Gaelies Glow Candles, the light of hope.
One Year On: A Journey of Hope, Love and Life
By Gaelie Pringle
One year ago today, I began an incredible journey. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and so began the fight of my life.
Before this, I was a GiGi, a Mama and a wife, living a wonderful life in North Berwick. My days were filled with sea swimming, pickleball and, most importantly, sharing my life with my family.
I have two beautiful little granddaughters, Lily and Charlotte; two marvelous daughters, Caroline and Gilly; a fantastic husband, Scottie; and two other wonderful men who have come into my life, Colin and Steve. I also have two brothers and their families, who are never far from my heart.
I wanted for nothing. I was very loved, very spoiled and incredibly blessed.
Scottie and I had just been on the cruise of a lifetime to Alaska. The first week was wonderful, but during the second week, I became tired to an extraordinary degree. When we returned home, I went to see my doctor. Being the daughter of two doctors, that was no small thing!
Following blood tests and several appointments, I was admitted to the Royal, where I met an incredible team of people. From the nurses and doctors to the consultants and the wonderful volunteers who brew the best cups of tea, I will be forever grateful for the care and kindness I received.
On 29 October, one year ago today, I underwent a Whipple procedure, one of the most complex operations performed at the Royal. After twelve hours in surgery, I was transferred to intensive care. Within a week, I was back home and beginning my recovery.
The district nurses looked after me wonderfully, even removing my forty-plus staples! A port was then implanted, and chemotherapy began.
The Whipple operation was one thing, but chemotherapy, that really put me to the test! I endured two cycles a month for six months and lost 30 kilograms along the way. Thank you, chemo!
During this time, Colin took to his bike and raised money for pancreatic cancer. I will be forever grateful to him for turning something so difficult into something so positive.
Then, to my surprise, Gillian and Ellie came up with the wonderful idea of the Gaelies Glow candles, the Light of Hope. What a beautiful way to bring light to a journey that can sometimes feel very dark.
Now, four months after finishing chemotherapy, I am still resting, recovering and learning to take each day as it comes.
Life is for living. Hold on tightly to the people you love. Never underestimate the power of a hug, there is very little that a hug cannot help to fix.
If this experience has taught me anything, it is to keep the people you love close, to appreciate the little things and to live every day to the fullest. None of us knows what lies around the corner, so make the most of the time you have together.
There is one particularly important message I want to share, and that is the importance of early detection of pancreatic cancer.
Please listen to your body. If you find yourself burping or belching like a sailor, go and see your doctor. If your skin starts to look a little yellow, don’t assume it’s a suntan , go and see your doctor. If something changes in your usual bowel habits, go and see your doctor.
No symptom is too small to ask about. If something doesn’t feel right, please seek medical advice.
By lighting a Gaelies Glow candle, I hope you will remember that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope. And if you know someone who is facing this journey, please give them a hug. Your kindness and support may mean more than you will ever know.
All money raised through the sale of these candles will go to Pancreatic Cancer Action, the UK charity dedicated to improving the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me, loved me, cared for me and helped bring light to this journey. I am so grateful to have you all in my life.
With love, hope and a very big hug,
Gaelie Pringle
