Triumph Over Adversity: An Endurance Athlete’s Inspiring Battle with Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
A Journey Through Cancer: Overcoming Stage IV Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
In a gripping testament to resilience, Kevin Moore, a dedicated physician and endurance athlete, faced the harrowing challenge of stage IV pancreatic cancer just months after completing an Ironman triathlon. His journey highlights the importance of early detection, innovative treatment strategies, and the power of a supportive community in battling this aggressive disease.
Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis
After experiencing persistent abdominal pain and an alarming weight loss of nearly 20 pounds within a month, Kevin—who specializes in pediatric radiology—recognized that something was amiss. Despite his extensive knowledge in medicine, the initial tests yielded no immediate answers. Following a series of diagnostic procedures, including CT scans, MRIs, and a pancreatic biopsy, the root cause of his discomfort was unveiled—a tumor in the tail of his pancreas that had caused a significant obstruction in his colon.
On May 21, 2020, Kevin received the life-altering diagnosis: stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastases. Thankfully, there were no signs of cancer in his liver, but the pain he endured was attributed to a near-complete obstruction of the large intestine due to tumor growth.
Innovative Treatment Plan
Upon further testing, Kevin’s biopsy revealed genetic targets, including a mutation in the ATRX gene, which suggested he might respond well to platinum-based chemotherapy. He began collaborating with Dr. Mark Lewis at the Intermountain Cancer Center in Murray, Utah, to formulate a vigorous treatment plan. This included:
- Seven cycles of mFOLFIRINOX
- Six cycles of gemcitabine/Abraxane
Following chemotherapy, Kevin underwent cytoreductive surgery with the assistance of Dr. Laura Lambert and Dr. Courtney Scaife at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. This procedure aimed to remove all cancerous sites within his abdominal cavity, allowing for a comprehensive approach to his treatment.
Though mFOLFIRINOX proved challenging, causing fatigue and nausea, Kevin experienced a remarkable response to the gemcitabine/Abraxane regimen, leading to a significant reduction in tumor size and metastases. This improvement enabled the surgeons to remove the tumor entirely during the cytoreductive surgery, followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy to directly target any remaining cancer cells.
Navigating Recovery Challenges
Recovery from the surgery was no small feat. Initially reliant on a walker and oxygen, it took Kevin five weeks to regain his strength. He took a six-week leave of absence from work to focus on healing, underscoring the importance of a robust support system during this trying time.
Kevin continued his cancer battle with four cycles of post-surgery chemotherapy using gemcitabine/capecitabine. Although he anticipated an easier experience with oral chemotherapy, the side effects proved challenging, leading to fatigue and nausea. Despite these hurdles, Kevin remained committed to his health journey.
Since April 2021, he has been under routine surveillance, visiting his oncologist every three months. His CA 19-9 cancer antigen levels have remained normal, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.
Returning to Life and Cycling
After enduring a year of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, Kevin is thrilled to announce that he is now cancer-free. He’s back to riding his bike, having regained the weight he lost during treatment. Last September, he even tackled a mountain in France, with plans to participate in more races in the upcoming year.
This experience has transformed Kevin, fostering a deeper empathy for his patients and a renewed appreciation for life. While he acknowledges the uncertainties ahead, he focuses on maximizing his time, embracing an optimistic outlook, and cherishing each day.
Kevin’s journey reinforces the belief that fitness and a positive mindset correlate with better health outcomes. He encourages others facing similar challenges to maintain an exercise routine, stay engaged with their work, communicate openly with loved ones, and remain hopeful for advancements in cancer treatments.
