How Genetic Testing Revolutionized My Chemotherapy Treatment: A Personal Journey

In the spring of 2015, Greg Jacobson began experiencing persistent pain in his upper left abdomen, accompanied by constant nausea. What started as discomfort quickly escalated, leading to a diagnosis of stage III pancreatic and duodenal cancer. After a series of diagnostic tests—including blood work, CT scans, and an endoscopy—Greg faced a daunting prognosis that would forever change his life.

The Surgical Journey Begins

On June 23, 2015, Greg underwent a complex Whipple procedure at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, performed by Dr. Kevin Nguyen. This extensive surgery lasted over eight hours, and Greg remained hospitalized for more than two weeks. Although the surgery was deemed successful, his recovery was far from straightforward.

• Complications arose due to his compromised immune system, a result of a kidney transplant in 1999.
• Post-surgery, he faced infections that necessitated a follow-up operation to clean the wound.

Seeking the Right Chemotherapy Protocol

By August 2015, Greg sought a second opinion at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. There, Dr. Michael Overman recommended genetic testing, which revealed Greg carried Lynch syndrome—a hereditary condition that increases the risk of several cancers, including pancreatic cancer.

• Greg’s family history included significant cancer diagnoses, with his father and grandmother both succumbing to the disease.
• The genetic findings led to a revised chemotherapy strategy, collaborating with his Atlanta oncologist, Dr. Ha Tran, to initiate a regimen known as XELOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin).

Coping with Chemotherapy Side Effects

Commencing his chemotherapy on September 11, 2015, Greg faced debilitating side effects, including pain, neuropathy, and nausea. The effects lingered, impacting his daily life and creating challenges as simple as holding a jar from the refrigerator.

• The neuropathy often left him in discomfort, particularly during colder months.
• Despite occasional bed rest due to pain, Greg found joy in good days, cherishing moments with his family.

A New Challenge: Stomach Cancer

Just as Greg was managing his pancreatic cancer, he was confronted with an additional diagnosis: stomach cancer in 2016. This required the removal of his stomach and part of his esophagus, further complicating his health journey.

• Chronic pain and nausea became regular parts of his life, complicating his eating habits.
• Greg often experienced unpredictable reactions to food, oscillating between enjoyment and pain.

Thriving Against the Odds

Despite the numerous health challenges he has faced, Greg remains optimistic. The survival rates for pancreatic cancer are notoriously low, but he focused on maintaining a positive mindset and setting achievable goals, such as seeing his twin daughters graduate high school.

• Their graduation coincided with the 2020 quarantine, but a modified ceremony brought immense joy to Greg and his family.
• He continues to receive care from oncologist Dr. Amelia Zelnak at Atlanta Cancer Care, who monitors his health closely.

This journey has not only afforded Greg more time with his loved ones but has also deepened his faith and commitment to volunteering. He now devotes time to Purple Pansies, a pancreatic cancer support organization based in his hometown of Cumming, Georgia.

At 54 years old, Greg reflects on his life since his diagnosis at 45. Despite the battles he has fought, he embraces each day with gratitude, living life to the fullest and inspiring others along the way.