Customizing Cancer Care: How Tumor Genetics Shape My Treatment Journey
In April 2016, Sharon Simone, a dedicated college professor and beloved grandmother, faced an unexpected health crisis while in Connecticut. After enduring persistent abdominal pain, a trip to the hospital revealed a daunting diagnosis: a tumor on her pancreas. At the age of 71, Sharon was thrust into a battle against stage IV metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer notorious for its poor prognosis. However, instead of succumbing to despair, she sought hope in survivor stories, prompting her journey toward recovery.
Navigating Treatment Options
Sharon’s medical journey began with surgery at Yale Medical Center, where doctors removed a significant portion of her pancreas and spleen. Unfortunately, post-surgery complications necessitated another procedure at Greenwich Hospital, revealing that the cancer had spread to her peritoneum, the abdominal cavity lining. When her surgeon mentioned a survival estimate of just two months, Sharon fell into a deep despair. Yet, during her hospital stay, she met Dr. Barry Boyd, an oncologist who offered a more optimistic perspective on her treatment options.
Personalized Chemotherapy Approach
Dr. Boyd emphasized the importance of individualized treatment plans, based on the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer. Genetic testing of Sharon’s tumor revealed two significant mutations: one linked to BRCA1 and another to the KRAS gene, which is implicated in 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. After careful consideration, Sharon opted for a six-month chemotherapy regimen that deviated from standard protocols.
- Tailored Treatment Plan:
- Drugs Used: 5-FU, cisplatin, mitomycin-C
- Method: Low, slow doses administered via a pump for two weeks out of the month
- Additional Support: Intravenous vitamin C, which may inhibit cancer cell replication
During her treatment, Sharon also explored complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, always keeping her medical team informed about her choices.
Celebrating a New Chapter: Disease-Free
Nearly a year after her initial diagnosis, Sharon received the remarkable news: her tumor markers had returned to normal levels. Initial plans for her to participate in an IV vitamin C trial were set aside when doctors confirmed she was disease-free. Yet, aware of the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer, Sharon continues to take proactive steps to maintain her health through self-administered vitamin C infusions.
Sharon’s remarkable story highlights the power of personalized medicine and the importance of a supportive network during challenging times. Her experience serves as an inspiring reminder that hope and resilience can flourish even in the face of daunting medical challenges.
For further insights into Sharon’s journey, check out her narrative in “I’m Going to Live Every Day.” You can also explore the promising research on vitamin C’s potential as a cancer treatment in the article “Testing Vitamin C as a Cancer Killer.”
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