William Ramshaw resides in the expansive Pacific Northwest. He is a six-year survivor of pancreatic cancer and has written a memoir Gut Punched! Facing Pancreatic Cancer.
What I Do When My Doctors Don’t Listen
Here are four signs of your doctor not listening and four things I do when they don't listen to me.
Coming Alongside Friends With Cancer
Today I had lunch with a good friend only to learn his next-door neighbor lost her fight with lung cancer two days ago.
The Easy Part of Cancer
Most of us dread, simply dread, hearing the words, “I’m sorry you have cancer.” I did.
How My Nurses Dragged Me Across the Cancer Finish Line
I remember my first trip to the “chemo room”.
How Music Helps Me Face My Cancer
I am amazed at how a song drenched in hope emerges out of the fog when I need it most during cancer.
Ten Years Post Pancreatic Cancer, Wondering What’s Next
As unlucky as I was to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I'm extremely thankful to still be here today.
There is No Shame in Asking for Help Amid Our Cancer Journey
I’ve always struggled to ask people for help, but after being diagnosed with cancer, I’ve realized that this is a skill I’d need to work on.
Finding Our Purpose After Cancer
Here are four ways I found purpose in my life after being diagnosed with cancer.
Lessons From Cancer: 5 Things I Learned Along the Way
Surviving cancer was tougher than my hardest days in the military. Here are some things I learned along the way.
There Is an Upside to Cancer
Cancer made me realize that there is more to life than just work.
Walking With Others on Their Cancer Journeys
As a pancreatic cancer survivor, I realized how important it is to help others who are in the throes of their cancer experience.
The Spiritual Side of Cancer
Receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis has caused me to reexamine my spirituality, which led me to believe that my life is a line, rather than a single dot in time.
How I Keep My Cancer at Bay
I’m playing the cancer cards dealt to me as best I can, and am trying to stay healthy.
No Matter How Bad the Cancer News, Hang on Tight to Hope
After being diagnosed with cancer, hope can be a very fragile thing, but it is essential that we hold on to it.
Rejoining the Kingdom of the Well After Cancer
After cancer, my “normal” life is long forgotten, but how can I get back to life as a person who is well?
How Not to Get Run Over by the Cancer Bus of Depression
Post-cancer depression sometimes makes me feel like I’m being run over by a bus, but here’s some advice on how to let it pass by.
Cancer Made Me Wonder Why Bad Things Happen to Good People
Before being diagnosed with cancer, I would turn my gaze away from people who were suffering, but now, I connect with them, and know that it could be me.
Years After My Diagnosis, I Still Can’t Shake the Cancer Hound That Chases Me
As I go in for another cancer follow-up, I need to remind myself that what could happen is different from what would happen.
I Didn’t Expect to be Dropped Back into the ‘Cancer Blender’
A recent injury reminded me that I could be dropped into the “cancer blender” at any time, though I should not focus on all the “what ifs.”
‘Boys Don’t Cry’: How Men Can ‘Wrangle Emotions’ While Facing Cancer
Facing cancer can be perplexing for some men as many of us were raised within the “boys don’t cry” ilk, but I want to remind everyone that it’s OK to feel emotions.
As a Cancer Survivor, Finding Out Someone Has Cancer Hits Too Close to Home
A pancreatic cancer survivor explains why hearing the news that someone else has cancer makes it difficult for him to engage in the conversation, as it reminds him of his experience.
6 Ways to Stop Worrying About Your Cancer Returning and Live Your Life
A cancer survivor offers advice for those facing anxiety and fear about cancer that takes control of their life.
How I Learned to Live After Learning How to Die From Cancer
A pancreatic cancer survivor explains how he learned to live after cancer and reflects on lessons learned from the book, “Tuesdays with Morrie.”
Cancer Holds All the Cards but One: Hope
A pancreatic cancer survivor explains the anguish he felt over seeing a young mother and her child in the waiting room for his oncologist, and what words of advice he would offer her.
Surviving My 'Cancerversaries' Reminds Me of Those I Have Lost
Cancerversaries can stir up difficult emotions for many cancer survivors. One pancreatic cancer survivor offers advice on how to cope with these feelings.
Cancer Survivors Anonymous: Cancer Is Always at Your Doorstep, Much Like Alcoholism
A pancreatic cancer survivor makes a comparison between alcoholism and being a cancer survivor.
Should I Get Genetic Testing for Cancer?
A pancreatic cancer survivor explains why he chose to undergo genetic testing and what he learned from the experience.
Finding the ‘Much in the Little’ After Cancer Strikes
A cancer survivor shares how to appreciate the good moments and lean on others during cancer. “My dire situation brought out the best of those around me,” he writes.
Experiencing Post Traumatic Stress After Cancer
A cancer survivor explains that similar to combat veterans who experience post-traumatic stress after war, cancer survivors live with the impacts of their journey even after being in remission.
Suffering Goes Beyond Cancer
A patient with pancreatic cancer discusses how far words of kindness can go to individuals dealing with pain and suffering.