Thriving with Pancreatic Cancer: Embracing Every Moment of Borrowed Time

In a poignant journey marked by relentless pain and a quest for answers, Justin Baker faced the shocking reality of pancreatic cancer. His story unfolds from a seemingly ordinary moment in January 2017, just as he welcomed his newborn son and prepared for a significant milestone in his career as an oral surgeon. What began as minor abdominal discomfort spiraled into a life-altering diagnosis, revealing the hidden challenges of locating tumors in complex anatomical areas.

The Struggle for a Diagnosis

Initially, Justin attributed his abdominal pain to stress, possibly an ulcer. However, as weeks turned into months, the discomfort spread and intensified, disrupting his life dramatically. Despite seeking help from various specialists in Fairfax, Virginia, including gastroenterologists and neurologists, the source of his pain remained elusive. His condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to significant weight loss—70 pounds—and overwhelming fatigue.

• Multiple doctors consulted: PCP, specialists in infectious diseases, endocrinology, and surgery.
• Procedures undergone: Endoscopic ultrasounds, colonoscopy, and gallbladder removal.

The journey to find the cause of his pain was fraught with frustration, as Justin faced skepticism from medical professionals due to his allergies to common pain medications. This complicating factor made it difficult to manage his discomfort effectively, pushing him to endure sleepless nights and a significant decline in his overall health.

A Turning Point: Discovering Pancreatic Cancer

After months of relentless searching, Justin’s wife discovered Dr. Anthony Kalloo at Johns Hopkins, who specialized in a rare condition that could explain her husband’s pain. Following a CT scan, they were called back with devastating news: a mass was detected. Initially suspected to be lymphoma, further testing confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

• It took over seven months to finally identify the tumor.
• The cancer was already at stage IV, having spread into surrounding tissues and lymph nodes.

Justin’s case exemplifies the challenges of diagnosing pancreatic cancer, particularly because the tumor’s location made it difficult to detect until it had progressed significantly.

Embarking on a Treatment Journey

Following his diagnosis, tumor profiling revealed an ATM mutation, offering a possible pathway for treatment. Justin began chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX, but due to severe side effects, he transitioned to FOLFOX. A celiac plexus block helped alleviate his pain, enabling him to manage the symptoms better.

In addition to chemotherapy, Justin faced common side effects associated with pancreatic cancer treatment, including:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Neuropathy
• Depression
• Insomnia

To cope with these challenges, he utilized a regimen of medications, highlighting the complexity of managing a cancer diagnosis.

Finding Support and Resilience

Despite the daunting prognosis, Justin remained optimistic, cherishing his time with his wife and two young children. They relocated back to Columbus, Ohio, to be closer to family support during this challenging period. Justin maintained connections with his medical team, including Dr. Jeffrey VanDeusen and Dr. Valerie Lee, ensuring he received comprehensive care.

His battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer was both a testament to his strength and a reminder of the importance of early detection and access to medical resources. Tragically, after an arduous fight, Justin passed away, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and love.

In sharing Justin’s story, we emphasize the critical need for awareness and research in the fight against pancreatic cancer, a disease that affects thousands of families each year.