Unexpected Delays: How I Spent More Time Than Anticipated

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Unexpected Delays: How I Spent More Time Than Anticipated

Robert Glazier’s Journey with Pancreatic Cancer: A Story of Resilience

In June 2013, Robert Glazier’s life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Initially dismissing symptoms like diarrhea, he soon noticed alarming changes in his stool and urine color. A serendipitous urology appointment led to critical tests, including an ultrasound, MRI, and upper endoscopy, confirming the diagnosis. This marked the beginning of an arduous yet inspiring journey through cancer treatment.

Early Treatments and Challenges

Upon his diagnosis, Robert sought care at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, where he was treated by Dr. Caio Max Rocha Lima. His treatment began with a chemotherapy regimen that combined Gemzar and cisplatin. Later, he transitioned to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, where he collaborated with oncologist Zeshaan Rasheed to undergo Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in early 2014.

  • Key Treatment Milestones:
    • Underwent SBRT in January 2014.
    • Successfully had a Whipple procedure with Dr. Kenzo Hirose in March 2014.
    • Unfortunately, by August 2014, the cancer had progressed to stage IV.

Ongoing Battle Against Cancer

Returning to Sylvester, Robert started a new chemotherapy regimen known as FOLFIRINOX, which proved effective for about a year, keeping the cancer at bay. Later, he transitioned to a maintenance chemotherapy plan that included 5-FU and leucovorin, which resulted in fewer side effects while still managing the disease.

However, by October 2016, scans revealed the cancer’s resurgence. Robert switched to a combination of Gemzar and Abraxane, which kept the tumor small for several months. Unfortunately, a planned NanoKnife surgery in August 2017 was canceled due to misleading pre-surgical scans that misidentified anatomical changes as tumors.

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Staying Informed and Connected

Robert’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including side effects like diarrhea, neuropathy, and fatigue. However, he has remained proactive in his treatment decisions and has embraced the importance of staying informed. Engaging with online communities and consulting with leading oncologists, such as Dr. Jaime Merchan and Dr. Dung Le, has played a pivotal role in his journey.

  • Key Strategies for Staying Informed:
    • Participating in online forums focused on pancreatic cancer.
    • Consulting with oncologists for personalized treatment insights.
    • Engaging in genomic testing to understand his tumor’s unique genetic makeup.

Building a Community for Support

When Robert received his diagnosis, he discovered a lack of support groups for pancreatic cancer survivors. Determined to change that, he co-founded the Pancreatic Cancer Group of South Florida, which brings together long-term survivors every few months. This community shares stories, celebrates victories, and provides emotional support in the face of loss.

Despite the grim prognosis often associated with pancreatic cancer, Robert has defied expectations. He hopes that ongoing research, particularly in areas like immunotherapy, will one day transform pancreatic cancer into a manageable chronic condition rather than a terminal illness.

Robert’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and community in the face of adversity, and his legacy continues through the support group he established.

Please note that Robert Glazier has since passed away, but his contributions to the pancreatic cancer community remain invaluable, offering hope and guidance to many.

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