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Navigating Pancreatic Cancer: Gina Harrison’s Inspirational Journey

In March 2018, Gina Harrison found herself grappling with debilitating back and abdominal pain, a sign that something was seriously amiss. After a series of medical consultations and imaging tests, she received a life-altering diagnosis: stage IIb pancreatic cancer. This revelation not only changed her life but also set her on a path to fight back with determination and resilience.

Initial Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention

Upon learning of her diagnosis, Gina sought the expertise of leading surgeons, Dr. Harish Lavu and Dr. Charles Yeo, at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. They performed a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, revealing a tumor larger than anticipated—4.1 cm of aggressive adenocarcinoma. Despite the challenges, her initial treatment was successful, and Gina felt fortunate to be cancer-free for a time.

• Key Points from Her Journey:
  • Surgery: Distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy
  • Tumor Size: 4.1 cm, classified as adenocarcinoma
  • Initial Outcome: Cancer-free post-surgery

Chemotherapy and Side Effects

Following surgery, Gina’s oncologist, Dr. Amy Mackenzie, recommended a rigorous six-month treatment of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. While the treatment aimed to prevent cancer recurrence, it brought about numerous side effects including nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. Despite these challenges, Gina’s determination fueled her recovery, and her scans showed no signs of cancer after treatment.

The Return of Cancer

Unfortunately, Gina’s relief was short-lived as she learned of her cancer’s return, now at stage IV with metastasis to her liver and peritoneum. During her remission, she underwent germline testing, which confirmed that her cancer was not hereditary, providing her some peace of mind regarding her family’s risk.

Seeking New Treatment Options

At age 59, and with a family to support, Gina was not ready to give up. She actively sought out clinical trial opportunities and discovered a promising trial at Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center for a PARP inhibitor and immunotherapy combination. Though she faced more rounds of FOLFIRINOX to qualify for the trial, her resolve remained strong.

Clinical Trial and New Hope

In January 2020, Gina joined a groundbreaking clinical trial that combined ipilimumab (immunotherapy) and niraparib (PARP inhibitor). This innovative treatment, funded by Bristol Myers Squibb and Tesaro, Inc., has since improved her quality of life, allowing her to manage side effects and connect with fellow participants for support.

• Current Treatment Regimen:
  • Combination Therapy: Immunotherapy and targeted therapy
  • Side Effects: Manageable fatigue and skin rash
  • Support Network: Forming friendships through the trial

An Ongoing Fight and Inspiring Others

Gina’s journey has inspired her to write a book detailing her experiences, aiming to uplift others facing similar battles. She expresses gratitude for the medical advancements and the unwavering support from her family. Although she remains aware of the grim survival statistics associated with pancreatic cancer, her spirit is undeterred.

Gina’s journey underscores the importance of clinical trials and continued research in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Organizations like the Lustgarten Foundation are pivotal in this ongoing battle, and Gina’s story serves as a beacon of hope for many.

While Gina’s journey took a tragic turn six months after sharing her story, her participation in clinical trials has paved the way for future patients. Her legacy will continue to inspire others in their fight against pancreatic cancer.