Against All Odds: The Incredible Journey of a Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer Survivor
Earl Groce: A Journey of Survival Against Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer
Meet Earl Groce, a 70-year-old who has defied odds and emerged as a stage IV pancreatic cancer survivor for over two and a half years. Earl believes he may just be the luckiest person battling this aggressive disease. His story is not only one of resilience but also a testament to the importance of early diagnosis and innovative treatment options.
Discovering the Diagnosis
Earl’s journey began on September 30, 2015, at Rowan Memorial Hospital in Salisbury, North Carolina. Initially seeking help for what he thought was a hernia, Earl found himself in the hands of a substitute physician who, after a brief examination, recommended a CT scan. The next day, he received devastating news: he had stage IV pancreatic cancer. The scan revealed a large tumor in his pancreas, along with additional tumors in his liver and lungs. It turned out that what he thought was a simple hernia was actually a Sister Mary Joseph nodule, an external symptom of underlying cancer.
Earl expressed that while he felt like his luck had run out, he was fortunate to have a prompt diagnosis that took less than a day.
Seizing Opportunities with Clinical Trials
Earl’s luck continued when his daughter, a surgical oncologist with extensive experience in pancreatic cancer, stepped in to help. Her research led them to the Wake Forest Cancer Center in Winston Salem, where they found Dr. Angela Alistar, known for her aggressive approach to treating the disease. To Earl’s relief, Dr. Alistar was enrolling patients in a Phase I clinical trial for a novel drug called CPI-613. Earl quickly signed up, becoming one of the last patients to join this promising trial.
In just two weeks from his diagnosis, Earl started his chemotherapy treatment, which included a combination of FOLFIRINOX and CPI-613. He noted that while the first round of blood work showed alarming numbers, they began to decline after the third treatment, with his CA 19-9 levels eventually stabilizing to a normal range.
Key Benefits of His Clinical Trial:
- Aggressive Treatment: The combination of drugs targeted his cancer effectively.
- Frequent Monitoring: CT and MRI scans every four rounds of chemo tracked his progress.
- Positive Results: Tumors started shrinking significantly, with some disappearing entirely.
Navigating Life with Chemotherapy
Despite the daunting diagnosis, Earl has maintained an active lifestyle. He shared that he feels good for most of his chemotherapy cycle, only experiencing flu-like symptoms on treatment days. Having completed his 60th round of chemotherapy, Earl is proud of his ability to tolerate the treatment well, crediting his resilience and the clinical trial’s approach.
Traveling and Making Memories
Earl and his wife embraced life by traveling in their motorhome after his retirement in July 2015. They even returned to the Burning Man festival, a journey they had planned before his diagnosis. Earl’s determination to live fully has led them on numerous family vacations, including trips to Key West and Cancun, where he enjoyed scuba diving.
Reflecting on the Journey
Fast forward to May 2019, Earl continues to receive treatment every two weeks. With his 84th round of FOLFIRINOX underway, he remains optimistic. His positive outlook is further buoyed by celebrating milestones like his 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends, and he frequently visits his grandchildren.
Earl’s story serves as a powerful reminder for those facing similar battles: if you have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, seize it. His journey showcases not just survival, but a vibrant life filled with hope and adventure.
Life is indeed GOOD for Earl Groce, and he continues to inspire others facing the challenges of pancreatic cancer.
