Empowerment and Opportunity: A Journey of Hope and Resilience

Audrey Greenblatt’s life took an unexpected turn on February 13, 2013, when her husband, Irwin Greenblatt, received a shocking diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The news felt like a heavy weight on their shoulders, especially after Irwin’s sudden collapse at work the day before, which he initially attributed to low blood sugar. The couple faced an emotional rollercoaster as they navigated the unknowns of this aggressive disease.

A Sudden Turn of Events

Irwin’s symptoms escalated quickly, leading to unbearable pain that prompted Audrey to insist on a hospital visit. Initially reluctant, Irwin finally agreed and saw their primary care physician, Dr. Alan Kadet, the following morning. Dr. Kadet’s swift action, which included sending Irwin to the ER at Roosevelt Hospital (now known as Mount Sinai West), turned out to be a lifesaving decision. After a series of tests, the devastating diagnosis was confirmed.

• Diagnosis: Stage Ib pancreatic cancer
• Immediate Reaction: Shock and despair
• Next Steps: Urgent medical intervention

Surgical Intervention: The Whipple Procedure

Following the diagnosis, the couple met Dr. Barbara Wexler, who informed them of the possibility of a Whipple procedure, a complex surgery that could potentially save Irwin’s life. Within 18 hours of the diagnosis, he was scheduled for surgery by Dr. Fadi Attiyeh. The tumor was confirmed to be small and localized, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

• Surgery Date: Less than 24 hours post-diagnosis
• Procedure Duration: Approximately seven hours
• Outcome: Successful surgery with a promising prognosis

Navigating Chemotherapy through Clinical Trials

After surgery, a suspicious lymph node revealed the need for chemotherapy. The Greens met with Dr. Kenneth Yu at Memorial Sloan Kettering, who recommended an innovative protocol involving Gemzar. They sought a second opinion from Dr. Robert L. Fine at The Pancreas Center, who offered participation in an experimental clinical trial.

The chemotherapy regimen consisted of:

• Gemzar and Taxotere: Administered weekly for two weeks
• Xeloda: Daily pills for 14 days
• Rest Period: One week off to recover

While the initial week was manageable, the side effects soon took a toll, including:

• Nausea and severe fatigue
• Significant weight loss
• Emotional challenges, including depression

Despite the hardships, Irwin remained committed to his treatment plan, driven by a desire to contribute to the success of the clinical trial.

Gratitude for Exceptional Care

Throughout their journey, Audrey maintained a positive outlook and documented their experiences in her book, Lucky Journey: Surviving Pancreatic Cancer. They were immensely grateful for the access to world-class medical care in New York City, which played a crucial role in Irwin’s recovery.

• Follow-Up Care: Regular scans every three months for two years, then annually
• Survival Statistics: Acknowledgment of the daunting 15% survival rate for pancreatic cancer

Despite the grim statistics, the couple chose to hold onto hope. They became active participants in the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital Pancreatic Support Group, offering support to others facing similar battles.

The Journey Forward

As of now, Irwin continues to thrive nearly five years post-diagnosis. Their story serves as a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of advanced medical care in the fight against cancer.

In 2023, they reflect on their journey with gratitude, knowing that while the road has been challenging, the bond they share has only strengthened through adversity.

Irwin Greenblatt passed away ten years after his diagnosis from unrelated causes, leaving behind a legacy of hope and courage.