Resilient Roots: A Family’s Journey Through the Challenges of Pancreatic Cancer
A Journey Through Pancreatic Cancer: Kay Zedd Kesser’s Story of Survival
Kay Zedd Kesser’s life has been profoundly shaped by pancreatic cancer since her teenage years. With a tragic family history of the disease, she felt a responsibility to stay vigilant about her own health. Despite her efforts, Kesser faced an unexpected diagnosis, revealing the harsh realities of early detection and the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system.
A Family Legacy of Pancreatic Cancer
From an early age, Kesser was acutely aware of the devastating impact of pancreatic cancer on her family. Her mother succumbed to the disease at just 44 years old, marking the beginning of a long battle against this formidable illness. Over the years, she has lost multiple family members to pancreatic cancer, including two brothers and several aunts and cousins. Such experiences instilled in her a deep understanding of the necessity for regular screenings and proactive health management.
A Shock Diagnosis: Stage III Pancreatic Cancer
Despite being BRCA negative and regularly screened, Kesser was blindsided when she received her diagnosis in 2015. Her medical team had flagged her family history, which heightened her vigilance about screenings. Yet, when diagnosed with stage III pancreatic cancer, she felt a mix of shock and despair. Kesser even prepared a soothing playlist for her family, assuming her time was limited. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a long and transformative journey.
Changing the Narrative: Hope in Survival
Kesser’s story is a testament to resilience and the evolving landscape of pancreatic cancer treatment. With countless narratives of survival emerging, she believes these experiences can change perceptions about the disease. The increasing number of survivors challenges the notion that pancreatic cancer is uniformly fatal.
The Missed Diagnosis: A Wake-Up Call
In early 2015, after what was believed to be a clean scan, Kesser still sought a second opinion at Johns Hopkins. She experienced troubling symptoms, including persistent back pain. Her primary care physician, Dr. Charles Lisner, ordered additional scans, which revealed a tumor that had been overlooked previously. It turned out her cancer had advanced, complicating her treatment options.
Immediate Action: Mobilizing a Medical Team
Upon learning of her diagnosis, Kesser quickly reached out to Johns Hopkins, where she was swiftly connected with a dedicated medical team, including Dr. Marcia Canto and Dr. Daniel Laheru. They conducted further testing and devised a comprehensive treatment plan that included chemotherapy and radiation therapy, ensuring she had the necessary support and resources.
Local Treatment: A Personal Touch
Despite the gravity of her situation, Kesser preferred to receive treatment close to home. After ruling out surgery, she collaborated with Dr. Thomas Alberico of Virginia Oncology Associates to pursue chemotherapy. Initially starting with FOLFIRINOX, she faced severe side effects and switched to a different regimen that included gemcitabine and Abraxane.
Navigating Treatment: The Struggles of Chemotherapy
Throughout her treatment, Kesser faced numerous challenges, including hair loss and significant weight fluctuations. Nevertheless, the unwavering support from her husband, Barry, and her children played a crucial role in her emotional and physical recovery. They rallied around her, providing love and companionship during her toughest days.
The Ongoing Battle: Living with a Tumor
Fast forward to November 2023, and Kesser continues to thrive as a pancreatic cancer survivor, living with a tumor but opting against ongoing chemotherapy. Her unique journey has left her medical team astounded, as they have rarely seen someone flourish under similar circumstances. Regular scans help monitor her condition, but she has chosen to embrace life fully.
A Legacy of Hope and Resilience
Kesser’s family history of pancreatic cancer is a stark reminder of the disease’s perils. With a third cousin recently diagnosed, she remains committed to advocating for research and better treatments. As a participant in studies at Johns Hopkins, she believes that every story shared contributes to finding a cure.
Embracing Life at 80
As Kesser approaches her 80th birthday this New Year’s Eve, she reflects on her incredible journey and the lessons learned. Her unwavering spirit serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles. She encourages everyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer to hold on to hope and resilience, as the fight is far from over. After all, life has a way of surprising us, and Kesser intends to celebrate many more milestones ahead.
