My name is Amy Stout; a 57 gal from southern Michigan.  I am an animal lover, outdoor enthusiast,  accomplished equestrian and avid solo sailor.   Cancer is not new to me; I am an 11 year breast cancer survivor.   I have an amazing sister, wonderful boyfriend and  resilient mother  that is currently in a memory care facility in Colorado and suffering from Alzheimer’s.  (I have not been able to visit my Mother since my cancer ordeal started…)

 

 

My Pancreatic cancer journey started about a year ago in January 2023.  I traveled out to Colorado to help my sister with my mom and landed in the Emergency Room with severe stomach pain.  Unfortunately, nothing was found on the scan.  In April, I had 2 more scans and nothing.  Towards the fall, with continuing stomach pain,  a mass on my pancreas was discovered.   Finally, in September I was diagnosed with stage 4, inoperable, pancreatic cancer in the tail of my pancreas.   It has metastasized to the kidney, adrenal gland, peritoneum and is wrapped around my splenic vein, with no solid borders, thus making it inoperable.

My first line of defense to beat this diagnosis is my determination, friends, and family.  It takes a village and I’m lucky to have one!  I am determined to beat this!  I am still young (in my eyes) and have a lot of living AND sailing to do!  With that being said, I began my chemotherapy treatment in December of 2023 and it continues to this day.

 

Currently, I am doing treatments in Arizona, a long way away from my hometown in Michigan and beloved Lake Erie!  My twice a week chemo is difficult and often I get very sick and have complications, but I am having great improvements!  I am going on short walks.  Unfortunately, my chemo and infusion treatments are not covered by insurance, but this path is working for me.  Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like asking for help, but this is a whole different situation.

 

As many of you know fighting cancer is an overwhelming financial burden.  My treatments will continue into the foreseeable future, for an undetermined amount of time, and then onto a maintenance schedule.   In addition to the cost of the treatments I also have travel, lodging and airfare expenses!

 

Having goals and a zest for life are important in this battle, and I have many to realize yet and they help propel me forward!   As mentioned, I am a sailor.  I sail with my wonderful boyfriend and marina family but also do half of my sailing as an alone as a solo sailor.

 

My passion for sailing began 12 years ago.  I was previously a powerboater but one sail was all I needed ~ I was hooked.  I purchased a forgotten derelict boat and have been working on it and learning to sail it ever since.  I can compare solo sailing to having cancer.  “You never know what’s going to happen and I cannot control the wind but I sure can adjust my sails!”  I kept practicing and learning all the while continuing to outfit my little boat.  In 2022, I realized a dream when I became only the second woman to complete the Lake Erie Solo Challenge, it took me 5 days of solo sailing, which is no small feat!  Lake Erie can be a monster… just like cancer!

I documented the Challenge here:  https://amy-lake-erie-solo-challenge-2022.netlify.app/.   I cannot wait to sail my boat again! I have goals of competing in another of the Great Lakes Singlehanded Society competitions.  Controlling my cancer will help me continue sailing and living!

Family fist though!  I have a lot to do yet in life,  with family, my friends and with my sailing, just living! Any help is greatly appreciated, whether it is donating or sending prayers, or even a simple share.