When Cheryl Bautz was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at age 46, she chose not to focus on survival statistics. Instead, she built a personal connection with her surgeon, Dr. Mike Moser. Twelve years later, they reunite at Saskatoon's first Kicking PancreAS 5K, a national walk/run raising funds and awareness for one of cancer's deadliest forms.
A Unique Patient-Doctor Bond
Bautz, originally from Saskatoon but now living on Vancouver Island, has been cancer-free since her surgery in 2014. She recalls telling Moser, “I’m just going to simply get to know you, and you’re just simply going to get to know me, and that’s what these meetings are going to be for. It’s going to have nothing to do with the actual procedure.” This approach bypassed the typical doctor-patient dynamic and fostered a lasting relationship.
The Whipple Procedure: A Complex Surgery
The Whipple procedure, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, was developed in 1935 by surgeon Allen Oldfather Whipple. It involves removing parts of the pancreas and nearby organs that share a blood supply. Bautz underwent this surgery in May 2014 at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital. The operation lasted over nine and a half hours, during which “they took out four pieces of my pancreas, 15 inches of my small intestine, a quarter of my stomach, and my gallbladder.” She required 44 staples to close the incision.
Following surgery, Bautz endured six months of chemotherapy, which caused significant weight loss and illness but did not lead to hair loss. She has remained cancer-free since then, a remarkable outcome given that only about 12% of pancreatic cancer patients survive five years, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Staying Connected
Bautz and Moser kept in touch over the years, exchanging emails annually. Bautz sends Christmas greetings, while Moser marks the anniversary of her surgery each year. Last month, Moser invited Bautz to speak at the first Saskatoon Kicking PancreAS event, organized by Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society.
Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society
Craig's Cause is named after Craig Schurman Condon, a Nova Scotia outdoorsman who died eight weeks after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The national charity has raised over $2 million to fight the disease. Moser serves on its Medical Advisory Committee, praising the organization for “tremendous support for our patients and their family members” and for funding research.
Event Details
The Kicking PancreAS 5K takes place Saturday in Saskatoon, bringing together survivors, families, and medical professionals to raise awareness and funds. Bautz’s story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that “you can survive this” with early detection, skilled medical care, and a positive mindset.
