Survivor Story: Angella Dixon-Watson

Angella Dixon-Watson and her grandchildren at PanCAN’s PurpleStride.

I was diagnosed on June 30, 2016, with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

I had the Whipple surgery, 7.5 months of chemotherapy, and 5.5 weeks of daily radiation along with chemo. I documented my journey during treatment and published a book in 2017.

During treatment, I did not know about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). I felt alone.

In 2018, I heard about PanCAN on my car radio, announcing the upcoming PurpleStride event in Washington, D.C. I attended PurpleStride in 2018 and 2019 and have photos with my grandchildren. It was fun having their support, and it was encouraging talking to other survivors.

On April 4, 2017, I got clean bill of health. I’m no longer meeting with my oncology team on a quarterly basis; we’re meeting now semi-annually, and that will end soon and move to yearly.

I encourage others diagnosed with various kinds of cancers to hold on to HOPE.

I am thankful that PanCAN exists.

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