would not have happened. My BFF D.C. held my hand so many times it’s surprising she didn’t get blisters. Special thanks to my Oncology Team at the Zimmer Cancer Center…the most compassionate and loving healthcare professionals ever!  Most of all, I thank God for walking by my side, giving me strength and comfort when the chips are down, and providing me with the courage to fight each day. There are no treatment options for this rare tissue type of my duodenal cancer, so CT scans every three months for 5 years to watch for signs of metastasis. On that note, I thank all of you for continuing to support me on my journey! May this be the first of many “Whippleversaries” to come. Now off to Topsail Beach to enjoy my crazy Michigan family and have some fun.