After finishing treatment for stage 3 ovarian cancer, Ernestina "Ernie" Stea was given advice that would end up saving her life a second time. “If you hear or feel something that is not normal to you, it’s better to investigate than to be sorry.”  

Seven years later, at age 60, Ernie felt something she couldn’t quite explain. It wasn’t indigestion or typical bloating. It was a persistent, unfamiliar pressure in her upper abdomen. Remembering what her doctors had told her, Ernie trusted her instincts and asked for answers.  

Concerning ultrasound results led to a referral to a gastroenterologist where further testing took place. Seven years of survivorship were about to be challenged by yet another cancer diagnosis: Stage 3 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).  

“When you hear the word cancer, your body freezes. It's like your whole body goes into survival mode,” says Ernie. “I thought, this is happening again?! Okay. Well, what's the next step?”  

Treatment, Support, and Laughter

What came next was intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and participation in a clinical trial that gave Ernie access to emerging therapies at a time when options were limited. The road was demanding, both physically and emotionally; but Ernie approached it with determination, refusing to let cancer define or pause her life.  

Though just as important as the physical treatment itself was the need for support. Sharing the news with her loved ones was certainly not easy, especially for the second time. Ernie was determined to defy the odds once again, and she also knew she couldn’t do it alone.  

“I was taught at a very young age; You don't run from illness. You run towards help,” says Ernie. “There's nothing embarrassing about being sick, so why can't you ask for help? You need their support. You need their help. You need their prayers. You need their love.”  Ernie gathered her family close, not only asking for strength and prayers, but for laughter too. For her, these things were just as vital as any treatment.  

Paying It Forward

Ernie is now 75 years old and feels profoundly grateful to have witnessed her children marry, graduate, and welcome three grandchildren. A close family member is now undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, and Ernie is providing them with the same love and support she once sought herself.  

That instinct extends far beyond her own family. Even during her own treatment, Ernie noticed how many people around her were facing cancer alone. It was something she couldn’t ignore.  

“You can see the fright on their face. Especially if you've been through it more than once. You know the fear, and you know how you felt. You know that person is basically going through the same thing as you did,” Ernie explains. “There's nothing wrong with when you see somebody a little bit nervous or a little bit sad, to put your hand on their hand and say, I know how you feel.”  

Ernie’s experience reflects why our support programs exist: to ensure patients and their loved ones don't face a pancreatic cancer diagnosis alone. Our goal is for everyone affected by pancreatic cancer to have access to the specialized care and support they need at every stage. Whether through peer support, counselling, support circles, or our navigation service, Ask an Expert, we’re here to help. Just as Ernie reminds us all to be.  

“As long as I know that somebody's being helped, it's worth every minute that it'll take.”